Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Grey.
Hi Brad, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Brad Grey, Founder and Lead for Framework Financials, LLC. I have the distinct privilege of being one of its founding members and the immense responsibility of being its Chief Executive. My Framework journey, in essence, mirrors the evolution of a start-up into a brand – it’s a tale of growth, adaptability, and strategic foresight; or perhaps so I’d like to think. I certainly hope that this can be of some use to other entrepreneurs interested in pursuing their goals.
I was lucky to spend my formational years at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I pursued a degree in Business – Economics. The education I received there was not just academic but an insight into the ever-evolving complexities of the world. Beyond just understanding about the interplay between economics and business strategy, I learned about the importance of thinking beyond the conventional. UCSB instilled in me an analytical approach to problem-solving and an appreciation for innovative economic strategies.
Post-graduation, I was welcomed back to the YMCA, first into their accounting department, then transitioning to operations, and eventually, ascending to the position of Director of Membership. My time at the Y became a masterclass in teamwork and asset utilization.
Seeking to explore the private sector and looking for a new challenge, I transitioned to medical operations and management. I was approached by the late and brilliant Alex Buznikov, a MD, PhD, DDS powerhouse of knowledge, talent, and experience. I was asked to come on board as the Marketing Director and help with the direction and growth of their dental group, a conglomerate of family and cosmetic dentists with a huge presence in the entertainment industry. This transition from nonprofit to corporate medical sales was a rather pivotal move, as it helped me blend my finance background with the dynamic realms of marketing and operations.
Looking for more growth, I entered the most transformative phase of my career at an industry-leading architectural and construction company. As their Director of Accounting and later, their Director of Financial Operations, I was responsible for the intricate financial workings of a major player in the construction sector. Regularly working with the largest real estate, construction, and equity giants gave me the opportunity to connect with experienced industry leaders on both professional and personal levels. This was instrumental in my evolution. My time and work, combined with this insight, allowed me to hone my skills in strategic financial planning and operational efficiency at an incredible scale.
Each of these roles was a building block towards my ultimate venture – founding Framework Financials, LLC, a white-glove financial services firm that embodies innovation and expertise with a client-centric approach. Framework Financials, LLC provides a wide array of financial services to both the corporate and the entertainment spheres, with exceptional talent, expertise, and acumen for production accounting.
When founding Framework Financials, I sought partners who not only shared an ethos of creativity and forward-thinking but also brought their own unique academic and professional experiences. The synergy of our backgrounds – the analytical depth from UCI and the innovative thinking from UCSB – set the stage for a unique approach to financial services. We weren’t just building a firm; we were crafting a think tank for financial innovation. Lofty goals indeed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It never is. I think it’s safe to say that any road to success is riddled with challenges. Like any venture, especially one in the nuanced field of providing financial services, there have been hurdles that we’ve had to overcome and lessons we’ve had to learn.
I’ll detail a challenge for your readers that all business owners eventually face – assembling the right team.
In the world of finance, and especially in the world of entertainment and production accounting, technical expertise is a given. However, we needed more than that. We looked for individuals who were not only experts in their field but also shared our vision of transforming the client experience into one of trust and engagement. This meant finding professionals who were not just accountants but also innovators, strategists, and great communicators. We have a rather unique hiring process that focuses not just on knowledge and experience but also seeks a cultural fit. We look for experts who share our unified desire and commitment to excellence and engagement. Furthermore, we weren’t looking for staff but rather team members with a shared passion for continued education and training.
This is one of the reasons Framework Financials, LLC mainly hires from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Many of us being UCSB alumni, we recognize that recent graduates are exceptionally equipped with the academic and cultural background essential to embody our corporate ethos and values effectively. Beyond their vigorous academics, UCSB students possess a pragmatic understanding of how to effectively accomplish their tasks. To be blunt – they know what it takes to get things done, and that is invaluable to us. By identifying and nurturing talent at the university level, we ensure that our new team members align seamlessly with both our principles and our operations. This leads to better performance, higher employee satisfaction, and, ultimately, higher client satisfaction.
Framework Financials heavily invests in its team members with continuous training and development. Our goal is to ensure that our team remains on the cutting edge of our industry. These requirements set a high bar for entry. And finding the right fit for the right roles was not only challenging but has also taken some time. However, this effort in building a diverse, dynamic, and dedicated team has paid off, enabling Framework Financials to deliver exceptional service and forge strong client relationships.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Framework Financials, LLC?
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss Framework Financials. We’re a dynamic financial services firm that specializes in serving the corporate and entertainment industries. Framework Financials stands for expertise, innovation, and unparalleled client engagement. Our brand identity is deeply rooted in our commitment to excellence.
Framework Financials has three divisions – corporate, entertainment, and Framework PAY; our credit card concierge and bypass service. We specialize in corporate bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll. We also have particularly extensive knowledge and experience in production accounting. Our focus is on our clients and redefining how financial services interact and empower them.
Corporate Financial Services – Framework Financials provides comprehensive financial services tailored to meet the unique needs of our corporate clients. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the corporate landscape, offering services such as meticulous bookkeeping, detailed accounting, strategic financial planning, and insightful analysis. We recognize that each company has its distinct challenges and objectives, so we prioritize a personalized approach to ensure our solutions align perfectly with each client’s goals. Our team of experts aren’t just great at managing finances, they are also quite skilled in identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation within the corporate framework. By partnering with Framework Financials, our clients gain a financial ally committed to supporting their business’s success and sustainability in a dynamic economic environment.
