A THANK YOU TO BILL JOHNSTONE
Bill Johnstone has a mantra that has guided his actions at
D.A. Davidson — always do what is right for the client. That view has brought extraordinary value to the firm, our clients
and associates. But what’s even more extraordinary is that
Bill has lived a variation of that mantra in every area of his life. He has led by example and we couldn’t have asked for a better role model, both personally and professionally.
At D.A. Davidson, Bill’s leadership has been marked by his vision. From the start, he has been able to imagine a better company, one that would embrace change, support the professional growth of its associates, and put clients first in good times and bad.
It was a strategy for success. During Bill’s tenure, D.A. Davidson more than doubled its client base, nearly quadrupled its revenues and doubled the number of associates.
Bill led five major acquisitions, including Wealth Management’s acquisitions in 2013 and 2016, which established its presence in southern California and increased its presence in Nebraska. Bill was the driving force behind the acquisition of a multi-office group that became the core of the Fixed Income Capital Markets business, and he spearheaded expansion of the Equity Capital Markets group.
These would be huge accomplishments in a stable economic environment. What makes them all the more remarkable is that Bill prevailed though nearly two decades of upheaval, from the bursting of the tech bubble, to the financial crisis and prolonged recession, to Brexit and other global disruptions. While many
of our competitors folded or consolidated during this time,
D.A. Davidson thrived under Bill’s leadership.
As Bill retires from D.A. Davidson, it is fitting that we are marking another record-breaking year for revenue and profits.
Bill’s drive to do what’s right has extended far beyond the walls of D.A. Davidson. He has been passionate about guiding the capital markets system and served as Chairman of the Securities Industry Financial Markets Association.
He is also active in numerous civic, charitable and business causes. He serves on the Montana Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s colleges and universities, and was instrumental in founding the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation. He was a guiding force in the Main Street Montana initiative, a public-private partnership to encourage business growth, and was inducted into the Montana Business Hall of Fame.
As we honor Bill for his distinguished tenure, we are deeply appreciative of his hard work, vision and integrity. Thank you, Bill, for being a leader, a friend and a role model without equal.