Branching Out: How Growth in Schwab’s Retail Branch Network Fuels Advisor Careers.
By: Beau H., Sr Content Manager
At Schwab, meaningful client relationships are at the heart of everything we do—and nowhere is that more evident than in our retail branches. As client needs evolve and more individuals seek trusted financial guidance, our branch network continues to grow. This growth doesn’t just benefit clients—it opens the door for advisors to build rewarding careers in wealth management.
For professionals who thrive on connection, Schwab’s retail branches offer a unique chance to engage with clients on a deeper level. Advisors in our branches do more than deliver financial advice—they become a trusted resource for their clients, helping them navigate the markets and reach their financial goals. And as more clients seek advice, many are referred into Schwab Wealth Advisory (SWA), creating even more career growth opportunity for new talent and current employees.
"One thing I love about Schwab is that you can build a full career here—from your first day to retirement—and keep growing along the way." - Bridgett C.
In this blog, we’ll explore how our branch model supports client success—and how its growth creates exciting career pathways for the next generation of Schwab advisors.
Q&A with Bridgett C., Manager, Client Relationship Support - Branch Network
You went from a Client Relationship Support (CRS) role in the branch to a Financial Consultant (FC) capacity, then back to service as a Client Relationship Manager (CRM) - how does your experience shape your approach to client relationships today?
Bridgett: I’ve always been interested in the compliance and audit side of the branch—making sure everything runs smoothly and that we’re doing right by our clients and our teams. Even as an FC, I found joy in supporting my colleagues and helping them problem-solve. That naturally led me to the CRM role, where I get to do that every day.
What’s great is that I still interact with clients regularly, so it really is the best of both worlds. Having been an FC, I understand the challenges and expectations of the role. That insight helps me communicate more effectively, especially when guiding team members on compliance or process updates. I know where they’re coming from, and that helps me support them in a more meaningful way.
How did working in a Schwab branch help you connect with clients on a deeper level? Can you share an example of a time that connection made a difference?
Bridgett: Absolutely. One recent example stands out—we had a client who was unknowingly being targeted by fraud. My team noticed some red flags, escalated it, and worked with the client to help them understand the situation and take steps to protect themselves. We were able to stop it before more damage was done and educate the client for the future. That kind of impact means everything.
Beyond that, many of our FCs work with ultra-high-net-worth clients, and sometimes their needs are complex. In those situations, I tap into my network across Schwab to bring in the right people and think creatively about solutions. It’s about being a true partner to the client.
Schwab’s branch network continues to grow. From your perspective, how has that growth impacted the types of conversations you’re having with clients?
Bridgett: As the branch network grows, we’re seeing a wider range of clients walk through our doors—from those just getting started to those with more complex financial needs. That growth has really expanded the scope of our conversations. It’s not just about account setup or basic transactions—it’s about understanding the full financial picture.
With more resources and specialists available through our expanded network, we’re able to collaborate more closely and connect clients to the right expertise faster. That means we can focus more on listening and identifying opportunities to add value, rather than just solving a single issue. It’s deepened the level of engagement we have with clients and made those conversations more meaningful.
Many clients come to Schwab with evolving needs—how does your role support them in identifying when they may benefit from advisory services like SWA?
Bridgett: In my current role, I coach our Client Relationship Support (CRS) team to look for opportunities to connect clients with deeper levels of support. That means asking good questions, being curious, and identifying needs clients might not even realize they have. We help spark those conversations and guide clients to sit down with a consultant, who can then take a deeper dive. That initial engagement makes all the difference. It’s about curiosity and awareness. I encourage my team to stay informed about the full range of what Schwab offers and to listen for cues during everyday interactions. If a client comes in for a basic request, we might uncover a more complex need—and that’s where we can connect them with an advisor who may introduce SWA. Even if we’re not the ones delivering the advice directly, we play a key role in getting clients the help they need.
What makes the Schwab client experience in the branch different from what you’ve seen elsewhere in the industry?
Bridgett: We genuinely care about our clients—it’s as simple as that. That sense of care is consistent across the board and is something you feel the moment you walk into a Schwab branch. Our team takes pride in creating a welcoming space that’s both professional and comfortable. We’re not focused on sales—we’re focused on doing what’s right for the client. That trust is foundational to the experience we deliver.
What kind of development programs or support did you take advantage of while in the branch? How did those prepare you for your current role?
Bridgett: When I joined Schwab, I was fortunate to receive support in getting licensed. I earned my Series 7 and 66, and leaned on my local team for mentorship along the way. I also had access to leadership development programs and joined a women’s networking group, which gave me exposure to leaders across Schwab and helped me envision my future here.
I’m currently participating in the Aspiring Leader Program, which has already been incredibly valuable. There are so many resources available at Schwab, and the culture here truly supports internal mobility. If you want to grow—whether that’s within your current role or by exploring something new—there are people and programs here to help you do that.
Schwab emphasizes both service and advice—how have you seen that dual focus play out in your own career path?
Bridgett: During my time as both a CRS and an FC, I saw that dual focus firsthand. We always meet the client’s immediate service need—but then we take it further. Often, clients don’t know what questions to ask or what options are available. That’s where advice comes in. We look beyond the transaction to understand what truly matters to the client, and then tailor solutions to meet those goals. It’s not one-size-fits-all—it’s personalized, and that makes all the difference.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a Financial Consultant in a Schwab branch who’s thinking about long-term growth?
Bridgett: Stay curious and explore all the opportunities Schwab has to offer. Reflect on what parts of your role energize you the most, and use that as a guide for your future path. Whether you want to grow into leadership, explore a different department, or stay on the FC track and move up through the levels, there’s a path for you.
One thing I love about Schwab is that you can build a full career here—from your first day to retirement—and keep growing along the way. You’re never stuck. There’s always a way forward, and the support system to help you get there.
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