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NOVEMBER 2019
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A NEW CHAPTER Looking Back on 21 YearsWith Financial Architects
For the past 21 years, I’ve been blessed to call Financial
with nothing to do!” He really does know me well. From my time at Vicks to getting our kids through school, I’d always been helping people accomplish something. Without that goal, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do! Thankfully, we knew Ken Grace and his wife Jane through our church. I interviewed for a job at his office, and the rest is history! When I came to this firm on Sept. 28, 1998, it was to give me something to do. What I didn’t anticipate was how much I would enjoy the people here and the work we do. From the outset, everyone on the team was so friendly and welcoming to me, and that hasn’t changed despite how much we’ve grown. There’s a real sense that no matter what department you’re in, we’re all working together to make a difference for the families that rely on us. As I got to know our advisors, I saw the impact they had on people’s lives. It’s hard to imagine the real value of a life insurance policy until you hear from families that were saved from hardship thanks to their policies. It’s moments like this that reinforce just how important the work we do here really is. That’s how a job started on a whim becomes a decades-long career. Of course, all good things must end. I recently made the decision to retire at the end of September this year. It’s bittersweet
to end my career, but it’s for the best. Funnily enough, Terry is once again behind this change in my employment. Since our office moved to Farmington Hills in 2004, I’ve had quite the commute to get into work — something all the summer construction sure wasn’t helping. Being the caring man he is, my husband confessed how much he worried about me being on the road for such an extended period. He saw the toll it was taking on me and suggested it might be time to hang it up. So, Terry’s concern for my well-being has led me to yet another new chapter in my life. I’ve had an incredible closing year training my replacement Chelsea, who had worked in the New Business department of another firm. I have full faith in her ability to carry the torch forward. Of course, I will miss the smiling faces that have been such an amazing part of my life these past 21 years. As for my future, I’m looking forward to more bike rides and walks on the nature trails around our home and putting more time into our gardens. If this chapter is anything like the last, I’m sure something beautiful will blossom.
Architects home. I’ve seen so much change since those early days, both in the size of the firm and the duties I perform. I started out as a receptionist, and my job used to be all about greeting people and ensuring our clients found the help they needed. Back then, I didn’t even know what a computer mouse was — a fact Ken still likes to tease me about from time to time. Now I have my own computer and a quiet office to boot. As head of the Life Insurance New Business Department, much of my day is spent talking with with underwriters and advisors. But despite these shifts over the decades, one thing has been consistent — the joy I feel working at FAI. I suppose I have my husband Terry to thank. Prior to coming to Financial Architects, I’d worked for Vicks before taking on the most important job of my life: being a mom. I stayed home to raise our kids, but, when it came time for our daughter and grandson to move out of the house, Terry knew the change was going to affect me.
Farewell,
“You’d better get a job,” I still remember him telling me. “You’re going to be bored
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A CHAT WITH OUR CLIENT JOHN JOHNSTON SHARES HIS STORY
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: I am a client of Financial Architects and they asked me if I wanted to participate in this month’s “A Chat with our Client.” I told them sure, I have plenty of stories to tell. Then they told me it had to be nonfiction, much to my chagrin. Perhaps one day they will want to hear about my time on Mount Everest. Who knew it would snow? In my younger days, my uncle advised me on investing, and he did a great job. Eventually, he retired, and I had to find someone else. Around 2000, I called my friend, big shot Birmingham lawyer Joe Wrobel, and asked for advice. After Joe finally remembered who I was, he told me about Chris Cousins and Mike Kucera. I had a meeting with them, and they have been stuck with me ever since. Chris and Mike have been a pleasure to work with and they are also close friends of mine. They later moved to FAI and I gladly followed them. Everyone has been nice and worked hard. Jan Winters always answers my questions and is a pleasure to talk to. Someone from the company once asked me, “What drives you each and every day?” I told him it was a 2014 Dodge Caravan. No one has made a cash offer yet, but that’s okay. I know the readers are not going to believe this, but most of my friends and relatives claim I don’t take anything seriously. If that were true, it would probably be the fault of W.C. Fields and Groucho Marx. They changed humor in this country. I’ve heard many comedians claim they were influenced by these two men. I have quoted them many times in my life.
has played and coached in the NHL, but my love is for baseball. When I was 6, the Tigers won the World Series. Baseball went into my blood that year. I met Mickey Stanley, who played in the Series, and Paul Foytack, who had retired from baseball. When you are addicted to baseball, you also want to know the history of the game, and I know way too much about the game. I’ve watched a lot of football, basketball, and hockey in my life but not as much as baseball. Do I have any more addictions? Yes. I have watched way too many films in my life. And, like baseball, I had to know the history. Yes, I can talk to you about the 1903 World Series and the silent film “Nosferatu” (1922) directed by F.W. Murnau. If only I knew about something that was important. Oh well. My favorite films are “Rear Window” (1954), “The Third Man” (1949), and “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948). I was impressed by the work done by directors Alfred Hitchcock, John Huston, Billy Wilder, David Lean, and Frank Capra. You are probably wondering, “How old is this guy?” Well, those movies are older than I am. Great films in my life would include “No Country for Old Men” (2007), “The Departed” (2006), “The Verdict” (1982), and “Miller’s Crossing” (1990). If you love both baseball and films, then watch “The Natural” (1984). Some people I know might enjoy “The Elephant Man” (1980). Chris and Mike know I am interested in stocks. My brother opened an Ameritrade account in 2001 and told me I should also do it. It only took one bad year for my brother to lose interest, but I enjoy it. Luckily, Chris and Mike have helped me navigate the ups and downs. Well, I could tell you about all the books I’ve read or why I am a Catholic, but I think you have suffered enough. I’ve enjoyed my years with FAI. I hope they forgive me for this article.
