Robert Baker of Advanced Asset Management Advisors - The Competitive Advantage of Working with Boutique Strategist Firms

In times of political and economic uncertainty, some investors choose to stay the course, while others take a more tactical approach, seeking opportunities amid market volatility. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer for how investors should invest during uncertain times, there are ways to help navigate the market. In today’s episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Robert Baker, President of Advanced Asset Management Advisors (AAMA). Prior to founding AAMA, Robert served as Vice President of a large regional investment firm and President of a national advisory group. He founded AAMA in 1998, with the mission of creating a better client investment experience. Today, he remains heavily involved in carrying that vision forward, overseeing the daily management of the company. Robert talks with Rusty and Robyn about why advisors and investors should consider working with smaller, boutique strategist firms, what advisors can do in a volatile market, and why the global debt crisis is alarming. Key Takeaways [02:31] - The history of AAMA. [03:38] - Why advisors should consider working with smaller boutique strategist firms. [06:00] - Some key lessons from Robert’s career. [08:01] - How AAMA deals with inflation. [09:57] - How Robert responds to investors who claim the stock market isn't expensive. [11:11] - Robert’s advice to investors during a volatile market. [12:30] - How investors can prepare for a possible recession. [14:49] - Why global debt is alarming. [15:39] - What is positive about the economy today. [17:42] - How Robert maintains his physical and mental well-being to perform at his best. Quotes [04:04] - "We realized pretty quickly that every strategist would like to have 100% of a portfolio. But in reality, most investors and most advisors are going to be most well served to have their portfolios allocated amongst a couple of diversification control risks. And not all firms can be everything to all clients." - Robert Baker   [04:40] - "We've firmly believed that client expectations and consistencies are a key to positive experiences. So, we like to think that a smaller and a medium-size asset base gives us that flexibility that people can get ahold of us." - Robert Baker [20:12] - "We have the greatest country and the greatest economy in the world. We've weathered a lot of storms at times. It seems like there are so many negatives out there, but you have to look through and look for the positives and you can't overreact to things either way in the marketplace." - Robert Baker  Links  Robert Baker on Advanced Asset Management Advisors Robert Baker Email Advanced Asset Management Advisors Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag by James Brown Sizing Up Your Partners – How Smaller, Boutique Strategist Firms Can Give You An Edge Staying Relevant To Clients As Their Expectations Change Spymaster by Brad Thor Aaron Ploscowe Email Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 0633-OPS-4/18/2022