Take a look at our January newsletter!
JANUARY 2022
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Matt Dery Shares FAI’s Goals for 2022 ONWARDANDUPWARD!
If you had the opportunity to build and grow something you believe in, would you seize it? That was the question facing me in September 2020 when I was invited to join the Financial Architects leadership team. Of course, I went for it! That new position helped me take my role as marketing, recruiting, and business development coordinator to the next level. I can hardly believe my first full year in leadership is behind me. If you remember my background, then you know a career at a place like Financial Architects was a real long shot for a guy like me. I came up in sports broadcasting, so the fact that I’m closing in on three years with FAI feels like a dream! I can honestly say this is the best place I’ve ever worked, and Chris, Pat, and Kristi are some of the best people I’ve ever worked with. Our team feels like a family, and we really have each other’s backs.
2020, and his advice throughout 2021 was invaluable.
With his help, we’ve been able to run FAI more effectively than before. Our leadership team meets every Tuesday now for what we call our “Momentum Meetings.” For an hour and a half, we check in on our rocks (major quarterly projects), solve issues, and make sure the company is on track for growth. I spent 2021 running those meetings, fine- tuning our marketing, and developing a new recruiting process to help our team find new support staff and advisors. Recruitment has been an uphill battle lately, but fortunately, Chris and Pat understand it can take a couple swings of the bat before you hit a home run. For 2022, one of my biggest goals is nailing down that recruiting program. I also want to help build our advisory teams and assist in seeing them evolve. They’re the foundation of our business and have helped FAI succeed for 36 years. Adding in our exit planning business, The Q5 Experience, is also going to be a key in our marketing and growth too. Finally, I’d like to continue revolutionizing our messaging with more emphasis on video and audio. Pat and Chris have really embraced both of those technologies. We’ve had huge successes using video to communicate internally (it’s a lot more appealing to click on a one-minute video than read a long email) and sharing our knowledge with clients through podcasts (find those at FinancialArch.com/Insights/ ).
2019 FAI/LEAP Training Event (L to R) Matt Dery, Tom Wilson, Ken Grace, Pat Marody, Chris Cousins.
On the personal side, I’d love to see things get back to normal for my kids at school in 2022. Jace, AJ, and Reese are in high school and college now, but they had a rough time with virtual learning. The sooner they can get back in the swing of things, the better my wife Heather and I will feel! Overall, FAI’s big goal for 2022 is simple: Continue to build and grow our company to better serve clients like you. That means getting the whole team back together in the office and making sure we have the right people in the right seats. Like I said, we already have a great squad, but I suspect some of our staff could perform even better in expanded roles. I’ve worked closely with Danette Bell on this and she’s been a gem as well. We just might have a record-breaking pitcher in the dugout or a great catcher playing third base. This year, we’ll find out!
“Overall, FAI’s big goal for 2022 is simple: Continue to build and grow our company to better serve clients like you.”
To use a baseball analogy, we’ve got a great roster and want to make a run to the World Series. In 2021, we accomplished a lot. One big factor was the influence of Chris Meso of T Rex Advisory and Pinnacle. He became our Professional Development Coach in
Cheers to a successful 2022,
–Matt Dery
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Bringing Back a Lost Art
MEET CHRISSY WRIGHT! Liaison Extraordinaire
A 2019 survey by Ask Your Target Market showed 80% of respondents appreciate receiving thank-you notes — but only 22% of respondents report regularly sending them. That’s a pretty big discrepancy. During the holiday season, you probably received several gifts and may have been hosted at a family member’s house, so now is the perfect time to revive the dying art of the thank-you note. If it’s been a while since you last wrote one, fear not. Here’s everything you need to know to get started. Know When a Note Is Needed. You should strongly consider sending a thank-you note any time you receive a gift, but they are particularly expected after big events like weddings or showers. It’s also good form to send a note whenever someone has done you a big favor or hosted you at their house. Professionally, thank-you notes should always be sent after job interviews. Notes should be sent as soon as possible, ideally within one month of the gift or event. Use Paper. It may seem old-fashioned, but that’s exactly what makes it special. In fact, the Ask Your Target Market survey found that 72% of respondents thought handwritten notes were more meaningful than electronic ones. Even if your handwriting is messy, your recipients will appreciate the personal touch. Exceptions apply for thank-you notes sent after job interviews — due to time sensitivity, these are best sent via email. Be Specific. Especially when you’ve got a large stack to get through, it’s pretty tempting to write the same note over and over again, changing only the salutation. Don’t give in! While it’s fine to have a template, recipients will recognize when the note you sent them is generic. Be sure to mention exactly what you’re thankful for (not just “the gift”) or how you plan to use the gift. YOUR GUIDE TO WRITING A THANK-YOU NOTE
FAI continues to add key members to our Support Team. Back in November, the firm hired Chrissy Wright as the new Life Insurance Service Coordinator. She assists advisors and their clients with life and disability insurance servicing needs. In addition, Chrissy acts as the
liaison between the advisors and clients or the advisor and the
insurance company to ensure the proper
coordination of each project and see it through to completion. As part of our growing organization, she works collaboratively with other team members in the office as well as individually. Chrissy has been working in the financial industry for over 20 years. She started her career with Comerica Bank and, after five years working there, moved on to working with independent financial firms. She enjoys and is well versed with customer service and [all] aspects of administration within the financial industry. She’s worked with high-net-worth individuals, couples starting on their financial plans as well as family-owned business owners. Chrissy also has experience working with group plans. “Over the years, I have built a great deal of respect and experience for what financial planning can bring to a family, individual, and business,” she said. Born and raised in Michigan, Chrissy enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, camping, and canoeing. She is also a die-hard Detroit Red Wings fan.
