Press Releases

Bellevue, Wash (June 1, 2007) -- Guidant Financial Group, the nation’s leading retirement account facilitator, is opening a new branch office this month in Denver. The expansion is due in part to Guidant’s desire to bring a stronger physical presence to the city that is home to a rapidly growing number of investors controlling their retirement accounts. The office will be managed by Guidant Senior Account Executive Doug Smith, who will be transferring to Denver from the company’s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Wash.

This expansion is indicative of the nation’s expanding interest in the utilization of retirement funds for investment outside of traditional stocks and bonds and into real estate, tax liens and even funding a new business venture. The Denver branch brings the company’s number of offices to five. Last year alone, Guidant opened three new offices (Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin), and it anticipates quickly adding to that number.

Since the ’70s, IRA and 401(k) account holders have had the option to personally control the ways in which their retirement monies are invested and to utilize those monies before retirement age without paying taxes or other penalties. "It’s just that most people don’t know about it," says Smith, "and the paperwork involved is very daunting unless you use a reputable company to facilitate the process. Guidant was created to fill that niche – to facilitate the whole process in a safe and expeditious way."

Much of the interest in self-directed investing is coming from those facing imminent retirement and suddenly recognizing the limited size and/or slow growth of their retirement accounts. Consequently, they’re searching for innovative ways to beef up their accounts without facing the rollercoaster anxiety of playing the market.

Many are also looking for ways to finance new businesses. "The majority of our clients are those who are seeking ways to fund the purchase of a business or franchise," says Guidant’s President and CEO David Nilssen. "Working closely with attorneys and CPAs, and within all IRS and Department of Labor guidelines, we’ve created a process that allows people to purchase a business as an investment for their retirement account. And the money isn’t taken as a distribution or taxable event. This helps thousands of people each year start their dream of business ownership without debt."

Nilssen points out that Smith was chosen to open the Denver office due to his expertise in coaching investors through the Guidant process of business funding and setting up check-book control of their IRAs. Says Nilssen, "New clients will discover they can trust Doug, learn from him and rely on him to understand their unique situations."

Smith is one of the original hires by the company, which was recently named Best Small Business in the Northwest Region by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Guidant’s co-founders also received a 2007 national award for entrepreneurship from the Small Business Administration.

Says Smith, "We’re delighted we can bring our business closer to the people we serve by opening this office in Denver. I’m thrilled to be here."