“We do our own research instead of relying on research by a broker/dealer. Our goals are broader,” he said. “We are a fiduciary, which requires full disclosure. It raises the level of trust.”

Creech said he proposed the new business model as he became increasingly uncomfortable with the conflict of interest with commissions. “The brokers are still agents of the broker dealer. They represent the firm that pays them,” he said. “The clients they owe a duty to is corporate America.”

Creech completed additional courses in fiduciary responsibilities, and in 2002 became certified as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. He is also a Registered Investment Fiduciary.

Investor Resources has been ranked as one of the nation’s top independent advisors. For four consecutive years, the company was named as top wealth manager by the Bloomberg Wealth Manager Magazine. Earlier this year, the firm was admitted to the Paladin Registry, which limits admission to the country’s top 10 percent of financial advisers based on integrity, competency and risk factors.

Investor Resources oversees more than $66 million in client assets. Being registered as an independent adviser with the Securities Exchange Commission means Investor Resources Inc. is not limited just one financial institution, like stock brokers are.

“One of the things we do different is provide a broad range of institutional-level portfolios,” Creech said.

Creech said there are always challenges, every day. “The biggest challenge is helping clients keep a perspective on long-term goals and not make decisions based on today’s market,” he said. “Our job is to help them not make major mistakes.”

The primary goal for Investor Resources is to make a positive difference in their clients’ lives, Creech said. That means helping them outline their priorities, what’s important to them, and how to achieve that. As a consultant, the company’s role is to oversee the financial management details so the clients can be free to spend their time on family activities, travel, hobbies, volunteering, or other things important to them.

Creech himself leads by example when it comes to one of those values—community service. He is actively involved with the elder board of Christ the Rock Community Church. His company sponsors several community groups and events, including South Kitsap Helpline, the Performing Arts Guild of South Kitsap and Fathoms O’Fun.