Associate Testimonials
Gordon Wilkerson
Financial Advisor
Why were you looking to leave your old firm?
"Our team was seeking to join a firm that would better support the growth of our business, enable us to expand our team and create a strong succession plan. Meanwhile, the lackluster operational support at our old firm made it difficult for us to provide superior service to our clients."
What about Baird was appealing to you?
"We had gotten to know many advisors in the Owensboro branch and observed their visibility in the community and support of local non-profit organizations."
What were the deciding factors that lead you to join Baird?
"Rick Hobgood spent countless hours introducing us to Baird and answering our questions. We liked the idea of joining an employee-owned firm and felt confident that our clients would be well served. Support during our transition was unbelievable."
Curtis Hamilton
Financial Advisor
Why were you looking to leave your old firm?
"My previous firm repeatedly found itself in the headlines for some of their banking practices. Sometimes my clients would joke about it, asking 'So what did you do this time?' But over time, that firm's reputational damage was starting to creep into my client relationships—those headlines were beginning to erode the years of trust I had built up with my clients.I never thought I would ever switch firms, but then it occurred to me: 'How do I know if there's anything better out there if I don't perform my own due diligence?'"
What about Baird was appealing to you?
"Owensboro is a small town, and I knew many of the advisors who worked at Baird (Hilliard Lyons at that time). In talking with them about their experiences there, it just reminded me of the smaller companies I worked with early in my career, where the people you worked with every day were friends as much as colleagues. And it you ever need help at Baird you could actually speak with someone about it."
"Also, the fact they were employee-owned and having the opportunity to invest in the company myself was really appealing to me. When you have your own dollars invested in the company, you want it to be a success, which just puts a greater emphasis on putting the client first and doing what's right."
What were the deciding factors that lead you to join Baird?
"What clinched it for me was my desire to have my son join the business -it would not only be good for the two of us, but it would allow us to expand our business and capabilities and provide my clients with continuity when I decide to retire.
Many financial services firms—including my previous one—aren't especially receptive to that idea. But Baird was not that way at all—when I broached the idea, they said they actually encouraged advisors to bring on the next generation to take over the business someday."
Trey Owen
Student Worker: February 25 – May 25
Summer Intern: May 25 – August 25
Why Did You Choose this Internship?
“I chose this internship because I wanted to explore a potential career path in private wealth management and had heard great things from previous interns about their experience at Baird. This internship helped my professional growth by being one of the first experiences where my work truly felt meaningful and valued. It also opened my eyes to new career possibilities. I hadn’t expected to consider private wealth management, but after this experience, it’s high on my list. I enjoyed working with people the most, especially getting to build relationships and be involved in client-facing work. The culture at Baird is tight-knit and welcoming. Everyone feels more like friends than coworkers and is always willing to help. The team dynamics were unique too, it felt like working with five different companies because each team had its own style and approach."
What Would You Tell Others About This Internship?
"I would absolutely recommend this internship. It gives you a full picture of not only private wealth management but also Baird’s culture and the finance industry as a whole. My advice for future interns is to ask questions and take advantage of every learning opportunity while you’re there.
What are Your Plans For the Future?
After graduation, I plan to begin my career in either public accounting or private wealth management.”
John Michael Frey
Summer Intern May 25 – August 25
Why Did You Choose this Internship?
“I chose to apply for Baird's Private Wealth Management Internship in Owensboro due to my interest in wealth management, familiarity with some associates at the branch, and being born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky. Interning at Baird contributed to my professional growth by vastly expanding my network through the connections I made with other interns, while in Milwaukee for Re:Union, and with the associates in my home branch. What I enjoyed most about interning for Baird was the family aspect of the branch, being able to be excited to come to work every day because I never knew what the day may bring, our intern and service projects, and also the trip to Milwaukee. Even though there are five separate groups, everyone is conjoined and willing to help others when needed, the Baird Difference truly shows itself in our branch and made me feel right at home from day one stepping into the office and not knowing what to expect."
What Would You Tell Others About This Internship?
"I would absolutely recommend this internship to others (at least 5 people have messaged, emailed, texted, called me about this internship within the last few weeks) because I learned more about how to communicate professionally while maintaining a casual relationship with a client, which I think is EXTREMELY important in this business. One tip I would give to future interns is to keep a list of connections (I started on day one) with their phone, email, etc.) to constantly check in with even after the summer is over to keep your connection with them.
What are Your Plans For the Future?
Following my graduation in May 2026, I will be enrolling in the University of Kentucky's full-time, one-year MBA program beginning in June with completion in April of 2027!”
Lily Martin
Summer Intern: May 23 – August 23
Student Worker: December 23 – January 24
Why Did You Choose this Internship?
“My internship at Baird helped confirm my passion for financial planning and gave me a clearer understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of an advisor. I gained valuable technical experience working with client reports, financial plans, and developed key soft skills like communication and teamwork. This experience helped me feel more confident pursuing a career in wealth management and ultimately led me to continue building on those skills in my current role post-graduation. I most enjoyed the team environment and how approachable and supportive everyone was. The advisors and staff truly took time to mentor me, explain their processes, and involve me in meaningful projects. I also appreciated that the office encouraged curiosity—questions were always welcomed, which made it an ideal learning environment."
What Would You Tell Others About This Internship?
"I would highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in financial planning or wealth management. It offers exposure to both the technical and relationship sides of the business in a supportive setting. My advice to future interns would be to take initiative, ask questions, and stay curious—there’s so much you can learn from the advisors around you if you show genuine interest and effort.”