Business

Meet Jim Tucker: Helping Late Career and Early Career Professionals Avoid the Big Financial Mistake

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2022

Wealth advisor, Jim Tucker, is co-founder of Tucker Bria Wealth Strategies, LLC, a wealth advisory firm in Durham, North Carolina. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist®. His focus is on both professionals and business owners preparing to retire as well as those just beginning their careers.

Tucker’s 15 year business career prior to joining the wealth advisory profession makes him uniquely qualified to understand the professional and financial pressures of his clients.

Jim began his business career in finance, working as both a commercial banker, for a regional bank in Washington, DC, as well as an investment banker, for storied investment banking firm, Drexel Burnham Lambert. He then joined a team to oversee the regional mall real estate investments for a subsidiary of The Prudential.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Tucker jumped to the west coast to lead the expansion of privately-held, mall based, specialty retailer, Natural Wonders. Once public, Jim left Natural Wonders and returned to corporate America and the east coast, joining the North Carolina regional office of the British spirits and food retailing company, Allied Domecq. Declining a move to the Washington, DC area with Allied Domecq, Jim connected with a Charlotte, NC start-up real estate technology firm, AvidXchange, which went public in 2021.

Deciding that constant business travel did not suit a father with 2 young children and a wife who also worked, Tucker entered the wealth advisory profession. Initially, he worked for the Wall Street firms of UBS, Smith Barney and Morgan Stanley. During this time Jim picked up the professional credentials of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist®. However, Tucker was once again drawn to the entrepreneurial side of the business. So, in 2013, he formed Tucker Bria, an independent wealth strategy firm, with longtime friend and fellow competitive swimmer, Patrick Bria.

“The two core client bases that I enjoy working with and with whom I feel I can add value, are those who are within 10 or 15 of retirement and those early in their career,” says Tucker. “Both groups yearn for financial education and direction, one group to set up their retirement strategy and the other to establish great financial habits to carry them through their life.”

Education has become a driving force of Tucker Bria and Jim’s focus. Jim is a licensee and instructor for Retirement Planning Today®, an educational course for individuals aged 50-70. Tucker also developed a young adult seminar to educate young professionals on the foundations of a sound financial strategy.

“The reason why I like working with those approaching retirement and individuals beginning their careers is because it’s so important for each group to avoid making the BIG MISTAKE. Each period has a number of decisions which, if not addressed properly, may derail the achievement of their financial, and thus, life goals.”

So, from Tucker’s perspective, financial education is critical to his mission of helping his clients avoid the big mistake.

Jim Tucker, CFP®, CRPS® is a financial advisor located at 3100 Tower Blvd, Suite 117, Durham, NC 27707. He offers securities and advisory services as a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network^®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Jim can be reached at 919-381-5780 or at jim.tucker@tuckerbria.com

Business

Outsourcing Front-End Development Services: Insider’s Guide

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2023

Matthew Wiles

Outsourcing front-end development services has become increasingly popular in recent years as companies look to access specialized skills and expertise, and save on labor costs. According to the Global Outsourcing Survey made by Deloitte, the top reasons for outsourcing front-end development are to access specialized skills (57%), cost savings (50%), and to free up internal resources (49%).

This article will cover some frequently asked questions (FAQs) in a Q&A way to help you make an informed decision when considering outsourcing front-end development services. We’ll address concerns such as how to find the right vendor, how to communicate effectively, and how to manage the project to ensure success. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the considerations and best practices for outsourcing front-end development services.

What is front-end development?

Front-end development, or client-side development, refers to designing and implementing a website’s or application’s user interface (UI). It involves creating the layout, visual design, and interactive features that users interact with when they visit a website or use an app.

Front-end developers use a variety of programming languages and technologies to build the UI, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They also need to have a strong understanding of user experience (UX) design principles and be able to create visually appealing and intuitive interfaces that meet the needs of the target audience.

Front-end development plays a crucial role in the user experience of a website or application, and it’s an essential part of any digital product. The work of a front-end developer often intersects with that of a UX designer and a back-end developer.

Why should I consider outsourcing front-end development services?

As mentioned in the intro, there are several reasons why outsourcing front-end development services may be an excellent option for your company. One of the main reasons is cost savings. Outsourcing is often more cost-effective than hiring in-house developers, especially if you only need front-end development services for a specific project.

Also, a company can benefit from a vendor’s specialized skills and experience and the ability to scale its development resources as needed. This can be especially useful for companies with fluctuating project demands or in need to quickly ramp up or down their development efforts.

In addition, outsourcing front-end development can allow a company to focus on its core competencies and improve the overall quality of the product, as well as save time by delegating the development work to a vendor.

How do I find the right front-end development company to work with?

Finding the right front-end development company to work with is crucial for a successful project. Start by defining your project goals, timelines, and budget, and research potential vendors with experience in the technologies and frameworks relevant to your project.

Review the company’s portfolio and case studies to get a sense of their past work and the types of projects they have experience with. Glassdoor, Trustpilot, LinkedIn, GoodFirms or Clutch are some platforms to do this. Consider the company’s culture and values. You can also request references and speak with past clients to get an idea of the company’s track record and how well they handle challenges like yours.

What should I consider when choosing a front-end development company?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a front-end development company. Technical skills and experience are crucial, as the company will be responsible for building and implementing the UI of your website or application. Check if the company has experience with the technologies and frameworks you need for your project.

Effective communication and collaboration are also essential. Verify that the vendor has a track record of working well with clients and can effectively communicate and collaborate with your team. Cultural fit is also important, as you will be working closely with the vendor for the duration of the project. It’s a good idea to have a face-to-face or video call meeting to get a sense of the company’s culture and see if it aligns with your own.

Finally, consider the company’s pricing and business model. Make sure the company is transparent about its rates and fees and that they align with your budget. Also, consider whether the company offers flexible pricing options or packages that may be more suitable for your needs.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s a good idea to request proposals from a few different vendors. This will allow you to compare and contrast their approaches and determine the best fit for your project.

Bringing it all together

In summary, outsourcing front-end development services can be an easy, cost-effective, and efficient way to access specialized skills and expertise. By carefully considering factors such as technical skills, communication and collaboration abilities, cultural fit, pricing, and business model, you can find the right vendor to meet your needs and achieve success with your project.