Impact Communications: Where Discernment, Dedication and Drive Create Impact
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At Impact Communications, culture is more than a buzzword – it’s the foundation of how we serve our clients. Rooted in our 3D Framework – Dedicated, Discerning, and Driven – our approach combines deep industry knowledge with strategic discipline and a genuine commitment to helping fiduciary-minded professionals and allied institutions stand out.
The FAQ section below should answer a number of your questions regarding who we are, who we serve and why, our unique value proposition, and so forth. At the end of the day, good companies are grounded on principle, leadership, and people. At Impact Communications, it all boils down to a thoughtfully-created culture. |
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Culture isn’t just about camaraderie – it’s about purpose, performance, and people. We are collaborative, collegial, and deeply committed to teamwork. Our firm brings intention and intelligence to every engagement, with professionals who are not only smart and skilled, but also thoughtful in how they work and communicate.
We are both strategists and implementors. If you are looking for an all-star team of thought partners and collaborators, Impact Communications, Inc – founded by industry influential and thought leader Marie Swift in 1993 – could be the perfect fit.
If you are looking for a group of junior people sitting in cubicles or in their home office locations doing mindless work for clients they don’t really know and understand, we’re definitely not a fit.
We believe in doing meaningful work that gets results. That means content and campaigns that not only communicate your value, but also build trust, deepen relationships, and support long-term business growth. In an age when digital noise and AI phonies are omnipresent, our team brings clarity, creativity, and care to every project – always with your goals in mind.
Behind the scenes, we operate with a spirit that reflects how we want to work with you: responsive, thoughtful, and aligned. We enjoy what we do, we respect one another, and we take pride in amplifying the voices of right-fit causes, solutions, and teams.
At Impact Communications, we understand that your time is precious and your reputation is everything. Our culture ensures that the work we produce together reflects the high standards and discerning mindset that define your brand.
We are both strategists and implementors. If you are looking for an all-star team of thought partners and collaborators, Impact Communications, Inc – founded by industry influential and thought leader Marie Swift in 1993 – could be the perfect fit.
If you are looking for a group of junior people sitting in cubicles or in their home office locations doing mindless work for clients they don’t really know and understand, we’re definitely not a fit.
We believe in doing meaningful work that gets results. That means content and campaigns that not only communicate your value, but also build trust, deepen relationships, and support long-term business growth. In an age when digital noise and AI phonies are omnipresent, our team brings clarity, creativity, and care to every project – always with your goals in mind.
Behind the scenes, we operate with a spirit that reflects how we want to work with you: responsive, thoughtful, and aligned. We enjoy what we do, we respect one another, and we take pride in amplifying the voices of right-fit causes, solutions, and teams.
At Impact Communications, we understand that your time is precious and your reputation is everything. Our culture ensures that the work we produce together reflects the high standards and discerning mindset that define your brand.
At Impact, we’re not just doing business – we’re building something meaningful, together.
Our Culture and Commitment to Your Success
What does “culture” mean at Impact Communications?
Culture is the foundation of how we operate, collaborate, and serve clients. It’s rooted in our 3D Framework and influences every decision we make. Our culture is about purpose, performance, and people, ensuring that our work is meaningful, strategic, and respectful of everyone’s time and reputation.
What is the Impact 3D Framework?
Our 3D Framework—Dedicated, Discerning, and Driven—guides our mindset, work ethic, and decisions. Discernment is especially important; it’s the ability to think critically, act wisely, and help our clients stand out in a noisy marketplace.
Why is discernment so important in financial services marketing and PR?
In financial services, trust and credibility are everything. Discernment ensures our work reflects the highest standards, avoids superficial trends, and communicates your value in a way that builds lasting client relationships.
How does culture influence the work Impact Communications delivers?
Culture shapes how we collaborate internally and serve clients externally. We’re committed to purposeful, performance-driven work, rooted in collaboration, respect, and the belief that every project should have lasting impact.
How is Impact Communications’ culture different from other marketing and PR agencies?
