We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeffery Holmes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeffery below.

Jeffery, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is to build relationships that empower individuals to take control of their finances. It’s not enough to simply tell people what to do with their money—true empowerment comes through education. I’m driven to show people that finance and investing aren’t intimidating concepts but are accessible and understandable. It breaks my heart to see hard-working individuals fall victim to slick, deceptive sales tactics and lose money they’ve sacrificed so much to earn. People spend precious hours away from their loved ones, sometimes in jobs they don’t enjoy, just to provide for their families. The last thing they should have to worry about is being taken advantage of financially. My mission is to equip them with the basic financial knowledge they need to avoid these pitfalls and make sound decisions, safeguarding their future and their peace of mind.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I never imagined I’d become a finance enthusiast, but today, finance is my passion—I eat, sleep, and breathe it. My world changed in 2017 after earning my MBA. At the time, I thought I would pursue a PhD in Kinesiology at the University of Maryland. However, around the same time, I received an offer from Merrill Lynch. After a heartfelt conversation with the PhD program dean, who explained that I’d have to fund my education on my own, I realized that the Merrill Lynch offer was a better financial decision. I ultimately chose the Merrill role, and it was a game-changer.

At Merrill Lynch, I passed the Series 7 and 66 exams, and within three months, I became one of the top producers in bringing in new assets. Yet, I felt something was missing. Everything was transactional, and I wasn’t building meaningful relationships. Despite my success, I wanted more—real connections with clients. I often joked about starting my own firm, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t ready.

Seeking to deepen my financial knowledge, I left Merrill to work at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) as a Financial Reconciliation Analyst. There, I learned the foundational principles of accounting, handling general ledgers for Medicare and Medicaid. But I knew I belonged closer to the markets. I then moved to Morgan Stanley as a Product Controller, managing profit and loss statements for bond traders and witnessing major money movements. The experience was invaluable, but the desire to build something of my own grew even stronger.

During the pandemic, I seized the opportunity to get licensed as a real estate agent in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Simultaneously, I began studying for the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. Balancing work and rigorous study was tough, and I failed the CFP® exam on my first attempt in March 2023. I was devastated, but failure ignited my determination. On April 18, 2023, I resigned from Morgan Stanley to dedicate myself fully to my studies and launch Investream Advisory, my independent firm.

By November 2023, after relentless preparation, I passed the CFP® exam. I also earned my Life and Health license in January 2024. Now, I run Investream Advisory, a holistic, independent investment advisory firm that provides comprehensive financial planning, real estate services, and insurance solutions. What sets me apart is my commitment to truly being a fiduciary. I put my clients’ goals above all else, striving to build relationships rather than just complete transactions. I am incredibly proud to be a CFP® professional, a designation held by only about 100,000 people out of 330,000 financial advisors, and even more proud to be among the 2% of CFP® professionals who are Black.

Representation matters. It drives me to inspire the next generation of Black financial advisors. For my clients, I give my all, fueled by a genuine passion for financial planning and empowering people to navigate this capitalistic world. Using my CDC method—Commitment, Discipline, and Consistency—I aim to help my clients achieve their long-term financial goals.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The three most significant factors that have helped me build my reputation within my market are being genuine, transparent, and consistently present.

First, being genuine is at the core of my approach. I am always my authentic self—braids, beard, and all. I don’t conform to the industry’s traditional image; for instance, I don’t like wearing suits and I’m comfortable owning that. My clients appreciate my authenticity, and I believe that makes our interactions more genuine and relatable. It’s not always about making a sale; it’s about building real relationships.

Second, I prioritize full transparency with my clients. I disclose everything upfront, providing them with all the information they need to make informed financial decisions. I guide them through the planning and implementation processes honestly and openly, which has earned their trust over time.

Lastly, I’m always talking about Investream Advisory or finance in general. I make it hard to forget me, positioning myself as a go-to resource for any financial questions, whether people know me personally or not. I often answer general finance questions in my DMs, and that openness has only boosted my reputation. By being genuine, transparent, and always marketing myself as a reliable resource, I’ve built a reputation that keeps me top-of-mind in the financial space.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been leveraging social media, attending networking events, and benefiting from word of mouth.

Social media has been a game-changer. I regularly post financial education videos packed with valuable information. I make sure my audience is well-equipped with knowledge, and that has helped me build credibility. The reach and impact of these videos are incredible—I’m often surprised when I meet people who recognize me from social media. It’s a great way to connect and make an impression.

I also make it a point to attend networking events. I was once told, “Go play in traffic—where there are people, that’s where you need to be.” Taking that advice to heart has opened up countless opportunities. Meeting people in person, especially those who have been watching my videos and are considering working with Investream Advisory, often seals the deal. Face-to-face interactions make a difference and have helped turn hesitant prospects into loyal clients.

Finally, word of mouth has been invaluable. My clients often share how much value I bring to their networks, and their recommendations have brought me even more business. I’m deeply appreciative of the trust and support my clients show by spreading the word.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://investreamadvisory.com/links
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investingwithjeffery/?igsh=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.holmes.5496
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holmesjeffery

Image Credits

Ronke Raji or @Ronkeraji on Instagram