A Turning Point in Independence: How Benedict Lee Elevated His Practice at Victory Financial

When Benedict decided to join Victory Financial, it marked more than a career transition; it was a turning point. After nearly a decade in the traditional broker-dealer model, Benedict wanted the freedom to serve clients without limitations. One year later, his results speak for themselves.

Benedict began his career in financial planning in 2015 with a large corporate firm, where he built a strong foundation in insurance-based planning and client service. But over time, he recognized the limits of a proprietary system—every recommendation tied back to a product. Transaction costs were high, and innovation felt constrained.

“The corporate firm gave me the fundamentals,” Benedict shared, “but I reached a point where I needed more flexibility to offer clients what truly fit their goals, not just what fit the company’s framework.”

That desire led him to Victory Financial. After evaluating multiple firms, he chose Victory Financial for its independence, transparency, and advisor-first culture, qualities he credits to Founder Jeff Davidson’s vision and the firm’s open-architecture platform.

Clients Before Everything

Transitioning client relationships is never easy, but Benedict’s experience defied expectations. Nearly every client followed him to Victory, proof that loyalty lies with the advisor, not the brand on the business card.

With the support of Victory Financial’s operations and custodial teams, his onboarding process was efficient and well-organized. He praised the strong partnership with custodial providers and the streamlined workflow that minimized friction for clients.

Breakthrough Year

Benedict’s first year as an independent advisor has been a milestone. His income increased by more than four times compared to his highest year at his previous firm. That increase, he says, reflects not just new clients but the greater revenue share and flexibility of the independent model.

“The compensation difference alone, often 25 to 30 percent higher per business line, makes a huge impact,” Benedict explained. “But the real change is in how I serve clients. I now have access to better planning strategies, and I can build holistic plans without limits.”

Since joining Victory Financial, Benedict has expanded his retirement and tax-planning capabilities, focusing on tax-free income strategies, Roth conversions, and efficient withdrawal sequencing. His planning depth has translated into stronger client outcomes and more proactive advice. Most of his new clients now come through referrals, a testament to the trust he has built over 11 years in the industry.

“Victory Financial’s structure gives advisors the time and tools to deepen relationships,” said Jeff Davidson, Founder of Victory Financial. “Benedict’s growth reflects both his commitment and the power of independence when it’s done right.”

Advice for Advisors Considering Independence

For advisors evaluating the transition, Benedict offers straightforward advice: “The first few months are demanding with long hours and paperwork, but after that, it’s worth it. Your work is truly yours.”

He also encourages new advisors to lean into the community and collaboration that Victory Financial provides. From peer-learning sessions to firm conferences, advisors are encouraged to share best practices and business-building ideas.

With a growing client base, stronger income, and a platform that aligns with his values, Benedict's first year at Victory Financial has been transformative. As Jeff Davidson noted, “Benedict’s story represents exactly what we want for every advisor: a breakthrough year built on hard work, great relationships, and the freedom to serve clients the right way.”

At Victory Financial, that freedom isn’t the exception; it’s the expectation.

Interested in building your practice with more flexibility and ownership? Learn more about Victory Financial’s advisor platform.