
2022 Charitable Champion
Employees: 12
Location: Collierville, TN
Primary Broker-Dealer: Commonwealth Financial Network
Custodian: National Financial Services
Top Executive: David Pickler, President & CEO
Philanthropic Stats:
- 100% employees utilized VTO
4,500 total # of volunteer hours completed
$352,000 total cash contributions
How do you motivate your employees to participate in the firm’s philanthropic programs?
A central part of Pickler Wealth Advisors’ culture revolves around community involvement. Advisors and staff are encouraged to be actively involved in the community, a charge which is led by David Pickler. Our mission is “giving back and paying forward with passion and purpose,” and our team understands this and lives it out, walking the walk.
How do you define and measure the success of your overall philanthropic program?
The way we define success in our philanthropic efforts is the overall impact of the program itself. Does it make a lasting impact on our community or is it just for show? If the answer is the former, then we eagerly pursue the program, parterning to make the world a better place.
What sets your program apart from others?
What sets our program apart is two-fold: not only do we give financial support to meaningful organizations, but our firm becomes deeply engaged in the mission of the organization. It is a true partnership on a very significant level. For example, we have donated our time, talents, and treasures to Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD). Not only are we the title sponsor of their annual fundraiser, but our team volunteers for the Halloween Carnival, Christmas Party, and Letters for Santa initiative, among others. Another example would be our partnership with the Orpheum Theatre and the University of Memphis. Not only does David serve as both organizations’ Planned Giving consultant, but we partner with them to educate their boards and staff on how they can best support one another through strategic planning and capital campaigns.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your firm’s philanthropic efforts? In what ways have you pivoted as a result?
To put it simply, we had to adapt and innovate. Instead of moving away from volunteering, philanthropy, and communications, we doubled down on our efforts during these uncertain times. For example, our law firm, The Pickler Law Firm, hosted its first Planning for Patriots Day during the peak of the COVID crisis. Every member of our staff helped policemen, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, and nurses get free estate plans for their heroic efforts.
Programs offered by Pickler Wealth Advisors
- Planning for Patriots Day – The Pickler Law Firm
- Donaldson Elementary fundraiser
- Partners in Education (workforce development, job boards)
- The Nation’s Report Card on Financial Literacy
- Financial Literacy Resource Library
- Planned Giving for the Orpheum
- Houston High School – master plan development
- Chickasaw Council, BSA – Council Ring
- MOSD Speakeasy and festivals