Our History
Clear Vision. Focused Service.
Founding Partners
Jim Hudson began his retirement plan specialization in the early 1980s while pursuing his career as a Certified Public Accountant. During this time, Jim became known as a specialist in this highly technical field. He was directly responsible for developing and managing a large retirement plan practice before founding July in 1994.
John Humphrey also began his career as a Certified Public Accountant, providing tax consulting services with a large accounting firm before specializing in retirement plan administration. John co-founded July in 1994.
Getting Started
July began operations in 1994, with no clients and a small professional office suite. During the early years, management worked to develop strategic business partnerships, hire key employees, and create business processes and procedures. The firm's marketing efforts resulted in important referral relationships, including investment advisors, mutual fund companies, banks, and brokerage firms. These relationships helped to create modest growth over the first several years. By the end of 1996, July had more than 250 retirement plan clients and 5 employees.
Building Our Team
From 1996 through 2000, July experienced an increased growth rate and added a number of key employees and partnerships. During this time, company management accomplished the following key objectives:
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Developed Foundation for Employee Culture |
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Improved Efficiency of Service Delivery |
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Implemented New Business Team |
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Created Client Consulting Teams |
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Created ERISA Consulting Team |
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Created Dedicated Distribution Team |
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Promoted Blake Willis to Partner & CAO |
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Added and Developed Key Employees |
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Improved Marketing & Sales Presence |
Building Strategic Partnerships
Relationships were formed with several key financial partners, including American Funds, MFS, First Mercantile, Hartford, ING, Manulife, and others. These relationships continue to benefit July clients by providing them with diversified investment options and automated plan recordkeeping services. By the end of 2000, July served more than 600 retirement plan clients and had approximately 15 employees.
Recent History: Expanding Services
Since 2000, July has continued to experience an increased rate of growth and has maintained good client retention statistics resulting from our efficient service, depth of technical knowledge, and friendly service team. The employee-friendly culture has created low turnover and high employee satisfaction. Other significant accomplishments since 2000, include the following:
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Expanded Office Facilities |
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Expanded Employee Training Program |
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Improved Technology with Added IT Staff |
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Added Dedicated Sales Department |
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Started Daily Recordkeeping Services |
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Opened Dallas & Houston Offices |
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Started Payroll Outsourcing Services |
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Started Cafeteria Plan Administration Services |