EVAN INGLIS, CFP®, Wealth Advisor, IG Wealth Management in Calgary, Alberta

EVAN INGLIS

“I want people to demand more from the

financial professionals that they work with”

Evan Inglis (CFP® ), Executive Financial Consultant with IG Wealth Management in Calgary Alberta, is a guiding force reshaping the landscape of financial advisory services.

With a steadfast commitment to excellence and client-centric values, Evan embodies a proactive approach, encouraging clients to challenge industry norms and hold him accountable for exceptional service standards.

As a testament to his dedication and impact, Evan is a recipient of the prestigious Centurion Asset Management Award for Young Achiever of the Year in 2024. Additionally, being named among Wealth Professional’s Top 40 Under 40 Rising Stars for 2023 highlights Evan’s exceptional professionalism, emotional intelligence, and technical expertise in the financial industry.

Beyond his title, Evan invests upfront time and effort, extending support and guidance to individuals irrespective of their status, driven by a sincere desire to improve their financial well being over the long term. His professional philosophy revolves around fostering transparent relationships, genuine connections, and a relentless pursuit to elevate the standards in the financial advisory field.

Embracing the Grind: The Path to Success through Perseverance and Dedication

The story of Evan’s career traces back to high school, where he felt a sense of wonderment about his next steps. “I had the typical high school guidance counsellor meetings, but I had no idea what I wanted to pursue,” he began. “After observing my strong interpersonal skills, given my involvement in debates and other related activities, my counsellor narrowed my focus to the financial industry. I found it surprising when I discovered that finance careers involve working closely with people.”

Initially inclined toward marketing, he later shifted his focus to finance, inspired by connections made while studying entrepreneurial management at Royal Roads University. “By the time I completed my degree, I was fully committed to pursuing a career in finance. I began taking relevant courses in investment management and insurance to become licensed.”

After moving back to Calgary in 2008 during the height of the Great Recession, Evan began his journey by applying to as many financial-based positions as he could. From financial advisor, wealth advisor, investment advisor, and beyond, he was dedicated to landing his first gig. “Unfortunately, most banks and investment firms I interviewed with seemed uninterested in starting from scratch and preferred individuals with a client base or a developed network,” he says. “Feeling disheartened after months of rejection, I questioned whether this was the career path for me.”

Despite challenges breaking into the finance industry, a fortuitous encounter with a kind and generous individual named Tom Van Tighem, opened the doors for Evan. “Tom, who is now a Senior Vice President with IG Wealth Management, gave me the shot I’ve been waiting for.”

Tom recognized Evan's potential and eagerness, leading to a transformative opportunity to join a team as an associate.

By 2010, Evan earned his Certified Financial Planner designation and never looked back!

“During this time, I obtained my CFP® and licensing. I learned the business, interacting with clients, constructing proper plans, and navigating various products and services. Beyond technical skills, I absorbed softer skills from successful mentors. I was like a sponge, learning everything I could for the initial four or five years, eventually transitioning into an independent consultant.”

“Where does passion come from?”

Evan's financial advisory services are rooted in a passion for addressing the immense void between clients’ financial needs and the industry's offered guidance.

When asked about the skills needed to perform excellent work in this industry, Evan recalls a story he read about a famous college football player named Myron Rolle. “While he was certainly a highly skilled athlete playing competitive football in the NCAA, he was also incredibly intelligent and aspired to become a neurosurgeon. He made history by being the first player ever to be drafted in the first round of the NFL and simultaneously become a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. While this young man was extraordinarily talented, what struck me about this article was a question posed during their initial discussions at Oxford, where they ask ‘Where does passion come from?’.

“They offer two choices,” Evan continues, “a burning desire to do something wonderful for the world, or a deep-seeded anger towards a type of injustice. The article highlights that the latter is most often the primary motivator for individuals. It's about recognizing something that isn't right and striving to correct that injustice.”

Evan views his business and practices the same way. “I perceive this industry as one where good people need advice, much like I did when entering this business, or like my parents did when we were growing up. They received minimal advice, just a very generic rundown of their performance.”

