Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
APRIL 2024
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How Our Leadership Team Is Elevating Client Service Lessons Learned at Our Annual Workshop
At the tail end of a brisk Michigan winter, our entire team gathered in Novi on March 12 for our much-anticipated annual workshop. This event is a cornerstone of our firm’s commitment to excellence, where we come together to refine our skills, share insights, and fortify our client-centric approach. It’s a time of reflection, learning, and strategic planning, all aimed at enhancing the service we provide to our clients. Our vice president, Pat Marody, kicked off the event with an inspiring look back at the remarkable journey we’ve embarked on over the past few years. Pat underscored the importance of the “3 T’s” — Transformation, Transition, and Takeoff — principles that have guided our firm’s ascent and will continue to propel us forward. Following Pat, Chris Cousins and Kristi Laporte delved into the nuances of message clarity, setting ambitious yet attainable goals, and the importance of sound financial stewardship. One of the highlights was Chris Meso, our business coach and Pinnacle implementer. Chris has been instrumental in helping our leadership team get organized, tackle issues head-on, and craft a clear, compelling vision for our firm. His insights into data and performance metrics provided us with invaluable tools to assess and enhance our effectiveness. Preston True, our business coach and fellow Pinnacle Implementor, introduced us to the transformative team assessment: the six types of Working Genius . Understanding
that each of us possesses a unique blend of wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing enablement, and tenacity was both enlightening and empowering. For instance, Matt Dery discovered his strengths lie in enablement and tenacity, acting as a cheerleader to encourage and assist our team while also driving projects to completion. Recognizing the diversity of talents within our team is crucial as it enables us to serve our clients with unparalleled efficiency and care. Additionally, our collaboration with Chris Meso over the past three years has been a journey of continuous growth and refinement. As both a coach and a client, Chris has a unique perspective on our firm’s mission and values. Revisiting our Two-Page Vision document was a poignant reminder of our foundational principles, including our commitment to kindness, trustworthiness, continuous improvement, and selfless motivation. We delved into our core values, assessed our strengths and weaknesses, and reaffirmed our distinctive approach to financial advising:
clarity and freedom. Our onboarding process and strategic execution are meticulously designed to embody these values, nurturing a long-term, dynamic client relationship. Our firm’s purpose is simple yet profound: to help people live a life of freedom by simplifying the complexity of money decisions . We leverage tools like the CultureWise app to reinforce our unique culture and values, ensuring that every member of our team is aligned with our mission. As we reflect on the insights and inspirations from our annual workshop, we are more committed than ever to being our clients’ most trusted advisor. Through continuous learning, strategic planning, and a steadfast dedication to our core values, we are poised to lead our clients toward a future of financial security and freedom. –Leadership Team
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Applying the science of money Adopting a “Whole-listic” approach Prioritizing macroeconomic considerations over microeconomic fluctuations Valuing verification over mere opinion
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Identifying our ideal client profile is critical — we seek to partner with families and people who share our values, trust in our expertise, and are committed to a mutual journey of financial
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FAI Welcomes Bryan Azzo to the Team INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS
Soaking in the heated waters of a hot spring is an experience you’ll want again and again once you try it. And there is much more to this geothermal wonder than meets the eye. The naturally heated, mineral-rich water nourishes the body and mind, allowing you to shed stress as you easily float on the surface. HOW HOT SPRINGS WORK Hot springs are heated by geothermal energy. Water meets volcanic hot rocks, resulting in boiling mineral-rich water. Regions far away from volcanic activity can also have hot springs; those occur when a spring runs so deep that it hits rocks close to the Earth’s crust. These rocks are naturally very hot, which then heats the water. HOW MINERALS AND HEAT IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH The water in hot springs contains a plethora of minerals, so the water can be healthy and rejuvenating, providing benefits for your skin, cardiovascular system, and more. Every spring has a unique mineral makeup and varied health effects, but here are four of the most common. • Improved Blood Circulation: Minerals like calcium, iron, and sodium bicarbonate are great for blood circulation, as they promote oxygen flow. • Radiant Skin: Nitrogen, silica, and other minerals are excellent for exfoliating skin. • Less Stress: As the warm water melts stress away, the magnesium and lithium improve your mood. • Pain Reduction: Sulfate helps reduce pain, while hot water soothes muscles and reduces inflammation. WHERE YOU CAN FIND HOT SPRINGS The western part of the U.S. has a higher concentration of hot springs, but if you look hard enough, you can find one anywhere. Some hot springs are deep in the mountains, so you’ll have to hike in. They often have specular views and are worth the journey. If you don’t want to trek up a mountain, you’ll find many spas built around hot springs that offer amenities besides the spring, such as restaurants and saunas. So, the next time you’re traveling, locate the hot springs in your area and put a visit on your itinerary! Earth’s Geothermal Wonder THE ALLURE OF HOT SPRINGS
Financial Architects has added a new advisor to the growing squad. Bryan Azzo is the newest Financial Architect. He has been in the financial services industry since 2017, developing a complete skill set in retail banking. Eager to create a greater impact, Bryan at FAI has been able to dive deeper with his clients and attempt to change lives like never before. He is committed to guiding families & business owners toward financial freedom, utilizing in-depth strategies and critical analysis. Bryan has a heart for people and takes a conversational approach, truly getting to know others. Through extensive education & experience, he strives to stay ahead of the curve, providing clients with forward-thinking strategies. A resident of West Bloomfield, Bryan loves hiking and plays many sports, including basketball, golf, and volleyball. He is also an active member of his church, leading his Bible study and mentoring younger men.
