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SEPTEMBER 2019
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MAKING THE CALL Matt Dery’s Leap to Financial Architects
Some of you may know me from my days as a sportscaster at 97-1 The Ticket, but I’m coming to you now as Financial Architects’ (FAI’s) Communications and Business Development Director. I may
Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. I taught classes in journalism, as well as communications and media, and loved every second of it. Being able to make a difference in those kids’ lives was the best three years of my professional career — I could have retired there. But being able to join the team that had helped my family for so many years was just too good an offer to pass up. The position seemed tailor-made for me. Beyond my decades of media experience, there were times I would be having a panic over finances on a Friday night, and Turner himself would take my call. It’s rare to find that level of care and professionalism in any company, so you can be sure I wanted all my friends and family to know about FAI. Still, at 46 years old, making such a big career transition might seem strange to some people. But the truth is that the demands of my job here at the firm aren’t all that different from working in radio. From my earliest broadcasting days at Syracuse University, versatility was a must. I had to run the board, write and voice sportscasts, call play-by-play, and run a talk show. Now, as I build our social media presence, create content, and work with Chris and Pat to chart FAI’s growth, I don’t feel overwhelmed; I feel right at home.
And it’s an exciting time to become part of the FAI team. The whole reason we needed this hybrid position of communications and development is the speed at which we’re growing. The firm is reaching more people and exploring more opportunities than ever before. Being there to beef up our online presence and engage with both existing and new clients means I get a front-row seat to all of these exciting changes. If you’d allow me to brag about one last perk of the job, I want to take a moment to thank my new coworkers. I felt so welcomed from the moment I began working here and have made so many great friends around the office. Sadly, working in the radio industry can be very cutthroat at times, and I never really got to enjoy a healthy, supportive work environment. Joining FAI, I finally understand how this firm was able to provide me with such great service over the years: Happy team members put that joy into their work. I’m glad to be able to do the same.
Matt Dery
still be new to this expanded role, but I’m more than familiar with the people and the services of this firm. My relationship with FAI goes back almost a decade. I’d just gotten married, and my wife, Heather, and I wanted to make sure we were doing all we could to give our kids the best possible future. Thankfully, a friend introduced us to Turner Thompson, and the rest is history. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many members of this team — Ken Grace and I frequently met up to chat at Pistons games. So, when I was asked to come on board and help write the next chapter in FAI’s growth, I jumped at the opportunity. Of course, leaving my old job wasn’t easy. After getting out of radio, I spent three years teaching at the University of
Thank you,
–Matt Dery
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Shari Thompson Shares Her Story A CHAT WITH OUR CLIENT
INTERNATIONAL SUDOKU DAY
Solve Your Favorite Math Puzzles!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. Our business, “Shaggy’s Copper Country Skis,” is unique in that we are one of a few small ski manufacturers in the country. In fact, we’re the only one in Michigan. We proudly handcraft every pair of skis in our own factory. Over the last decade, we’ve refined our line of skis, expanded our team, and continued to invest in new equipment so our customers can expect the best. We combine our passion for skiing and craftsmanship to make the most out of every day on the snow. WHAT MAKES SHAGGY’S STAND OUT FROM THE COMPETITION? WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM THE BIG GUYS EVERYONE IS FAMILIAR WITH? Anyone can go out and buy a pair of skis, but, when a customer comes to Shaggy’s, they can get a pair of skis built just for them, not the masses. We are endlessly flexible with our production, and that allows us to build skis in a one-off fashion. But building great skis is just one trait that sets us apart — it’s the honest, personal service that makes a prospective customer become part of the Shaggy’s family. When someone contacts Shaggy’s, their questions are answered quickly, thoroughly, and by someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes skiing. We’ll get them on the perfect pair of skis. There’s no middle man here — just accurate info straight from the horse’s mouth! WHAT IS IT LIKE RUNNING A FAMILY BUSINESS? It’s very rewarding most of the time. We work hard in this venture, and it’s always a comfort to know we have each other’s backs. We’ve created a legacy for each other, and that’s priceless. It’s good to see my family every day at work. We all have different tasks, so we do get our own spaces, which keeps us from getting tired of each other. That’s not to say we don’t have days when we would rather work elsewhere — but those days are few and far between. The information about products and services offered by Shaggy’s Copper Country Skis does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Financial Architects, Inc.
International Sudoku Day brings puzzle and math lovers together to enjoy the perfect in-between! Specifically chosen on Sept. 9 by the World Puzzle Federation, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beloved 9x9 puzzle game. HISTORY OF SUDOKU One of the first mathematical puzzles was published in La France, a French newspaper, in 1895. However, the puzzle we now see in newspapers, sudoku books, and newsletters wasn’t invented until 1979 by Howard Garns. Originally published in Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games magazine, Garns named it “Number Place.” It was later given the name “sudoku” in 1984 when it was published in Japan. However, the puzzle didn’t catch the interest of Americans until 2004, when it began to be regularly published in newspapers. INTERESTING FACTS The name “sudoku” is short for the Japanese expression “sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru,” which translates to “the numerals must remain single.” In Japan, sudoku quickly became very popular, mostly because it’s so much easier to play than other puzzle games like crosswords. Sudoku continues to be a popular puzzle choice in Japan where, according to Sudoku.com, over 600,000 sudoku magazines are purchased every month. OBSERVING SUDOKU Celebrating this holiday has never been easier! Grab a sudoku book, magazine, or newsletter and start solving! The best thing about sudoku is that the puzzles can be done anywhere: while you’re enjoying breakfast, during a lunch break at work, or while you’re relaxing at home. They can also be done in one sitting or over an extended period of time. Filling out a puzzle doesn’t have to be an individual task, either. Challenge family or friends to see who can finish a sudoku puzzle the quickest or work on one together.
