Drew Watson is once again at the top of his field, and he said staying there takes more work than getting there.
Watson, a private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial, was ranked No. 1 in Kentucky on Barron’s “Top 1,500 Financial Advisors” list for the second consecutive year. Combined with similar rankings from Forbes, it marks the third time in three years he has held the No. 1 spot in the state.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Watson said. “It’s a good feeling for the work that we’ve been doing for a lot of clients and their families.”
Now in his 32nd year in the business, Watson said the recognition reflects not just performance metrics, but the long-term relationships that have defined his practice — many of which now span multiple generations.
“We’ve been working with several third-generation clients now,” he said. “That’s a really big deal.”
That continuity, he said, has been built on a consistent approach centered on advice, transparency, and accessibility.
“We’ve really done this by providing advice and value in every meeting,” Watson said. “I always say that if you’re not paying for advice, you’re not getting advice.”
Watson said his firm has carved out a niche working with clients in specific industries — including natural gas pipeline companies and other large employers — and has grown largely through referrals. At the same time, Watson pointed to the firm’s investment performance as a key factor in its continued success.
“We’ve done a phenomenal job with the money management side. We know what our numbers are versus not just Ameriprise benchmarks, but industry-wide. I think seven out of 12 of our models are in the top one percentile, and then a couple others are in the top 10,” he said. “We’ve really done our own thing, and it’s worked out great for our clients.”
But with that success has come increased demand.
“I’m working more now than I did three years ago,” Watson said. “It’s every bit as much work to stay on top as it is to get to the top.”
Watson said he still handles a full schedule of client meetings — often around 24 per week — while also focusing on growing the firm, including recruiting and developing younger advisors.
“We’ve got a fantastic young advisor program,” he said. “We’ve brought a lot of smart young people into the business, and we’re looking to continue that growth both in and outside of Owensboro.”
Even as the business expands, Watson said maintaining a personal connection with clients remains essential. That includes being available when it matters most.
“If something happens, I’m not one to shy away from calling them,” he said. “Even if it’s 6:30 or 7 at night, or early on a Sunday morning, if I know something’s important.”
That approach extends beyond routine meetings, particularly during times of uncertainty. Watson said communication is key when markets are volatile or global events create concern.
“We are very approachable and visible all the time, not just when things are going great,” he said. “We know people are concerned.”
Recent geopolitical tensions, including conflict in the Middle East, have been top of mind for many clients, he said. But Watson said his role is to help clients stay focused while also identifying opportunities.
“Disruptions like this will create even more opportunities than we probably even can consider right now,” he said. “We just keep doing what we do, really don’t worry about what the competition does.”
Watson said that the perspective of balancing long-term strategy with responsiveness is part of a broader philosophy he and his team have built over time.
“Our corporate values are transparency and liquidity,” he said. “People know where they stand at all times.”
That philosophy also includes preparing clients for life’s unexpected moments — from health issues to business transitions — something Watson said resonates with many of the families he serves.
“Our motto here is ‘life happens,’” he said. “We’ve ingrained that into clients, that we have a plan for those situations.”
Despite the demands of the job, Watson said what continues to drive him is the ability to make a meaningful impact in clients’ lives, often in moments that matter most.
“This is a business where you can come in and sit down at your desk and really help people out in just a few minutes,” he said. “That’s meaningful work you can do.”
Looking ahead, Watson said the goal is to continue expanding the firm, developing younger advisors, and maintaining the level of service that has defined his career.
“We want to take this to a different level,” he said.
He also emphasized that the recognition is shared across his team and clients.
“I want to thank my team, my wife Stacy and my family for supporting this, and most importantly, the clients,” Watson said. “I’ve got clients that have been with me the whole time. That says a lot about what we’ve been able to do. We’ve been blessed to have fantastic clients. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible.”
