Throughout their history, financial markets have experienced their share of ups and downs. Steve Harrison has advised clients through nearly two decades of those market cycles, and he knows how difficult it can be to stick to your investment plan when the markets struggle through one of their inevitable down periods. 

However, Steve also knows how important it is for investors to stay calm, no matter the market conditions, and to maintain a level-headed focus on their long-term financial health. He considers it a particular point of pride that his clients have not only thrived in bull markets but weathered sluggish markets and emerged on the other side well-positioned for the next market climb.

“I’ve gone through several different market cycles and understand how to keep each cycle in perspective,” Steve says. “It’s important to us that our clients feel comfortable working with us in any market environment. We want to keep them invested and to ease their minds about the path they’ve taken. I can’t tell you how many times clients have told me, ‘Boy, I’m glad we stayed calm and stuck to the plan.’”

Steve says he considers it a special privilege to help clients pursue their dreams of a comfortable retirement.

We have such a strong family environment here, and I knew it would be an incredible opportunity to work directly with clients and help put financial plans in place that would really make a difference in their lives.

“It’s very rewarding to help our clients meet these goals that they’ve had for years for themselves,” Steve says. “To be able to help them retire and really let them know that they can do it, we have an opportunity to put them at ease about their future. Seeing their excitement when they see things fall into place is a really great feeling.” 

Clients consistently relay to Steve that they are impressed with the Harris Financial Group team’s experience and attention to detail — “I’ve had clients say, ‘You guys know more about my retirement plan than when I call the benefits center at work,’” Steve says – and he thrives in the ever-changing, ever-evolving world of finance, embracing the fluid nature of the laws and guidelines that govern investment tools.

“It’s important to always be learning in this business and always be on top of the latest developments,” Steve says.

Steve has served two stints at Harris Financial Group. After graduating from William and Mary in 1997, he worked as an intern at the firm under the tutelage of its founder, Bob Harris. Steve knew he wanted to pursue a career in finance, and he gained valuable experience with Harris before taking a job at American Funds, one of the largest family of funds in the country. In his position there, he underwent an intensive education on the varieties of retirement funds, eventually becoming an expert who helped advisors with their questions about the American Funds plans. He enjoyed the job, but when Harris offered him a chance to return to his firm full-time Steve leapt at the opportunity.

“This was the one place I would have left American Funds for,” Steve says. “We have such a strong family environment here, and I knew it would be an incredible opportunity to work directly with clients and help put financial plans in place that would really make a difference in their lives.”

Outside of work, Steve often finds himself attending the athletic contests of his daughter (softball) and son (baseball). A passionate fan of Washington, D.C.’s sports teams, he also travels frequently with his wife, Teresa, and children to D.C. to cheer at various sporting events.

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