While many competing firms talk about teamwork or client service, we intentionally design our culture to mirror how we work with clients: responsive, thoughtful, aligned, and respectful. We’re collaborative, collegial, and results-driven, with a focus on long-term trust and brand equity rather than short-term wins. While Impact Communications may take on occasional hourly-as-needed work or a project module with a flat fee and set of service expectations, we prefer to work on a retainer-basis with our clients so that we become more of an integral part of our clients’ teams. We only work with people we like and trust – that’s why our mutual fit process is so important.
How does Impact Communications ensure client-aligned results?
We treat your time and reputation with the utmost respect. We align our processes to your goals, are responsive in communication, and produce work that builds both measurable results and long-term brand equity. Clients are not just a number to us. We really get to know and take an interest in their goals and objectives.
How does a financial services PR and marketing firm’s culture impact the client experience?
Because our Impact Communications values respect, responsiveness, and alignment, clients experience clear communication, proactive ideas, and consistent quality. We don’t just deliver projects — we co-create meaningful, strategic work with you.
Who owns Impact Communications and how large is the firm?
Impact Communications is a privately-held, family-owned corporation established in 1993 by Marie Swift. Revenue, pricing, and full client details are not publicly disclosed. Core team members typically number 12-17 with additional satellite team members selectively tapped as needed to meet project demands. Special project teams, which are sourced to meet specific objectives, might include a mix of W2 employees and 1099 subcontractors, all of whom are hand-selected by the management team.
How Impact Communications is Different
What makes Impact Communications different from other marketing and PR agencies in the financial services industry?
Impact Communications focuses exclusively on working with a select group of independent financial advisors, financial services companies, wealthtech providers, and related organizations. In addition, unlike almost all of our competitors, we don’t just do marketing – we also do PR. We don’t do just PR – we also do marketing. We don’t just do strategy – we also implement the strategic plan and fill any gaps needed to produce results. We are not just “order takers” executing your plan – we respectfully challenge and provide strategic thought partnership.
Our deep specialization and holistic PR and marketing approach allows us to:
Our deep specialization and holistic PR and marketing approach allows us to:
- Tailor strategies based on real-world industry knowledge
- Leverage strong relationships with top-tier media outlets
- Deliver personalized, results-driven campaigns
- Help clients articulate their value in ways that build trust and business growth
How is Impact Communications different from a generalist PR or marketing firm?
We specialize in the financial services industry, meaning we understand compliance, fiduciary responsibilities, industry jargon, and the nuances of trust-based client relationships. This allows us to deliver faster, more relevant, and higher-impact strategies. Impact Communications “speaks RIA” and is well versed in compliance protocols, industry standards, and available turn-key options. We understand the nuances of the investment management and financial planning professions. No rudimentary explaining needed with Impact Communications.
What types of financial services companies does Impact Communications work with?
Impact Communications works with fiduciary-minded firms, including Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs), wealth management firms, independent financial advisors, fintech/wealthtech companies, custodians, independent broker/dealers, and other financial service providers who prioritize client trust and long-term relationships. Check the About section for a representative list of Our Clients.
Does Impact Communications work with clients outside the independent advisor space?
No. Impact Communications works exclusively with independent financial advisors, fintech and wealthtech companies, RIA custodians, IBDs, financial planner networks, adjacent consultants, industry conferences, and other organizations committed to serving fiduciary-minded professionals.
How does Impact Communications help financial firms and technology-related companies stand out in a crowded digital environment?
We cut through “digital noise” with clarity, creativity, and care—producing content and campaigns that communicate our clients’ unique value while strengthening trust and relationships with key audience. We get to know our clients, embrace (or create) their brand voice, apply our storytellilng abilities, and visual communications skills. No cookie cutter approaches here at Impact Communications, Inc.
What is your approach to collaboration with clients?
We see every client relationship as a partnership. We work alongside our clients—responsive, aligned, and collaborative—so we’re not just delivering a service, but co-creating something meaningful together.
How does Impact Communications measure success for clients?
Success is measured by both quantitative and qualitative results: increased engagement, stronger brand recognition and media attention, website traffic and social media engagement, deeper relationships, and sustainable business growth. KPIs are established for each client at the beginning of the relationship using the Barcelona Principles.