Pick up a few sudoku puzzles today and start solving!
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
Thinking About Company Culture How New People Fit Into Your Company
The front page article in this edition gives us some insight into the past, present, and future of an individual who is now part of the Financial Architects team. In fact, this person’s role is new for our company. Matt Dery occupies a role in the organization that, while unique for us, is part of a broader initiative we will discuss in this article: our culture and the impact new people have on the organization. Experts tell us about a few basic categories that create a distinctive company culture. Some cultures are more like a family environment, where relationships are the primary focus. Others are efficiency and production focused, where performance is central to what they value. Others are defined by an environment where the leaders and the employees take risks, emphasize agility, and value creativity as central to their view of the world. Finally, some are more hierarchical in nature — structure and formality are the primary emphasis. In reality, all cultures are some mix of these different characteristics. Financial Architects is no different. When new team members come on board, they bring with them experiences, positive or negative, as well as a view of business culture. The starting point is to make sure there is a cultural fit, followed by their willingness to learn and develop. With this in mind, here are a few things we will remember as we move toward what we believe is a bright and bigger future for our organization. NEW TEAM MEMBERS HAVE FEW PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS OF EXISTING PROCESSES AND WORKFLOWS. Having a set of fresh eyes can allow a company to experience a breakthrough related to the growth- limiting statement: “We have always done it that way.” Not unlike an outside consultant, solutions can seem obvious to someone looking at it for the first time. THE ORGANIZATION CAN CAPITALIZE ON THEIR GROWTH MINDSET AND GENERAL POSITIVITY. This is where a positive attitude is paramount. When we are new at something, we tend to be excited and hopeful. This is similar to a young family having their first child. While there is some fear of the change, it’s also exciting and energizing. New employees, when properly directed by company leadership, can also bring this benefit to the organization. LEVERAGE GENERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS. For obvious reasons, any company’s growth has to involve younger people. The millennials and generations that follow have a grasp on technology unlike any other generation. It is not something they are just good at; it is part of their reality. They live a life embedded in technology. We believe our culture can bring the benefit of wisdom to these generations while, at the same time, we would be smart to embrace their technological worldview. Regardless of the type of culture, very few would disagree that fresh ideas and perspectives are important to foster. The ability to be agile and to change is needed in the fast-changing, dynamic business environment we see today. Having new people join the organization is a good way to attain these important perspectives.
Solution on Page 4
BASIL BERRY SORBET
Unlike standard ice cream recipes, this delicious sorbet doesn’t require fancy equipment or difficult prep. It’s also entirely dairy-free, making it the perfect vegan treat for the end of summer.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup sugar • 1 cup fresh basil leaves • 6 cups frozen mixed berries • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. In a saucepan over high heat, combine sugar with 1 cup of water, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, creating a syrup-like consistency. 2. Remove syrup from heat, add basil, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes. Strain syrup into bowl and refrigerate until cold. 3. In a blender, combine syrup with frozen berries and lemon juice. Purée until smooth. 4. Transfer to a square baking pan, cover in plastic wrap, and freeze until set, about 2 hours. 5. Scoop and serve.
Inspired by Good Housekeeping
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Inside This Issue 1 | Matt Dery Joins the Team 2 | Celebrating Math and Puzzles 2 | Q&A With Shaggy’s Copper Country Skis 3 | Thinking About Company Culture 3 | Basil Berry Sorbet 4 | An Excursion in the Pennine Alps
An Alpine Excursion TOUR MONTE ROSA
Nestled between Italy and Switzerland, Monte Rosa is the second highest peak in the Alps, making it one of the best views in either country and one of the more physically demanding ascents in the mountain range. In the late summer and early fall, tourists and locals alike tour Monte Rosa to pay their respects to the peak and to be challenged by the cross-country trek over the mountain. The full tour of the mountain is a nine- day journey that starts in Switzerland and crosses quickly over into Italy, winding its way through both countries before eventually returning trekkers to their starting point. The out-and-back path is the most popular route, though there are other ways to approach it. However you go, you’ll encounter massive glaciers, rigorous 1,000-meter ascents and descents, and breathtaking views that are sure to make this journey memorable.
true Alpine experience. You can book them in advance to guarantee your bunk and a dinner of spaetzle or lasagna, depending on which country you’re in that night. Unless you’re traveling with an experienced mountaineer, a guide is recommended for touring Monte Rosa, even if you only plan to traverse a small section of the mountain. Weather can vary greatly and change quickly in this region, so you never know when you’ll encounter ice or snow, which can lower your visibility. Toward the top of the peak, you’ll even have an opportunity to cross a sprawling glacier, and having a guide will ensure you have the necessary equipment for a safe trip. On top of the spectacular views, you can expect a beautiful blend of cultures and an experience unlike any other on your tour of Monte Rosa. Plus, you may even get to see a few Swiss cows or mountain goats along the way!
For accommodations, opt for charming mountain huts to immerse yourself in the
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