Take a Break
A Chat With a Client Q&A With Jeff Schmitz
Solution on Page 4
Q. HOW DID YOU MAKE THE CONNECTION WITH US HERE AT FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS? A. I got connected with Financial Architects through Matt Dery, who is a close friend of mine and is now the marketing and business development director at Financial Architects. I met Matt in 2016 when we were both hired to teach at University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. We were in the same "pledge class" as we called it. He and I hit it off over our love of sports and questioning every move the Detroit Lions franchise makes. I am very fortunate to have a friend like Matt in my life, looking out for the best interests of me and my family. Q. YOU ARE A TEACHER AT U OF D JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL AND ACADEMY. WHAT WAS THIS PAST SEMESTER LIKE HAVING TO EDUCATE VIRTUALLY? A. The abrupt closing of schools and movement to online learning in mid- March was an incredibly unique experience for everyone. It came with its challenges for both students and teachers, but I believe it allowed all of us to grow in ways that we may not have otherwise. My students were faced with all kinds of adversity, such as having to learn and understand remotely, figuring out how to use new technologies, and having to manage their time with all kinds of distractions at home, but they never blinked. They showed up every day supporting one another and showing persistence in the face of all the adversity. I'm extremely proud of how they finished the school year and can't wait to hopefully have students back on campus this fall.
The events of the last several weeks have caused us all to pause and consider the way we treat one another in this country. At Financial Architects, we deplore the acts that have taken the lives of fellow Americans and the systemic issues that allowed this to occur. The issues we face as a country are complicated and require conversations that might make us uncomfortable, but we must not shy away. Stark images are opening new dialogues, which can be the impetus for change. We must be willing to seek first to understand one another while we engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue. At Financial Architects, we take on the financial challenges of our clients every day, coming from different perspectives, and we work to find solutions in the spirit of collaboration. As our country grapples with the issues these recent events have brought to light, our firm will not shy away from the conversation. We will continue to collaborate, to celebrate our differences, and to continue to be an environment of respect and inclusion for our colleagues, friends, and clients.
Q. TELL US ABOUT YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR BACKGROUND IN SPORTS.
A. My wife, Roxy, and I are newlyweds, married in October of 2019. Roxy currently works in sales at Electro-Matic Ventures, and I am a teacher at U of D Jesuit High School and Academy. Roxy and I met at Madonna University where we were both fortunate enough to compete in the sports that we loved. Roxy was a member of the volleyball program from 2011 to 2015, and during the same time, I was a member of the men's basketball program. Our love for sports has not faded in the slightest, as we are both now active coaches. Roxy has been a volleyball coach at Mercy High School since 2018 and also coaches for the club Team Detroit in the spring and summer. I currently coach basketball at U of D Jesuit and have been there since 2016.
God, please bless America!
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