Kimberly A. Branch, CFP®, CLTC, President of 4WARD Financial Marketing, Inc., a subsidiary of NEXT Financial Holdings, Inc.

HOUSTON—(MARKETWIRE) - Independent broker dealer NEXT Financial Group, Inc.’s main investments are the growth and sustainment of their representatives’ practices.  NEXT Financial, and its subsidiary 4WARD Financial Marketing, Inc.’s, commitment to the success of their field force can be seen as they prepare for their 3rd annual coaching and mentoring program, the NEXT Challenge.

Instituted in 2007, exclusively for NEXT representatives and OSJs, the NEXT Challenge has been credited for helping hundreds of investment advisors reach astounding new heights. 4WARD’s goal for participants is to see them grow exponentially, and based on results, the program has been immensely effective. Participants who enrolled in the program for the past two-years have seen increases in GDC upwards of 60%, as a group, as of December 31, 2008.

The premise behind this comprehensive program is what has made it so successful. The focus is on helping participants not only realize and accomplish their objectives, but find balance between their personal and professional lives. The marketing experts at 4WARD work collectively with the financial advisors to implement the knowledge learned to maximize their results.

Outside of the NEXT Challenge, the team at 4WARD assists with all aspects of the representative’s marketing needs, including developing competitive and customizable websites and branding campaigns. Gary Fouts, financial planner and NEXT rep, credits 4WARD Marketing, "In one instance, 4WARD was directly responsible for doubling our response rate to a seminar mailer and placing us in front of 77 new prospects…their creativity and understanding of our business have allowed them to create phenomenal marketing pieces in record time.”

Additionally, 4WARD supports advisors’ financial planning practices by providing them with seminar loans, which are available at 0% interest, to loans to create websites, host client appreciation events, build out new office space, and for acquisitions. Since their inception, they have loaned out millions of dollars to their advisors.

For additional information on NEXT Financial Group, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, or 4WARD Financial Marketing, Inc., please contact Kimberly A. Branch, CFP^®, CLTC at 713-333-4899, visit www.nextfinancial.com or www.nextfinancialholdings.com.

* Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/Dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded “Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year.”

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