This month Forbes Announced their Top 100 Financial Security Professionals in America. WestPac is honored and pleased to announce that out of 35,465 qualifying nominations, Aleksandar Jakovljevic was selected as one of the Top 100 Advisors in America... what an incredible honor! But this is NOT an article about accolades and awards, rather it is a message of overcoming difficult circumstances and how we are stronger when working together as a team.
Every man of honor has an Origin Story. What pushed them to become better, and reach a higher level of achievement? It originates from overcoming challenging moments. Experiences that break many and make only the select few. Frequently the story is about the person and the team of people who helped them make the impossible possible. This is one of those stories.
Growing up in Serbia, Aleks’ life was much like many others; that is, until he lost his father at an incredibly young age. It was close friends and family that made it possible for him to get through this extremely challenging time. By surrounding himself with good people he found the strength to overcome a tragic loss. This unforeseen event led him to a different team. One on the basketball court. What first started as a meaningful distraction, soon became a meaningful passion. This passion eventually won him a scholarship to play basketball in the United States.
It was here in the U.S. that Aleks found an unexpected love. Finance. After his graduation from Hawaii Pacific University an opportunity to further his studies arose. He later attended the London School of Economics after earning his prestigious master's degree in finance.
Aleks' desire to continually invest in his education is truly a testament to Aleks' ambition and work ethic. His drive to make a positive impact on those around him is just one of the many reasons he has become the advisor he is today and what sets him apart from the rest. Aleks has truly helped curate and cultivate the culture of service here at WestPac.
While it is a tremendous accomplishment for anyone to be named in Forbes, we at WestPac knew it was only a matter of time before Aleks graced this list. A person who lives their life as Aleks does is bound to be noticed and formally recognized.
To say we are extremely proud of Aleks and the work he does would be an understatement. We are grateful to be associated with a man of his character. Aleks joined Westpac in 2009 and in 13 years he has become one of Forbes' top 100 Financial Security Professionals for 2022. We are incredibly proud of him and his team. We look forward to many more years of friendship as they continue to make a positive impact in this world.