Chris Cercy,CFP®
Chris holds the title of Certified Financial Planner™ and is a managing partner of Fierce Financial Group. After earning his degree in finance while studying economics and mathematics, Chris embarked on a mission to uncover the inner workings of traditional, big-box investment firms. Surprisingly, Chris discovered advisors who often prioritized commissions over clients' financial well-being. Instead of seeing this as a setback, Chris seized the opportunity to create a firm that empowers clients and always places their interests first. With the help of his former college professor and mentor, Fierce Financial Group was born— a wealth management firm that champions transparency, focuses on the details, and sweeps away conflicts of interest (commission-based financial products) that typically compromise investment advice.
Beyond the world of finance, Chris is an enthusiastic golfer and a fiercely competitive runner. As a passionate and lifelong learner, he’s often found absorbed in a book when not crunching numbers. His love for travel takes him around the world, embracing new experiences and strengthening relationships with clients. Chris truly embodies Fierce’s mantra of going the extra mile, whether it's working with clients, running, or on the golf course.
Alex Kondeas, PhD, CFA®, CFP®
Alex has achieved the coveted titles of Chartered Financial Analyst® and Certified Financial Planner™ and is a managing partner of Fierce Financial Group. Previously, Alex was a tenured professor and Chair of the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). Alex was also the Coordinator of WSSU’s CFP® Board-registered program in Personal Financial Planning, and Director of the WSSU Center for Excellence in Financial Services. He earned a Ph.D in Economics and graduate degrees in both Economics and Finance. Alex has published many articles related to investing and economics and has written finance textbooks for various universities. Alex has taught finance for more than two decades and has trained many financial advisors over the years.
As a proud alum, Alex is a die-hard Auburn fan and closely follows college football and basketball. Alex is also a 3rd degree Tae-Kwon-Do black belt and level 2 specialty certified trainer and has studied martial arts for over 20 years.
True Fiduciaries
At Fierce, we always prioritize our clients' best interests. Just as doctors focus on their patients' overall health rather than selling medications, Fierce does not sell financial products. Instead, we act as stewards of our clients' wealth, dedicated to their financial well-being…
At Fierce, our primary aim is to prioritize clients' needs and interests, ensuring they receive the best possible financial advice at all times. The following is a summary of the four duties we uphold:
1. Fiduciary Duty
As CFP® professionals, we are obligated to always act in our clients' best interests. This fiduciary duty, which previously applied only when providing financial planning or essential elements of it, now extends to all instances when we provide financial advice. We strive to meet the broad definition of this duty under the CFP® Board's new fiduciary standard, aligning our practices with traditional fiduciary law.
2. Duty of Loyalty
Our relationship with you, the client, is one of trust. As your fiduciary, we are required to act with loyalty and devotion, prioritizing your interests above ours, our firm's, or any other individual or entity. If there are times when our interests conflict with yours, these conflicts will be fully disclosed. Your informed consent will be sought and any conflict "properly managed" to ensure that we continue to act in your best interests, even after the conflict has been disclosed.
3. Duty of Care
We are committed to act with the care, skill, and diligence of a prudent professional. This responsibility means that we take into account your risk tolerance, objectives, and both your financial and personal circumstances when providing you with financial advice.
4. Duty to Follow Client Instructions
We are obligated to carry out the terms of our engagement with you and will honor all of your reasonable and lawful requests. If we perceive that your request may not be in your best interest, we will advise you accordingly. However, we recognize that you, the client, always have the final say.
