ParQuest Consulting Information

Wealth management firms are commited to diversity, but have struggled in execution, especially with their sales forces, which has resulted in reputational damage and costly litigation. ParQuest Consulting is committed to helping wealth management firms identify and address the implicit biases (unconscious attitudes that drive behavior) which can prevent African American and Hispanic advisors from competing on par with their counterparts of other ethnicities. We've conducted extensive research and focus groups and interviewed many of the industry's most successful African American advisors. We've studied their practices, as well as the external factors that contributes to their development. While there are unique characteristics that have contributed to each individual's success, many of the advisors share common strategies, attributes and experiences that can be applied universally. ParQuest Consulting can offer guidance, support and expertise to help advisors address the challenges of building and maintaining a successful and sustainable practice. ABOUT MARK W. WILLIS, PRINCIPAL Mark W. Willis has had a extraordinary career in financial services spanning over 30 years at top financial firms, including Merrill Lynch, Citi Smith Barney and Morgan Stanley. Mark has held many executive leadership roles - Branch Manager, Director of Training, Managing Director (MD) Head of Diversity, MD of Fund Sales, MD of Investment Products Distribution, and Chairmen of the National Association of Securities Professionals (2008-2009). He has been recognized as Branch Manager of the Year (1994 Financial Planning magazine) and one of the Harlem YMCA's Black Achievers in Industry. Mark's diverse experiences and vast network he has built over the course of his career; and his own success at overcoming implicit bias makes him uniquely qualified to help wealth management firms implement strategies that will level the playing field for minority advisors.