Mastering the Market
Noah Perry, accredited asset management specialist, a financial advisor at Raymond James, might never have realized his passion for finance were it not for a simulated stock market project he participated in during his senior year at Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock.
“Each student managed their own portfolio and competed to grow their balance,” he said. “That sparked a lasting curiosity about investing and how money can work on our behalf.”
He went on to study finance and marketing at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The summer before his senior year, he visited Raymond James in Memphis, one of the firm’s largest branches, which he joined soon after graduation last year.
“What really drew me to Raymond James was the combination of the people I met and the culture. I was very impressed by the character of the advisors I met in Memphis and those here in Little Rock who I already knew had built their career with Raymond James,” he said. “The firm offers the best of both worlds. It’s a personalized, small-business feel, but it’s backed by Wall Street capabilities and resources of any big bank in the country.”
As a 23-year-old financial advisor, he said his age can pose a challenge when it comes to attracting clients who prioritize experience, but he prefers to view his youth as an opportunity.
“I have a lot of energy, a long-term perspective and a commitment to growing alongside people throughout their careers,” he said. “Additionally, as older financial advisors retire, I have the opportunity to guide [clients] and their children through times like that. I’ll often tell people that they’re likely going to retire before I do, and that offers peace of mind.”
The key to early career success, he added, comes down to a few simple principles executed consistently: staying informed about current events and how they affect markets, interest rates and the broader economy; being intentional about being responsive to clients and maintaining proactive communication; and understanding the importance of patience and persistence.
“Persistence and patience are critical,” he said. “I’ve learned that results do not always come immediately, especially in this business, but trusting that my consistent efforts will compound over time allows me to stay at it when things get a little slow.”
He said he views his role as part financial advisor and part therapist. Money is an emotional topic for clients, he said, and especially when markets are down, it is important they have someone who can reassure them and encourage them to be consistent with their investments.
“I talk with clients during all market conditions, but when the market is down, clients really appreciate a phone call from their financial advisor, explaining what’s happening, how it affects their investments and what needs to be done moving forward,” he said. “Oftentimes, it’s just to remain calm and stick to the plan we put in place. That reassurance goes a long way.”
He advised young adults to start investing, stay consistent and take advantage of compounding interest. He encouraged investors of all ages to periodically review spending to determine what additional funds they may be able to put toward their investments or other areas of interest.
Now back in Little Rock, he said he plans to earn his Certified Financial Planner designation and continue building his reputation as a trusted financial advisor while also getting more involved in the community and his alma maters.
“There’s so much happening right now with artificial intelligence and technology, and so I’m getting into the business at an interesting time,” he said. “I’m just fascinated with what I’m able to learn and what I’m also able to gather from the people I talk to who do different things. That’s honestly what I enjoy most about what I do is meeting new people and hearing their stories.”
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