The Heart of CFD: A Culture Rooted in Family

January 15, 2025

​At CFD Companies, culture isn't a framework; it's a living legacy built on family, faith, and unwavering values. From our modest beginnings to our ongoing growth, we've centered our mission on relationships, collaboration, and a Christ-like approach to business. Here, our advisers are not just numbers; they're family. We celebrate their achievements, support their aspirations, and walk alongside them on their journey​.

With steadfast commitment to integrity and care, we foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. Guided by kingdom values, CFD and its entities (CFD Companies) is a place where advisers, staff, and clients come together with purpose, creating a unique and lasting culture that stands apart in the financial industry and continues to thrive across generations.


Founded By Family

​In 1969, Mick Owens and Associates was founded by Mick as his first financial business. After 13 years, Creative Financial Designs (CFD) was founded. The idea for Creative Financial Designs came to Mick while at a conference when the people attending were asked, "How many of you are charging fees for your plans?". It was at this moment that Mick knew he had to start a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm, and thus Creative Financial Designs was created. Today, Creative Financial Designs is a registered SEC firm that is available in all 50 states. In 1990, Mick expanded the business by starting CFD Investments as a registered broker/dealer.

​In 1998, Mick's son, Brent Owens, was named President of both CFD Investments and Creative Financial Designs and continues to serve in that role. Since being named President, Brent Owens has continued to emphasize the importance of family within the business. He has brought his wife, Brandi, along with his son, Bailey, and daughters, Lydia and Maria, into the company, further reinforcing the family-centered culture that CFD Companies values and strives to uphold.

Mick Owens and Associates, Creative Financial Designs

Rooted in Relationships

​In a world where big-name firms are constantly bringing in new advisers, CFD Companies has cultivated a sense of family within the firm. The company is built on the golden rule of treating people how you would want to be treated, a principle that has guided the firms since their inception. The commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and a supportive community has set the company apart from others, creating an environment where advisers and clients alike feel valued. By prioritizing trust and respect, CFD Companies has continued to uphold its founding principles while adapting to the evolving needs of the financial industry.

​With over 150 advisers operating under the firm, CFD Companies has made it a mission to treat each adviser as a family member. Each year, we host various events and trips designed to make advisers feel welcome and part of the family. It's no surprise that some of our advisers have been with us for over a decade! This deep sense of connection and belonging is the cornerstone of culture that makes CFD Companies truly unique in many aspects.


Support Beyond the Business

​At CFD Companies, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment through our 3:1 adviser-to-staff ratio. By maintaining this ratio, we empower our advisers to focus on their clients, knowing they have a dedicated team and leadership readily available to support their success. This structure not only ensures personalized attention and resources for each adviser but also strengthens the relationships that form the foundation of our firm. It's a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service and cultivating a true sense of partnership.

​This unique structure sets us apart in the industry, reinforcing our dedication to building lasting partnerships and driving adviser growth. By prioritizing individual support and collaboration, we create an environment where advisers can thrive both personally and professionally. It's this unwavering commitment to their success that continues to attract and retain top talent within the financial services industry.


Celebrating Achievements Together

​CFD Companies has been built on relationships with its advisers and treating them as family while acknowledging their rewards and accomplishments every step of the way. One way we do this is by rewarding our advisers with trips based on their financial performance. These trips not only serve as a token of appreciation, but also as an opportunity to strengthen bonds and share experiences with fellow advisers. By recognizing their hard work and dedication, we continue to foster a culture of motivation, support, and community within the firm.

​Since 2001, the company has recognized and rewarded our top-performing advisers with our Presidential Advisers Trip (PAT). Each year, we bring our top performing advisers on a trip to learn, relax, and enjoy the company of other advisers. These trips are a testament to our commitment to celebrating success while also fostering a sense of community and shared growth within the firm.

​In 2024, we had our first Emerging Advisers (EA) trip. The goal for the EA trip was to acknowledge our up-and-coming advisers for their accomplishments. Both trips serve to recognize our advisers' outstanding accomplishments, but above all, they provide opportunities to reconnect, meet new colleagues, and strengthen our sense of family.


Faith, Values, and Community

​One of the many things that makes CFD Companies different from other firms is that we function under kingdom values. Priding itself on operating in a Christ-like manner and continuing to provide these values throughout the home office staff and advisers. These principles that motivate our daily work make it more than just a workplace. It makes it a place where the advisers and staff can feel welcome and open to share their biblical beliefs, whether it's prayer requests or our prayer circle after monthly team meetings.

​At CFD Companies, our foundation of faith, family, and unwavering values has not only stood the test of time, but it continues to shape our future. By fostering meaningful relationships, celebrating achievements, and upholding Christ-like values, we have created a culture that goes beyond business. This culture is a testament to the vision of our founders and the commitment of every adviser, staff member, and client who has joined us on this journey. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower success, nurture community, and uphold the legacy of trust and care that defines CFD Companies. Together, we're not just building a company, we're growing a family that thrives across generations.

Discover how you can grow with a firm that values relationships, celebrates your achievements, and treats you like family. Join CFD Companies and experience a culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and unwavering support.




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