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN INTERESTS? I am addicted to baseball. My brother played basketball at Michigan, and I have a cousin who
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., and FAI Advisors, Inc. are not subsidiaries or affiliates 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, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
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Take a Break
Why Loyalty Still Matters Today Consultants tell us there are many aspects of a healthy culture whether it is a company, a nonprofit organization, a community group, or a club. Healthy communication, accountability, honesty, and integrity are commonly used terms relating to a strong business culture. One thing that likely won’t make that list is the concept of loyalty. Is it possible this concept, when it comes to the workplace, is an outdated ideal? Seemingly gone are the days where one would stay at the same company for a few decades or more. The workplace of the past had a view of loyalty related to the company, especially in large organizations. Of course, this loyalty, much of the time, was tied to the benefit programs that rewarded workers for years of service. This “30 years and out” concept, that once was typical of many organizations, has mostly disappeared from the workplace. But what about loyalty in businesses that make up the majority of organizations, those considered small- to medium-sized companies? Since there were no lifetime benefit programs in these organizations, this type of loyalty was more person-to-person in nature. It could have been a sense of loyalty to the owners or founders of the company. Maybe it was loyalty to a certain manager. Today, a career needs to contain potential growth opportunities: usually ones tied to a person’s passions and life purpose. The younger generations do have a sense of loyalty, although it’s dramatically different from past generations. This loyalty is tied to their defined individual purpose and passions and what gives them meaning as a person. If the opportunity with the organization is feeding their passions as they define them, then they may become loyal to the employer. But it isn’t as much loyalty to the employer or the ideals declared by the organization overall. Finally, many business leaders complain that loyalty in the workplace is gone, but this isn’t necessarily true. What has changed is the practical application of the concept of loyalty. Those organizations that wish to continue to be great places to work must first understand this dynamic and then align the purpose of the organization with the purpose, passions, and drive of the team members. In our culture, we have had some great examples of loyalty over our 34– year history. In our cover story this month, we celebrate a very special Financial Architects teammate, as we pay tribute to Pat Smith. Pat retired in the month of September after 21 years of extraordinary service. We will carry on her example to the best of our ability, and we will miss her greatly. Pat, your Financial Architects family loves you and thanks you!
Solution on Page 4
Thanksgiving may be held on Thursday, but the food often lasts at least through the weekend. To make the best use of the excess, grill up some killer turkey sandwiches. THE BEST LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICH
INGREDIENTS
• 2 slices sourdough bread • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey • 3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce • 1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing • 2 tbsp leftover gravy • 1 tbsp butter, room temperature
Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.
DIRECTIONS
1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.
–Chris Cousins
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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Inside This Issue 1 | A New Chapter 2 | Q&A With John Johnston 3 | Why Loyalty Still Matters Today 3 | The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich 4 | Adventure Like a Scandinavian
There’s ‘Snow’ Place Like Scandinavia
Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark have long topped lists of the world’s happiest people. This may seem strange considering these countries can spend half the year in darkness; dusk sets in around 2 p.m. for some Nordic cities in the wintertime. The Scandinavians’ positive outlook on winter likely contributes to their happy demeanors year-round. Instead of looking at the winter months as something to endure, these folks embrace the season and find ways to enjoy it. Here are a couple ways to emulate their attitude.
downhill skiing or snowboarding anymore, give Nordic skiing a try. It’s less stressful on your body but still a challenging, fun way to enjoy a beautiful day outside.
DRESS FOR WARMTH
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only poor gear. The Fins embrace this mentality wholeheartedly by trekking in subzero temperatures. The key is proper layering. Start with warm base layers that retain heat while allowing air to circulate. Skintight spandex isn’t very effective, so try thermal underwear or wool instead. On top of your base layer, add fleece and then down. If you’ll be somewhere with a lot of moisture, make sure your down is synthetic and waterproof. Your extremities get cold the quickest, so keep them warm with a buff, cozy gloves, hats, and wool socks layered as needed.
ONE WORD: SAUNA
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you need to be, too. A day on the slopes would not be complete without a sauna. In Finland, Sweden, and other Nordic countries, taking a sauna is considered a daily ritual for its purported health-boosting and mood-boosting benefits. Age and Ageing health journal has found evidence linking sauna use to a lowered risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
TRY NORDIC SKIING
If you’re a seasonal runner but it’s too cold to enjoy your go-to activity this winter, it’s time to diversify. Skiing isn’t the only wintertime option, either. There’s ice skating, ice climbing, and snowshoeing, to name a few. If your knees can’t take
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