Welcome Bryan!
– The Financial Architects 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. Investment Advisory Services offered through FAI Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.
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Mike and Karen Pezok Chat With a Client
Take a Break
Solution on Page 4
HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED TO FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS? Our first interactions with Financial Architects happened over 30 years ago. Karen and I met with Ken Grace regarding a life insurance policy, and Ken showed us how to use the policy to start building wealth. At the time, Karen and I had three children and didn’t have any extra funds to invest. Fast forward to 2022, Karen and I were discussing retirement and decided to talk with a financial planner. Immediately Ken came to mind. We reached out to Financial Architects only to find out Ken retired. Chavez Vincent reached out, and we made an immediate connection like we did with Ken. Chavez has guided us through a process to create a retirement plan that we both have confidence in. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESSES AND ROLES AND HOW 2024 IS GOING SO FAR. 2024 is going great. I enjoy the company I work for. I decided to change companies at the end of 2022 after 39 years of service. I can honestly say I wish I had done it sooner. We are both planning to retire in 2025, and thanks to Chavez, we have a plan that lets us sleep at night knowing we are financially secure.
Scallops and Spring Vegetables With Olive-Caper Pan Sauce Inspired by EatingWell.com
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 8 oz sea scallops, tough side muscle removed • Pinch of ground pepper • 8 oz asparagus (1/2 bunch), trimmed • 6 oz baby carrots, halved lengthwise • 1 medium shallot, minced
• 5 pitted green olives, coarsely chopped • 1 tbsp capers, chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1/4 cup dry white wine • 1 tbsp butter • Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
1. In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp oil. Pat scallops dry and sprinkle with pepper. Add scallops to pan and cook, flipping once, until browned and just cooked through, 1 1/2–2 minutes per side. Set aside. 2. In the pan, add remaining 1 tbsp oil, asparagus, and carrots and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 2–3 minutes. 3. Add shallot, olives, capers, and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. 4. Add wine and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add butter; stir until melted. 5. Plate veggies with scallops, then drizzle with pan sauce. Serve with parsley if desired. DIRECTIONS
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER? We are looking forward to welcoming our first granddaughter into the world this summer. Family is important to Karen and me, which is why we plan to spend as much time as possible with them while still making time to enjoy our condo near Lake Michigan.
This is a testimonial by an existing client of FAI Advisors. No compensation was provided for this testimonial. This client’s experience is not necessarily representative of all clients’ experiences.
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Inside This Issue
1 | Highlights From Our Team’s Annual Workshop
2 | Discover the Healing Wonders of Hot Springs
2 | Inside Financial Architects
3 | Chat with a Client: Mike and Karen Pezok
3 | Scallops and Spring Vegetables With Olive-Caper Pan Sauce
4 | April Escapesl
If you’d like to record a client video testimonial, please contact Matt Dery at MDery@financialarch.com or 248-482-3600.
Escape April Showers This Spring
3 VACATIONS SPOTS TO AVOID SEASONAL GLOOM
April showers bring May flowers, but you don’t have to stick around to wait for them to bloom. Escape to these three destinations and enjoy the new life of spring without the rain. AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND, NETHERLANDS Why wait for May to see spring flowers? All April long, Holland sports the most beautiful colors in the world, and people from all over the globe go enjoy the Keukenhof Garden Festival. This festival has occurred for 75 years, and as it’s only 30 minutes away from Amsterdam proper, you can experience the best of both worlds. Explore the thousands of tulips during the day and then spend time in the city, exploring the beautiful canals and shopping districts in the evening. Don’t worry if you miss the beautiful flowers; most of the city’s museums and hotels have tulips, too. SEVILLE, SPAIN Embark on an enchanting journey to Seville, where vibrant culture and passion come alive.
on horseback and the clacking footwork of flamenco dancers are captivating to watch, so don’t miss out by getting rained in. MALTA Located to the south of mainland Europe in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is part of an archipelago consisting of several islands, including Gozo and Comino. Because of its diverse cultures, you’ll hear Arab accents in the language as you pass Baroque architecture. Nature lovers, hikers, and landscape photographers alike can explore the rocky coastlines, impressive rock formations, and dazzling sea caves, such as the Blue Grotto (Malta), plus beautiful beaches like Ramia Bay (Gozo) and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (Malta). However, the biggest advantage of traveling in Malta is that everything is in full bloom: green fields, blooming citrus trees, and beautiful flowers. If you go in spring, you’ll beat the tourists, too, as summer is peak season.
Picture yourself strolling through cobblestone streets where you can immerse yourself in the parades that travel through the city during Holy Week. Brass bands build up to a beautiful celebration on Easter, and just two weeks later, the Feria de Abril begins. This fiesta is full of lively parties, even more music, and colorful costumes. Sevillanos
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