Patrick Funke & Associates Chooses Commonwealth for Operational Ease and Efficiency

The Phoenix-based practice lays the foundation for its next phase of growth, with a focus on retirement plans.

Commonwealth Financial Network^®, a national RIA dedicated to providing financial advisors with holistic, integrated business solutions, welcomes Phoenix, Arizona-based Patrick Funke & Associates to its network of independent advisors. Advisor Patrick Funke, CLU^®, ChFC^®, AIF^®, manages the practice together with his wife and longtime business partner, Jennifer Funke. Previously with Osaic, the team reported advising on more than $430 million in client assets.*

“Patrick and Jennifer sought an operational model that would free up time to focus on client service and growing their practice, and we’re honored that they found their long-term fit with Commonwealth,” said Becca Hajjar, managing principal and chief business development officer.

More than 25 years ago, Patrick Funke recognized an opportunity to build a sustainable niche serving small corporate retirement plans with a strong focus on participant education. “Oftentimes, a workplace 401(k) meeting can be the first interaction an investor has with an advisor,” explained Funke. “This provides an opportunity to make those meetings a gateway to making a genuine difference in people’s lives.” The practice has grown entirely by word-of-mouth referrals. Its individual, family, and trust clients include business owners and others connected to its retirement plan business, among others. “We aim to be a lower-cost provider, offering financial planning and investment services consistent with what I describe as an evidence-based approach to investment selection,” said Funke. Learn more about the practice at pf-associates.com.

In selecting a partner firm, Jennifer Funke emphasized the need for efficiency, order, and intuitive technology. “With the Commonwealth approach, we appreciate that when we have questions, people pick up the phone, listen, and call back promptly,” she said.

Since the practice serves hundreds of clients, the Funkes were wary about the transition process but found it smooth. “Now that we’ve transitioned, we’re finding that opening a new account takes five minutes. The system generates all the forms, and it’s easy for clients to approve via DocuSign.”

“I’m getting time back already,” said Patrick Funke. “When we last changed our partner firm, it was for additional size and scale. That’s not enough, though, because relationships are the lifeblood of our firm. The Commonwealth model means partnering with a high-level, professional team that’s relationship-focused, not transaction-oriented. Looking ahead, Commonwealth and LPL will give us the foundation to grow our practice.”

About Commonwealth Financial Network®

Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser, provides financial advisors with holistic, integrated solutions that support business evolution, growth acceleration, and operational efficiency. J.D. Power ranks Commonwealth “#1 in Independent Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms, 11 Times in a Row.” Privately held since 1979, the firm has headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California, and an operations hub in Blue Ash, Ohio. Learn more about how Commonwealth partners with approximately 2,345 independent financial advisors overseeing more than $344 billion** in assets nationwide by visiting commonwealth.com.

Commonwealth received the highest score among independent advisors in the J.D. Power 2010, 2012–2014, and 2018‒2024 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Studies. Presented on July 10, 2024, for January to May of 2024, it is based on responses from 4,072 advisors employed by or affiliated with the firms included in the study. Not indicative of the firm’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Study is independently conducted, and the participating firms do not pay to participate. Use of study results in promotional materials is subject to a license fee. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

* As of 08/21/2024

** As of 12/31/2024

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The Commonwealth model means partnering with a high-level, professional team that’s relationship-focused, not transaction-oriented.