Lucien, Stirling & Gray Celebrates 10 Years

From its beginnings as an independent brokerage firm, in the last 10 years Lucien, Stirling & Gray has evolved into a full service investment advisory and financial planning firm specializing in unique, personal relationships with its clients. Founded by three local businessmen in 1992, the firm has been located in the historic John Rutledge house, on the western edge of Hyde Park, for its entire history.

The decision to grow the business in Hyde Park was deliberate. Thomas G. Twombly, President, picked the location because it helped convey a message central to the overall vision for the firm. "I wanted an open, inviting office where clients would feel warm and welcome," said Twombly, "and located in an area that reinforces the importance of community and personal relationships. I like that there is no other office exactly like it, and there's no other advisory firm just like us."

Ten years ago there were only four advisors in the office. The firm had fewer than 200 clients, no support staff, no voice mail, no copier and no fax machine. "We relied on the bike shop down the street for smudged copies and expensive faxes that rolled up like the Dead Sea Scrolls," recalls Twombly. "In retrospect, it is astounding to ponder how much we lacked." Today the firm still occupies the John Rutledge house, but much has changed. The Lucien, Stirling & Gray family of companies serves approximately 1,200 clients and manages more that $100 million locally. According to the Austin Business Journal's 2002 Book of Lists, the firm is the third largest Austin-based investment firm. In addition to ten professional advisors, there is now a full time-staff that includes a receptionist, a bookkeeper, a research manager, and a marketing manager; and a part-time staff that includes a file manager and a research assistant.

The unique spirit found in Hyde Park can also be found in the make-up of the Lucien, Stirling & Gray team. Comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, talents and experiences, the team brings expertise, enthusiasm and humor to the office environment. "It has always been my goal to build a team of great people, with different and complementary skills. I am very proud to be surrounded by excellent professionals who are also downright good people," says Twombly. As the team continues to grow, Lucien, Stirling & Gray focuses on constant professional improvement, while retaining its pleasant, collegial atmosphere.

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