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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