SMALL BUT MIGHTY

story by ERIN WALLACE          photos by PAUL NURNBERG

There is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind,” writes Virginia Woolf. Woolf couldn’t have described Danielle Troutman anymore perfectly. A woman in our community whose strength inspires women all throughout the Lowcountry and beyond to be more than what the world says they are. Danielle embodies perseverance and humbly wears success, all while maintaining the various duties she’s known for in our darling town of Beaufort.

Danielle Troutman, always a southern girl at heart, grew up in Augusta, GA, and spent summers at her family beach house on Fripp Island. Danielle found her way to Beaufort with her husband, John Troutman Jr. back in 2011. She is a Lowcountry girl at the core, and for her, there is just something about being on the water that fills her soul. Danielle was raised with parents who both owned their businesses while sharing an innate sense of independence. She learned an immense amount from them through the ways they lived their lives. For example, Danielle’s mother taught her that if she wanted something, she had to go out there herself and figure out how to get it, and that’s exactly what she has done. Her husband John can attest that she doesn’t like anyone telling her that she can’t do something. Danielle will always figure out a way to rise to the occasion, no matter what. This very same work ethic is what Danielle intentionally instills in others.

Danielle started with Merrill Lynch in 2012, following the birth of their youngest son, Henry. Her roles include working as the Resident Director of the Beaufort office, the Senior Financial Advisor/Partner with The Clark Troutman Group, and the Coordinator/Coach of the Financial Advisor Development Program for the Southeast Coastal Division.

Danielle’s clients at Merrill Lynch are of the utmost importance to her. To Danielle and John, they are family. They help them with their financial success and become personally invested in their lives. This truly sets them apart in this business.

Danielle is part of a team of six members (including a Managing Director, Vice President, two full-time Wealth Management Client Associates, and a 401k specialist) that currently manage over half a billion dollars in client assets and liabilities.

Danielle’s focus is on financial planning and ensuring that their clients have an investment strategy that works hand in hand with their financial plan. Hence, the need for a large team full of advisors with different specialties. Her team hones in on working with individuals and families to understand their financial situation, thus helping them pursue their personal goals. This looks like planning for and funding their children’s education, helping to ensure that their money lasts in retirement, preparing for their potential health care costs, and managing the transfer of wealth to the next generation. Danielle’s focus is to bring simplicity and transparency to the complexities of wealth management planning to help ensure clients are ready for retirement and beyond.

Danielle was recently named Beaufort Office Resident Director this January. The Resident Director position gives Danielle oversight of the entire Merrill Lynch Beaufort office (currently seven Financial Advisors and four Wealth Management Client Associates). Not only is Danielle successful in the office, but she intentionally cultivates relationships with those around her. She is exceptionally passionate about aiding other women and does this through mentoring and giving words of inspiration.

Additionally, she and John, also a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, are the parents of four boys, Jack, Bowen, Alex, and Henry. One of the biggest questions Danielle is asked is how she balances being a full-time boy mom and a full-time employee at Merrill Lynch. Danielle mentions that balance is the goal. The way she strives to achieve balance is by maintaining the mindset to “just do the best you can” every day. This means perseverance is integral, and the Troutmans try to teach their children the same philosophy. The motto in the Troutman household is “work hard, play hard in that order.” Danielle admits that she wants her children to look back one day and see their mother not only as a hard worker but also as a mother who never missed a game, a mother who was always there for her family in the times that mattered most. Danielle jokingly comments that she is completely outnumbered in their household; even their dog is a boy! However, as the only female present, she considers herself extremely blessed because she has the honor of raising four amazing boys and watching them turn into respectful young men.

Behind every successful, married woman, one can usually find a husband spurring her on. Danielle and John have created a beautiful partnership together in marriage, business, and life. John is her biggest cheerleader, which could be due in part to the fact that he used to be one when he attended the University of South Carolina. John has continually pushed his wife to press on by encouraging her to overcome any obstacle that comes her way.

Danielle is an advocate for our local community and adamantly takes on that role in and of itself. Danielle previously served as board president for CAPA (Child Abuse Prevention Association), a past board member for the Boys and Girls Club, and a graduate of the 2016 Leadership Beaufort class. Danielle volunteers for local non-profit committees as much as her busy schedule allows. The Troutmans enjoy serving together as well, most notably through Young Life. Additionally, John is no stranger to bettering this community. He was the former Chairman of the Board for Historic Beaufort Foundation and currently serves on the finance committees for the Wardle Family YMCA and Historic Beaufort Foundation.

If Danielle can offer any advice, it would be that “you can be whatever you want to be. It’s never too late.” Danielle believes that every woman has a sense of strength and independence. It’s a matter of what we do with it and how we utilize whatever this life has called us to. Even though Danielle makes it look easy, she admits that it’s not. Danielle’s friends who are stay-at-home moms are just as inspirational to her as her friends who are career moms. Danielle wholeheartedly believes that women can be anything they aspire to be, and all it truly takes is a little spirit paired with diligent work. Danielle jokingly yet confidently says, “I am 5’1 and very petite, and most of my boys are taller than me now. My favorite saying is ‘small but mighty,’ and I think that pretty much sums me up.” Danielle is a force to be reckoned with, and she has continually proven that she rises to the challenge no matter the feat.