Now, you’re ready to let people know how much you appreciate them in a way that’s both simple and classic. Your family, friends, and colleagues will be impressed, and who knows, you just might start a trend.
Welcome Chrissy Wright to the team!
The information contained in this newsletter is derived from sources believed to be accurate. You should discuss any legal, tax, or financial matters with the appropriate professional. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Registered Representatives offer Securities through The O.N. Equity Sales Company, Member FINRA/SIPC (www.FINRA.org/ and www.SIPC.org). Investment Advisory Services offered through O.N. Investment Management Company and FAI Advisors, Inc., Financial Architects, Inc., FAI Advisors, Inc. is not a subsidiary or affiliate of The O.N. Equity Sales Company or O.N. Investment Management Company. We have representatives currently registered in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
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Take a Break
Chat With a Client Cori and Sam Dworkin
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS?
We were approached by our good friend, Matt Dery, about seeing how the Financial Architects process worked and how it might be a good thing for us and our family. Cori was super skeptical at the beginning, but after talking with Pat Marody and Dan Zech, we really felt comfortable with how they can help us now and into the future. It is one of the best moves we have ever made.
Solution on Page 4
WHAT DO THE TWO OF YOU DO FOR A LIVING? Cori is a purchasing program manager for Stellantis (formerly Fiat/ Chrysler Automobiles). She is leading the procurement for electrification systems and makes sure that the battery packs get produced. Sam owns Onsite Building LLC. He provides handyman services for both residential and commercial properties. He handles carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, ceramic tile and painting just to name a few.
Deep-Fried New Year’s ‘Cookies’ Inspired by MennoniteGirlsCanCook.ca
What do you get when you mix a cookie and a doughnut? A portzelky! This traditional Mennonite “New Year’s cookie” is perfect for sharing.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022? We look forward to seeing our two sons flourish in their extracurricular endeavors. Our son, Brady, is 13 and is playing on the eighth-grade basketball team, and Dylan, age 11, is learning how to box. Our sons are a pure joy and the light of our lives. We really enjoy spending time together as a family.
DIRECTIONS • 5 eggs, beaten • 1/4 cup butter, softened INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp yeast • 1/2 cup water, warmed • 1/2 cup and 1 tsp sugar, divided
• 2 1/2 cups milk, warmed • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 4 cups raisins • 7 cups flour • 4 cups canola oil
1. In a large bowl, combine yeast, water, and 1 tsp sugar. Wait 10 minutes. 2. Stir in remaining sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and salt. 3. Fold in the raisins and flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for an hour. 4. In a high-sided pot or deep fryer, heat canola oil to 340 F. Line a plate with paper towels. 5. Drop a rounded tablespoon of dough into the oil. Fry until golden brown, then set aside on the plate. Poke the cookie with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s cooked through!
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Inside This Issue
1 | Exciting Changes Coming to FAI in 2022
2 | The Lost Art of the Thank-You Note
2 | Meet Chrissy Wright!
3 | Chat With a Client: Cori and Sam Dworkin
3 | Deep-Fried New Year’s ‘Cookies’
4 | Make More Time for Reading
Embrace Your Inner Bookworm 4 Secrets to Finding Time to Read as a Busy Parent
When you think of reading, you might conjure up an image of yourself curled up next to a cozy fireplace, sipping on coffee, and reading the day away. However, with the hustle and bustle of daily life and raising kids, it’s tough to find the time to truly dive into a good book. We know it’s important to read to our children, but we forget how valuable it is for them to see us reading, too.
days, this may last 10 minutes, but other times, they may stay captivated longer. Either way, you are creating healthy habits for your kids while getting in a chapter for yourself, too! SWAP OUT THE MOVIES FOR BOOKS.
So, how can you fit it into your schedule?
DON’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT A BOOK. Whether you are waiting in the pickup line at school, at the dentist’s office, for your order at the coffee shop, or at your kid’s soccer practice, this downtime could be spent reading a chapter of your book. SCHEDULE READING TIME. This one sounds quite silly, but as parents know, if you don’t make time for something, it won’t get done. Plan out 30 minutes of reading time each day to allow yourself to get comfortable and read without distractions. The trick here is to make sure you don’t cancel on yourself! MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR. Sometimes parents feel guilty when they take time for themselves that could be spent with their children. If this sounds like you, make time to read together — the kids read their books, and you read yours! Some
Once the kids are tucked in after a long day, it sounds so nice to park yourself in front of the television with a cozy blanket and mindlessly watch a good movie or an episode of your favorite show. However, instead of watching TV for an hour, dedicate some or all of that time to reading. This way, you’re still making progress in your book.
No matter how you make the time to read, you will be glad you did. Good luck and happy reading!
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