Wealth management firm first to purchase a site in Lakeside Village

An executive like Glen Smith CFP®, CRPC® of GDS Wealth Management must keep his eyes trained on the future to make smart business decisions for his clients and his firm.

In 2018, with a team of four at his Fountain Park office, Smith began “looking for a location in south Flower Mound that would be convenient for not only our local clients but for those in the greater DFW area by being near 2499, 121, and 635.

“In addition to easy access for our clients,” Smith added, “we wanted a vibrant location to create the right experience for our clients.”

“After a six-month search,” he said, “we thought Lakeside Village would be perfect for our vision.”

In March, Smith’s firm — now employing 14 — became the first land buyer in Lakeside Village and is expected to move into their new building at 2910 Lakeside Village Parkway in about 18 months. The two-story building will offer a total of approximately 15,000 square feet of space.

“We contemplated using just the first floor for office space and the second floor for residential,”Smith smiled.

“But at our current growth rate, we wanted a location large enough to accommodate our team’s growth for at least 10 years. This new office will allow us to expand, and we will have room for as many as 72 teammates at GDS Wealth Management.

“We really want to put our stake in the ground as not just one of the top wealth management firms in Flower Mound, but in the entire state of Texas.”

“It’s easy to see why Flower Mound has been voted one of the best places to live and work,” Smith said. “The small-town feel combined with the metropolitan opportunities and resources make it the perfect North Texas location.

“I am grateful to be a part of the Flower Mound community, and we are thankful for all of our wonderful Flower Mound clients. Right now, Flower Mound residents comprise nearly 25 percent of our total business.”

Judging by Smith’s steady rise in the wealth management field, don’t discount his ability to fulfill his Texas-sized dream.

Starting as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, where he rose to senior vice president, Smith became a financial advisor for Raymond James and started his own office in 2004.

He has attained the prestigious CFP® certification and is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.

In 2020, Glen was also approved to act as a National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Registered Player Financial Advisor. He has been interviewed and highlighted in several publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Fox Business, and Investor’s Business Daily. In 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, Glen was named one of Forbes’ “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors,” a prestigious recognition for standout wealth advisors who top the list in each state.

“In 2020, we dedicated ourselves to elevating our commitment to our clients even further,” Smith said in explaining the firm’s transition to GDS Wealth Management.

“When you work as an advisor with a large firm like Merrill Lynch, there are certain limitations on investments and duties you can perform for clients that I think are in the clients’ best interest.

“Even though we already operated as fiduciaries,” said Smith, “we thought rebranding under GDS Wealth Management was the next logical step to increase our client capabilities.

And the move to Lakeside Village offers the chance to position their office in a place that speaks to “quality of life.”

“I remember seeing the plans for Lakeside Village back in 2018 with the amphitheater by the lake, the high rises, and the restaurants overlooking the lake.

“I bought into what the Stewarts and Realty Capital envisioned here,” Smith emphasized, “and I wanted to get in on the ground floor.”

Spoken like a shrewd investor.

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