“Waking up and going to work is easy if you like what you do."
For Michael Kling, these words have been the roadmap for his success. He launched Kling Law Offices in Las Vegas in 2001, and since then, he's built a reputation as a go-to firm for individuals and families looking for personalized service in estate planning, wealth preservation, business, and tax law matters.
"I made a conscious decision not to become a ‘trust’ factory," said Kling. "The growth of my business has been through word of mouth. My clients know we specialize, and they know that we treat people well."
Kling said when he moved to Southern Nevada in the late 90s, Las Vegas was still in its infancy when it came to professional services. He said back then, there were still a lot of old-school Vegas attorneys who operated their business as a one-stop shop, offering all kinds of services ranging from car accidents to estate planning to divorce. But from the beginning, Kling said he wanted to run his firm differently.
"I think it's a disservice if you provide clients with anything and everything. That is when your services are merely adequate," said Kling. "At the same time, the client base in Las Vegas has also become more sophisticated, so they are looking for someone who is knowledgeable and an expert in their field, and not a jack of all trades."
As for Kling's advice for those looking to enter his profession, he said it's all about building a strong foundation and listening to your clients.
"If you want to go into the estate planning area, you have to start with the fundamentals. I see so many young attorneys these days who just want to jump into the deep end without learning how to swim first. The biggest mistake that most estate attorneys make is not developing a system to allow clients to have a plan that continues to make sense for them."
Michael Kling
Owner/Attorney
Kling Law Offices
Kling Law Offices was founded in 2001 with the goal of becoming Southern Nevada’s most trusted law firm providing legal services to individuals, families, and businesses in planning their futures. The Firm serves a wide range of disciplines, including estate planning, probate, asset protection, elder law, and corporate and tax law matters. As Kling says, “If you want to go into the estate planning area, you have to start with the fundamentals.”
Eugene Williams
Owner
Eugene Williams Insurance Agency
As an insurance agency owner, Williams enjoys meeting new people and building one-on-one relationships. He has open and honest discussions to connect with his clients, explore options to protect their homes and personal property, and ultimately help them secure their financial security goals. Williams says, “You have to have the drive and passion, and you will stick with it. Just grind every day and keep that focus.”
https://agents.allstate.com/eugene-williams-las-vegas-nv.html
Rich Kruithoff
President
Pro Advisors Group
Rich provides specialized training through Pro Advisors Group, an education and consulting nationally registered organization that touts being the most advanced and innovative tax consulting group in the country. They provide the most comprehensive and groundbreaking tax strategy training currently available. Kruithoff said, “One of the things you have to do is find a unique way to get clients in front of you.”
http://www.proadvisorsgroup.net
When it comes to putting clients first, Eugene Williams is also making that his business mantra in the world of insurance. Since opening his Allstate Agency in Las Vegas in July of last year, Williams said his focus has been on quality service.
"Some insurance agents just want to get clients in the door, sign them, and that's it. My office doesn't work like that," said Williams, who runs his business with his office manager Dominique Douglas. "We have an open-door policy, and we really take the time to take care of our customers. In fact, the other day, one client was saying how he's never heard anyone explain an insurance plan as well as Dominique — and I have to agree. She's doing great."
Like any other field, Williams said to succeed in the insurance business, you have to stay motivated and market your business the right way.
"You have to constantly go out there and network to generate your business," said Williams. "Wherever I am, I would hand out my business cards, and sometimes they call me, and sometimes I call them. That's how I get my business."
Aside from the daily grind, Williams said what keeps him going is knowing that he's helping people secure their future because you never know when something could go wrong.
"I have been on both sides of it. I have handed out death benefit checks and helped families move on after a tragedy. And I have also seen the impact of what could happen when people aren't prepared to deal with the unexpected. At the end of the day, I just want to make sure people know how to protect themselves. That's why I am so passionate about what I do."
Another business owner who has a passion for helping people, especially when it comes to saving them money, is Rich Kruithoff, the President of Pro Advisors Group. His Las Vegas-based firm offers CPA professionals advanced and innovative charitable planning and continued education. The education is focused on strategies that Kruithoff said most CPAs don't even realize are available.
"These CPAs are so busy and don't have time to research these various strategies, which may be helpful to specific clients," said Kruithoff. "In turn, the CPAs will pass along these strategies to their clients, who can then benefit from the products we are selling. It could greatly help with taxes, and you know, when you are a business owner, that's the number one expense going against your bottom line."
Kruithoff says like any business, to succeed in his line of work, you have to believe in your product and find ways to be the solution to the problems your clients are trying to solve. "Too often, people are just trying to sell things, and you have to give them what they want first. Believe in the work that you are doing, and your passion will come through. People will pick up on it."