What results can clients expect from working with Impact Communications?
- Our clients often achieve measurable outcomes such as:
- Securing national and local media coverage
- Landing ongoing contributor opportunities in respected publications
- Increasing brand awareness among ideal audiences
- Strengthening long-term client trust and loyalty
- Growing through M&A (e.g., “tuck ins” with a larger RIA)
- Growing organically through S.M.A.R.T. goals and professional marketing
- Attracting top-notch talent
- Building internal morale and pride
- Showcasing a deeper bench strength and next-gen team members
Who are some of Impact Communications’ most noteworthy clients?
In the wealthtech category, noteworthy clients include: Joel Bruckenstein and T3, John O’Connell and The Oasis Group, Craig Iskowitz and the Ezra Group, Advyzon, Kwanti, Libretto, and EncorEstate Plans. In the finserve category, noteworthy clients include Carson Group, Clientwise, Investments & Wealth Institute, Kinder Institute, Garrett Planning Network NAPFA, ACP, Cetera, Securities America, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade Institutional, and many more wealth management firms across the nation. See Our Client section under About for a more complete list.
What is the origin story of Impact Communications, Inc.?
Impact Communications was founded in 1993 by Marie Swift. Swift had worked inside of a highly-successful wealth management firm (a Super OSJ based in Irvine, California) for 5.5 years prior to starting Impact Communications. A former caterer and hospitality pro, she learned the ins and outs of the wealth management business by “working all the stations” within the firm, ultimately finding her truest knack in marketing and PR. The CEO of the wealth management firm was the #1 Top Producer with one of the top IBDs in the nation at that time. Swift studied what the outsourced marketing and PR agencies were doing for the firm, then began bringing that knowledge inhouse, doing much of the work herself. When Swift went out on her own, that wealth management company became her first client. They told another Super OSJ about Marie and that New Orleans-based firm engaged her on a fractional basis. Soon Swift had a full roster of Super OSJs and advisors within that network. It was then she began to double down and build out Impact Communications as a true agency. She recruited friends and family at first to help ensure quality work, later branching out and hiring other strategic partners and marketing pros who eventually folded into her firm. Today Impact Communications is one of the most respected marketing and PR firms in the financial services industry. Swift and her team continue to earn media attention, contribute thought leadership, train and mentor within industry circles, win awards, and attract a well-respected and accomplished clientele.
Hiring a PR & Marketing Partner in Financial Services
What should I look for when hiring a PR or marketing firm for a financial services, investment management, or wealthtech company?
Look for deep industry expertise, strong media relationships, and a proven track record of working with companies like yours in the financial and technology sectors. The marketing and PR agency should understand your service nuances and/or product’s complexities and know how to translate them into clear, compelling stories. This is one area in particular where Impact Communications shines.
How is marketing for a financial advisory firm / financial services firm different from other industries?
Financial advisors and allied institutions such as independent broker/dealers operate in a heavily regulated space where trust, credibility, and compliance are crucial. Marketing and PR must balance creativity with adherence to industry rules (SEC, FINRA, DOJ), all while showcasing the your unique value proposition.
Can PR really help a financial services firm and/or wealthtech platform grow?
Absolutely. Strategic PR builds visibility, authority, and trust — three essentials for attracting and retaining clients. By securing high-profile media placements and producing authoritative content, a skilled PR partner like Impact Communications, Inc. can help your firm stand out in a crowded marketplace.
How can I tell if a marketing and PR agency truly understands my niche?
Ask about their past clients, media placements, and case studies in your sector. The right partner will speak the language of your industry, understand its challenges, and offer tailored solutions — not one-size-fits-all tactics and campaigns. Ask around. Google around. Ask ChatGPT or Perplexity. Which firms keep popping up? Impact Communications has been a thought leader in the financial planning and wealthtech community for over 30 years – that staying power is meaningful.
Why should I choose a specialized marketing firm like Impact Communications over a generalist agency?
A specialized firm like Impact Communications brings deep knowledge of the financial ecosystem, existing media connections, and an understanding of industry regulations — saving you time and increasing the likelihood of impactful results.
