Horace, who began his career in Bloemfontein, said his interest in finance began in high school. \u201cAs a student, I offered to work for free at a local brokerage just to gain experience,\u201d he said. \u201cThey declined. But three years later, I was offered an interview by a Sanlam financial planner and started working in his practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
He remained with Sanlam for several years before launching his own business. \u201cIn 2020, I decided to part ways and start my own wealth management practice,\u201d Horace said. \u201cSince then, I haven\u2019t looked back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Horace said client satisfaction is a central principle in his work. \u201cIt\u2019s a priority\u2014almost an obsession. You can\u2019t keep every client happy, but complaints force you to improve your systems and service,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that working in an investment advisory and management environment requires continuous learning. \u201cThe markets will humble you. The moment you think you\u2019ve arrived, they\u2019ll prove you wrong,\u201d he said. \u201cYou realise there\u2019s still a lot to learn \u2013 every day brings something new.\u201d<\/p>\n
Horace defines professional success as progress over time. \u201cIt\u2019s relative,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen I compare my life now to 10 years ago, I can identify areas where I\u2019ve improved. That\u2019s how I measure success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked about influences on his career, Horace cited multiple individuals. \u201cSome had a negative impact, others a positive one \u2013 but all taught me something,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
His daily routine includes family and office responsibilities. \u201cI take my kids to school, then get to the office by 06:45. We start consultations at 08:30,\u201d he said. \u201cAfternoons vary. Some days I\u2019m at the sports field, other days I meet up with friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Horace warned that the financial services industry is often misunderstood by newcomers. \u201cPeople think it\u2019s easy with high pay, but it\u2019s highly regulated and full of challenges,\u201d he said. \u201cYou work long hours for little initial reward. If you can push through the first five years, it becomes worthwhile.\u201d<\/p>\n
Horace said work-life balance is manageable due to his flexible schedule. \u201cI manage my own diary. I can shift between personal and professional responsibilities as needed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He emphasised the importance of maintaining client trust and satisfaction. \u201cYour livelihood depends on your clients. It\u2019s easier to lose a client than to gain one,\u201d he said. \u201cIf your ethics or values are compromised, your business will suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also urged communities to support local businesses. \u201cSmall businesses contribute to local communities, in their vicinity. But support needs to go both ways,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Horace entered the financial planning industry at age 24 and has remained in it since. \u201cI\u2019ve never had any other job,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He is also co-owner of a craft beer shop affiliated with a West Coast brewery. \u201cMost people don\u2019t know that,\u201d he said. \u201cAlso, I have four daughters \u2013 all four born within five years\u201d.<\/p>\n
Get in touch:<\/strong><\/p>\n 051-430-0302<\/p>\n Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN \/ Photograph: SUPPLIED<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Horace Terry, Senior Financial Planner at Aton Wealth, says perseverance and industry exposure were key to establishing his independent financial planning practice after leaving Sanlam in 2020. Horace, who began his career in Bloemfontein, said his interest in finance began in high school. \u201cAs a student, I offered to work for free at a local […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":19069,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,31],"tags":[7782,7716,7780,7781],"class_list":{"0":"post-19068","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-people","8":"category-sponsored","9":"tag-aton-wealth","10":"tag-gentlemen-of-business","11":"tag-gentlemen-of-business-horace-terry-client-trust-and-compliance-key-to-financial-advisory-success","12":"tag-horace-terry"},"yoast_head":"\n