He recalls a time during his upbringing when his father was working hard to pay off their mortgage. Upon celebrating the news, they received a call from their financial institution regarding taking out a line of credit on their home. “There was no guidance, no planning, and no help. No one came over to our kitchen table to assist my parents in making sound decisions.”

“I've always recognized the immense gap between people's needs and the advice provided by the industry.”

Inclusive Financial Guidance and Value-Centric Planning

“It's been my mission not to turn people away,” Evan begins. “While this does not mean everyone I meet becomes a client, I choose to work with clients who I believe can benefit most from the advice I offer.”

Even for those who are just starting, Evan offers pro bono hours to help them create a plan and get on the right track. Rather than having an asset minimum, he and his team strive for a ‘capacity maximum’. In other words, it’s less about the money someone has and more about the perceived need and how much value financial advice can provide to a client.

“I pride myself on never leaving someone feeling ignored or discouraged by this industry when they're just starting, as this is a common occurrence,” he says. “There's a trend in this industry where people between the ages of 45 and 60, who have accumulated wealth, suddenly find the red carpet rolled out for them as they find themselves as proverbial big fish everyone pursues.”

Evan highlights this as a significant gap in the industry, affecting Canadians daily.

“It's not just the absence of advice, it's the lack of quality advice. Comprehensive financial planning is rare in the client’s experience, focusing more on asset accumulation rather than goal-based planning. We take the opposite approach. Offering detailed planning work upfront at no cost to the clients, we allow them to see the transparent value we provide so clients can make an informed decision about whether we’re the right team for them.”

His selective approach in choosing clients is based on mutual respect and compatibility rather than just financial standing. “While it may seem broad, I'm always open to initiating that initial conversation with anyone introduced to our practice. They may or may not be an ideal fit, but I'm willing to invest my time, even if it's just a few hours initially, to help steer their financial path or set them on the right track, ensuring they're in a better position in five or ten years regardless of whether they continue with our services or not.”

“I've found this approach to be a significant catalyst for our growth and success. While people might have existing relationships and may not immediately feel like making a change, they might consider it in the future. Nevertheless, I have no issue showcasing the work we do.”

Moreover, Evan and his team review each client’s plans multiple times a year, which he highlights as a rarity in this industry. “We follow through with what we say we’re supposed to do, ensuring consistency across all our clients.”

Nurturing Client Relationships Beyond Finance

Evan values client relationships deeply due to his commitment to transparency, empathy, and quality in the financial advisory sphere. He measures success not by conventional referral contests or aggressive marketing but by the quality of work that generates enthusiastic client referrals.

“It’s about the quality of our work being so high that a client feels compelled to praise our services,” he says. “Our business grows through satisfied clients who spread the word. Rather than bus bench ads or Facebook campaigns, we rely solely on satisfied clients who refer us to others.”

Evan and his team focus on fostering genuine connections with clients, going beyond mere professional dealings to understand their families and interests, and even creating friendships outside of work. “If I visit a client's home in the evening and see their children at the kitchen table, drawing or engaged in activities, recognizing me upon my arrival, and if we also share connections in the community, such as coaching sports teams where my kids are involved, it fosters a friendship that extends beyond our professional relationships.”

“I want clients to feel they can reach out to me at any time, day or night, if they have worries or concerns, knowing they'll have my undivided attention. Even the seemingly trivial matters are important to me– if there's any alteration in your life, I encourage clients to keep me updated.”

Addressing Unspoken Concerns and Fostering Transparent Client Relationships

With experience, Evan has learned that a major fear within client relationships often stems from unspoken questions or concerns lingering in the back of clients’ minds. He compares this to how many of us behaved in our high school classroom, where everyone shares the same question, but no one raises their hand.

“My biggest concern revolves around the possibility of overlooking something important,” Evan says. “Many people refrain from asking even the simplest questions due to fear of discovering unpleasant truths. Transparency is key in our client relationships, not just concerning the planning work but also regarding my compensation and fiduciary duties while working with them. Few truly understand how their advisors are compensated. In contrast, my clients are fully aware of how I am paid. They comprehend that the compensation I receive reflects a value that goes beyond mere payment.”

