Mecky Kessler-Howell and Kristi Avery, founding partners of FOR Investment Partners, share thoughts on why socially responsible investing is good for you and your investments.

1. You recently decided to change your company name. What does the name FOR Investment Partners express?
   
   We wanted something that reflected moving in a positive direction, helping clients see the value or investing in things they stand FOR, to see the power of using their assets to bring positive change to the world, not only avoiding investments you are against. The name also emphasizes being responsible FOR financial goals, striving FOR financial results ... retirement, personal, or institutional investment goals.
   
   
2. Why did you decide to focus on socially responsible investing?
   
   Mecky has a lifelong interest in social issues—starting with a youthful stint in the German Peace Corps—and when she became an investment advisor, she came to understand the power that private investment has to influence the world when it is invested to support positive change. Kristi discovered socially responsible investing while working in traditional investment firms. She was delighted to learn there was a way of investing that fit her values, that focused on client goals in both a financial and personal life or organizational mission sense.
   
   
3. What the biggest myths about socially, responsible investing? 
   
   The biggest myth is you have to settle for lower returns. Several academic studies have shown socially responsible investing can match the returns of traditional investing; most studies show either a positive or neutral effect. Taking sustainability factors into consideration may also help to avoid risks posed by unsustainable business practices.
   
   
4. How long have you worked with existing clients? 
   
   Our longest institutional client has been with us for over 30 years. We also have many who have been with us 20, 15, or 10 years. These long-standing relationships speak to our commitment to clients and our ability to actively evolve with the sustainable, impact-investing field, while still achieving strong financial performance. 
   
   
5. Can you describe your current client base?
   
   Primarily large institutional investors, charitable foundations, religious organizations, and high net worth individuals but also clients or families saving for retirement, education, or other financial goals.
   
   
6. Why don't you list a minimum account size?
   
   This has been a point of discussion for a long time between us, ultimately, we don't want to discourage people from asking us about investing and specifically, sustainable, responsible, impact investing. We feel a social obligation to younger generations. Many of whom are pushing for positive change, but do not understand how investing can help bring about a change while also helping them achieve their financial goals.
7. Why do you choose to work with an independent broker dealer?
   
   The primary reason is that we are not required to sell proprietary products or meet sales goals that may not be appropriate for a given client. Being affiliated with an independent Broker Dealer gives us the ability to own our name, who we are, and our authenticity, motto and mission. This affiliation makes it possible for us to select the best services and products to address our client's particular investment needs. We can't control these if we are flying a brand name flag.
8. You are an accredited fiduciary, what does that mean?
   
   It means that we must act in the best interest of our clients at all times. We have taken extensive training and an oath to do that. Not all financial advisors have this accreditation.
9. What is the most satisfying part of your profession?
   
   Serving our clients, watching them to reach their goals, and helping them feel attached to their resources, fully understanding what it means to activate their resources in a way that reflects their values.
10. Where do you see the future of sustainable, impact investing?
    
    Ultimately, we hope to see sustainable investing incorporated into everyone's portfolio. We believe this type of investing has the power to change corporate behavior and make the world a better place. And the good news is the world is moving this way. The amount of assets being invested in sustainable and responsible ways is growing exponentially.