Ark Financial Group Continues To Expand In Austin

Ark Financial Group, an Austin-based financial advising company, has moved to North Austin.

Company partner Jeff Socha is spearheading the transition from 6200 Bridgepoint Parkway to 3520 Executive Center Drive.

“I’m excited for this move,” Socha said in a statement. “It is symbolic of our company’s growth, from sole proprietor to thriving business. We’re going to be doing big things in Austin, specifically for business owners.”

So what does it take to grow a financial startup in Austin? For Socha, it’s takes a lifetime of passion partnered with business skills from childhood experience. 

“I’ve always had a passion for finance and helping people,” Socha told Patch. “I was raised in San Angelo, TX, and was a part of my family-owned construction company that’s still open today. Having those roots of being apart of family-owned private business helped me to connect with advising.”

• Want more North Austin and Pflugerville news? Click here for our daily newsletter and news alerts.

This connection between knowing what it’s like to run a business and understanding the financial needs behind it is what Socha believes serves as a niche that differentiates the company from other businesses.

“Most companies in the area most don’t have the personal business background, so they don’t understand how the businesses really works from inside out,” said Socha. “Entrepreneurs recognize that lack of connection immediately, and they’re desperate for something different. When you have that reduced competition, it’s easier to grow because there’s demand.”

The startup, which was founded in 2010, works with nearly 500 clients worldwide. The 12 person team specializes in taxes, cash management and succession planning. Oakwell Private Wealth Management, a partner of the company, is in the same complex as the new location, giving Ark Financial the opportunity to expand its services without bringing in in-house staff.

“Entrepreneurs are up and down because there are so many ideas and opportunities that they’re chasing,” said Socha. “They have more ideas than time and money, which is where we come in to help them manage it all.”

Ark Financial has already received a number of awards, including the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Quality Award. That success is just a starting point for Socha, though. 

“We still view ourselves as a startup company. There’s so much growth to do and so much ahead of us.”

[Photo: Ark Financial Group]