Pros
This is a great place to start or enhance an advisory practice. Senior advisors and management dedicate a lot of time to train and mentor younger advisors. They genuinely care about their clients and the firm's employees and act as leaders in the industry by providing client's with sound financial advice rather than solely focusing on pushing products. If you want to be part of a robust team, with as much support as you can imagine, this is the place to be. The collective mentality and value of servant leadership is evident in each associate the minute you walk in the door. If you want to help people, exercise a great work ethic, make a good living, and do it with a group of people that will support you no matter what, VAM is your answer.
Cons
This business is hard. You have to own and build your practice, which can be difficult for those who want to be "comfortable" with sitting in the back seat. Compensation is variable and commission based, but there are programs in place to help new advisors get established and build a platform from which they can grow.