Cold Call with Mark SoehnCold Call with Mark Soehn

Registered Rep.: Advice for building a successful RIA?

MS: Planning doesn't guarantee success, but not planning virtually guarantees failure.

RR: Your first job?

MS: At 15, I worked for LaSalle Northwest National Bank in the Consumer Auto Loans Unit. It was my responsibility to clean out vehicles [that were repossessed] in preparation for auction. I found some interesting things.

RR: Your wife's family is Italian, yours is German. Who makes better food?

MS: Don't tell my wife, but my favorite is my grandmothers German potato salad and schnitzel.

RR: Alternative career?

MS: A motivational speaker.

RR: You're an avid soccer fan. Is “Becks” what American soccer needs? What about Posh?

MS: It's obvious from watching Beckham that he's a playmaker and a celebrity. He'll be a definite asset to American soccer. Posh is cute, but I could do without her.

RR: Most bewildering client financial situation?

MS: Talking a client out of purchasing a $2 million Amtrak Observation Car.

RR: Will the credit crisis bringing on a recession?

MS: I don't believe so — at least not a major one.

RR: Maximum share of a client's portfolio you will invest in international equities these days?

MS: 30 percent.

RR: Best advice you ever received?

MS: If you don't ask, the answer is always no.