Entertainment & Production Accounting – At Framework Financials, our extensive background in production accounting is what sets us apart in serving our entertainment clients. We blend our deep knowledge of corporate and production accounting with our hands-on experience in the entertainment industry, ensuring every financial aspect of the production is meticulously managed. Our team is well-versed in every aspect of production accounting, ranging from payroll, budget creation and management, and cost reporting and analysis to financial reporting and tax incentive management. We’re even well-versed in insurance compliance. This expertise ensures our clients the dependable results they expect. And in the unpredictable world of media production, our clients know that they can count on Framework Financials for the consistency and reliability of our services and budget-friendly prices. And in addition to our results-based approach, we also engage closely with our clients, understanding their specific needs and tailoring our approach to each project and team. We strive to be more than just a service provider; we aim to be partners with our clients on their financial journeys.
Framework PAY – Framework PAY, developed by Framework Financials, is an innovative credit card concierge system designed to maximize the benefits of your premium credit card to let you gain additional value from your fixed costs. Tailored for those who want to make the most out of their large expenses, this program allows clients to place rents, mortgages, leases, payroll, and their other significant expenditures on any credit card. By doing so, clients not only earn valuable points but also enjoy endless perks like free luxury travel and access to exclusive premier lounges around the globe. Framework PAY isn’t just about rewards; it’s a strategic tool that extends your cash position, offering the flexibility to use credit for substantial payments. Not only does this expand and smooth out our clients’ cash position, it also transforms large, and often burdensome expenses, into opportunities for earning and enjoying premium benefits. Framework PAY works to align your financial management with endless lifestyle perks. Whether it’s extending cash flow or enjoying the finer things in life, Framework PAY bridges the gap between financial savvy and luxury living.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is our client engagement and our ability to maintain a high standard of service while constantly pushing the boundaries of what a financial services firm can be.
Client engagement is paramount to us, as we believe in building relationships that go beyond mere transactions. Our approach is holistic and personalized – this means engaging with our clients beyond the immediate results. We invest time in understanding their unique challenges and goals, which allows us to tailor our services to their specific needs.
Entrusting a financial firm with your productions, company, or personal accounting is an inherently intimate decision. It involves sharing detailed insights into your financial goals, strategies, and the nuances of your business operations, team dynamics, and even your personal life. The Framework Financials brand is based on the trust we’ve built with our clients, as we handle all financial affairs with the utmost confidentiality, care, and professionalism. This trust isn’t given; it’s earned through years of delivering dependable and outstanding results. It’s earned by standing by our values of excellence. We always strive to have Framework Financials synonymous with trust, excellence, and innovation, and our clients have always rewarded us for it with consistent brand loyalty.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I think this is a particularly difficult question to answer, as our success is usually the culmination of years of education, advice, guidance, and support.
Family and friends have, undoubtedly, been all of our cornerstones. Their unwavering believes in our vision, even during the vast storms of uncertainty, have provided the emotional bedrock on which we could take risks and venture into the unknown. We genuinely can’t thank our parents and partners enough.
I, along with many of the Framework Financials founders, must thank all of our educators, especially those at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Our professors, lecturers, assistants, and the curriculum at UCSB were pivotal in shaping our understanding of economics and accounting. In addition to thinking critically and creatively, UCSB provided us with a broad and profound understanding of global perspectives and worldly knowledge that has served as the foundation for Framework Financials, LLC. Aside from the academical and worldly education, I was fortunate to cross paths with other exceptional thinkers at UCSB, many of whom would later join me as founding members of the Framework team.
My coworkers, bosses, and leaders have all had a powerful impact on my professional and personal growth. I was lucky to meet and work with Richard Braden of the Westside Family YMCA, who was especially instrumental in shaping my client-centric approach to Framework Financials. I have been incredibly lucky to both have been led by and befriended by some of the most intelligent and experienced Executive Directors, CFOs, and Chief Executives. The immense value of this support and guidance is immeasurable, and it truly exemplifies the concept of building upon the achievements of great minds that came before us.
I cannot overlook the incredible team at Framework Financials, starting with our founding members. I have been in perpetual awe of what the founding team was able to set in motion and what the current Framework Financials team has been able to accomplish. Each person has brought their unique skills and perspectives, creating a diverse and dynamic work environment. Their dedication and commitment are what drive our company forward.
Lastly, I would like to thank our clients, particularly the ones in the entertainment industry, as their feedback, trust, and engagement have been instrumental in our success. Their trust in our services has not only helped us grow at an increasing rate but has also challenged us to innovate and improve continuously, allowing us to quickly stand amongst the industry leaders.
And speaking of showing gratitude, I and the rest of the Framework Financials team, wanted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you and your readers for the opportunity to share our journey and the story of Framework Financials. This conversation has certainly been a reflection on the path we’ve traveled in building a firm that stands for excellence in financial services. Thank you again for providing a platform to connect entrepreneurs and readers who are passionate about innovation and business growth. It’s these very platforms like Voyage LA that truly amplify the diverse voices and stories of leaders and pioneers in our community, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frameworkfinancials.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frameworkfinancials/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Framework-Financials-LLC/100083373397508/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/framework-financials
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrameworkFinLLC
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/framework-financials-beverly-hills-2
Image Credits
Framework Financials, LLC