“There are no insignificant questions,” he says. “Alongside this, I believe that clients have grown accustomed to receiving the bare minimum level of service. That’s why I want people to demand more from the financial professionals they work with. I encourage people to hold me accountable and demand value.”

“I hope that when a client has such a question or worry, they feel comfortable mentioning it to me, knowing it will be respected and addressed without hesitation.”

Inspiring Growth: Mentorship and Community Support in Financial Leadership

When it comes to mentorship, Evan maintains the same stance as those who guided him early on in his career. “My door is always open, whether you’re just starting in this business or have been here for years and have questions– I am here as a resource.”

Nationally, Evan is recognized as one of the leaders in the financial industry, particularly in terms of developing and delivering high-quality plans for IG Wealth Management clients. “Many individuals reach out to discuss how they can elevate their services to their clients at that level. For those starting out, I offer guidance without expecting them to be in a management role or anything of that nature. I try my best to offer support, lending a listening ear or offering advice on tough days.”

Taking advantage of any opportunity to give back, Evan has engaged in numerous seminars across the country, collaborating with other directors and planners. He holds the belief that by fostering respect and enhancing client relationships, the entire industry could undergo a positive transformation.

Evan has also been involved in several initiatives at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, focusing on financial planning case studies for students pursuing finance degrees. “I aim to offer feedback, participate in their projects, and guide them to inform them about career paths within this industry.”

“I've also mentored individuals who work with specific subsets in their markets, such as newer immigrants to Canada.” Leveraging his wife’s Ukranian background, Evan guides immigrants arriving from Ukraine to help them establish themselves financially. “We've also supported clients who sponsor families by offering guidance on basic banking and navigating the system, aiding them in settling down,” he says.

Evan's involvement extends beyond professional realms, dedicating time and effort to charitable causes. He actively participates in various philanthropic endeavours, supporting children's charities like the Children's Wish Foundation, Foothills Hospital Cardiac Sciences, and initiatives like 'Given by All,' showcasing a personal commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Crafting Harmony Between Career Success and Family Priorities

Evan's approach to work-life balance revolves around a meticulously structured schedule that he's refined over the years.

Having once worked 70-80 hours every week, Evan has readjusted his lifestyle after COVID-19, allowing for more time to prioritize his wife and kids. “The pandemic forced a major life change,” he says. “It was a wake-up call that transformed how I operate. These 40 weeks per year are the sole times for client interaction. Our scheduling is entirely digital whereby clients receive a calendar link and book slots in unchanging blocks throughout the year. If meetings fall outside these blocks, we willingly adjust.”

“When I'm off the clock, I completely disconnect. I dedicate as much time as possible to my wife and kids. I pride myself on attending every event and being present for my family—these aspects are truly important to me.” Beyond his home life, Evan also indulges in his love for golf and playing baseball with a group of lifelong friends.

Evan acknowledges that the balance is not a solo effort. “I have an incredible team,” he says. “Anything I've achieved is not solely due to my intelligence. It's borrowed, stolen, and absorbed from the brilliant minds at IG Wealth Management I have had the honour to work with. My associate, Raylene, is truly amazing. They liberate me to do what I’m good at. These efforts run both ways too, as I recognize their need for work-life balance. So, we’ve fostered a flexible schedule for the time.”

After all this time, Evan reflects on his starting point with IG Wealth Management well over a decade ago. “This team believed in me when no one else did. After a period in 2008 where companies turned me down, many of them now reach out asking if I’m looking to make a change. However, my answer remains the same… I’m not going anywhere.”

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Evan Inglis, CFP, RRC

Executive Financial Consultant

IG Wealth Management

Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

Brookfield Place

Unit 900 - 225 6 Ave SW

Calgary, AB T2P 1N2

403.284.0494 (ext: 305)

evan.inglis@ig.ca