Financial Architects - February 2020

Financial Architects - February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

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MANY HATS The Life and Times of Janice Reynolds Entering my 16th year at Financial

way. Every day is different from the last, and the skills that I get to employ are constantly changing. Of course, I have a great support team to help me in all these matters, and I’m doing my best to learn to delegate when I can. But the biggest difference in my move to FAI is the impact I feel we’re making. Working in a school or billing department doesn’t give you much of a chance to see the positive effect you’re having on people in the moment, but manning the front room of an experienced firm does. Hearing the relief in someone’s voice when I can find them the information they’re looking for, seeing the look of a satisfied client as they leave a meeting with their Architect, or even just getting a smile as I fix coffee — that’s what makes it all worth it. My husband and I are nearing retirement ourselves, and we’re learning how to slow down (slowly). I love my time at FAI, but I’ll admit I’m looking forward to more time to travel, work in the garden, and spend time watching the grandkids’ activities. As I look forward to those golden years, it brings an extra special satisfaction that I get to help others do the same.

Architects, I can say with confidence that no two days are the same. My job has morphed and grown over the years as I took on more responsibility and got to see more aspects of the firm. And from my “private office” in the lobby of our firm, I had the perfect vantage point to watch the firm evolve and grow along with me. When I first came to FAI in 2004, I was acting as an administrative assistant for two of the Architects on our team at the time. But as I became more experienced and known around the office, I found myself keeping more and more plates spinning at once. After seven years, my location in the office changed and I began my current position as the front desk and client services coordinator, which covers most of the aspects of my job. Yes, I’m almost always the first face you see coming in the front door, and it’s usually my voice on the other end of the line when you call into the office, but I get to do plenty behind the scenes as well. From keeping up with our monthly correspondence letters, fielding meetings with our Architects, and servicing our in-force insurance accounts, I get to wear a lot of hats. That’s just one of the reasons I love it here. I’ve never had a problem learning new skills. In fact, back when my kids were growing up, I worked at their school as a video aid. This was back when we were recording things on big, clunky audiovisual

equipment and recording to VHS. As you could imagine, those were very different times, and I had to pick up niche skills to make sure everything ran smoothly. It was more than worth it though — while my adult children were back for the holidays, I was sure to break out the old tapes from when they were little and share the memories. After my kids graduated, I moved on from their school as well. In what was a completely different career move, I got hired to do medical billing. Again, this required me to pick up a unique skillset, and a detail-oriented one at that. However, once I’d learned the ropes, it proved to be monotonous work. That’s why I’m so glad I found and stuck with Financial Architects.

Looking forward to what the future will bring,

– Janice Reynolds

As I said earlier, I wear many hats here at the firm, and I wouldn’t want it any other

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INSIDE FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE

One of Financial Architects’ own, advisor Asalyn Coachman, who

was featured in our January newsletter,

Feb. 14 is National Donor Day

was given the inaugural Game Changer Award

by Ohio National Financial Services. Asalyn was recognized for her success in engaging traditionally underserved clients, including single women, women-led households, millennials, and minorities, in learning effective money management strategies. The Game Changer Award recognizes financial professionals who broaden the spectrum of clients whose lives are positively impacted by Ohio national products and services. Asalyn was presented the award at FAI’s holiday party back in December. In her speech, she remarked, “There are so many people who want and need our guidance but don’t know where to start, so I believe it is up to us to find them. That is what I have tried to do — to follow the lead of mentors like Turner Thompson to move families forward, one step at a time, one decision at a time, one dollar at a time.” The support team at FAI is the backbone of this organization: a group of individuals who provides valuable services to our advisors and clients. In 2020, the group looks a little different with the retirement of Leslie Gillespie. As a very valuable project coordinator, Leslie provided direct support in processing securities business for individual clients. In addition, she helped service corporate retirement plans. Leslie was beloved in the office for her friendly demeanor and was always willing to help with any project big or small. She will be missed, and we wish her all the best in her retirement. 1. Leslie, what was your role at FAI and how many years did you spend here? I joined the firm in May 2008. Initially, I was a strategic analyst working with Mike. Later, for roughly five years, I served as the securities business coordinator (the job that Sherry is doing). For the last 3–4 years, I have been a project manager. 2. What makes this place so special or even different from anywhere else that you worked? Working here was a significant transition for me. I worked for over 30 years in a large corporate setting (in the automotive industry) prior to joining the firm. The culture of the firm was welcoming and supportive, and management identified ways to utilize my skills and experience to add value to the firm and our clients. Thank you, Leslie!

With all the cards, chocolates, and expensive dinners, it’s easy to get cynical about Valentine’s Day. However, National Donor Day also falls on Feb. 14, and it can refocus our attention back on the real meaning of the day: love. In the U.S., 20 people die each day while waiting for an organ transplant. Losing loved ones is one of the most painful aspects of the human experience, and while it is unavoidable, organ donation offers a pathway to help prevent that loss and keep more love in the world. REGISTER AS AN ORGAN DONOR. Signing yourself up is easy and can be done either online or in person at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. You’ll need official identification to register. Registration is not permanent and you will always have the option to change your mind. Once registered, you will not need to carry your donor card with you, as your status exists in the registry. JOIN A DONOR DASH. Donor Dash fundraising events pop up all over the country on National Donor Day. These noncompetitive 5K running and walking events are designed to bring donors and recipients together and keep hope alive for those who are currently waiting for a donation. To learn more, or to register for an event, check out DonorAlliance.org. PARTICIPATE IN #STARTTHECONVERSATION. Donor Alliance, a nonprofit that works to promote organ donation, began the #StartTheConversation campaign as a way to help spread awareness about organ and tissue donation. Starting the conversation can be as simple as sharing that you registered with your friends and family or as personal as sharing a story about how organ donation has touched your life or the lives of your loved ones. Don’t let another Valentine’s Day come and go in a tide of cellophane, candy hearts, and cheesy cards. This year, get involved in National Donor Day. After all, what better way is there to express the value of love than giving the gift of life? In the spirit of that love, here are a few ways you can get involved with National Donor Day this Feb. 14.

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, 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

A Chat With Our Client ED BORIO FROM BORIO DENTAL

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS?

I have been a client of Cort Otterbein’s since 1985. When he moved to Financial Architects, I naturally came over with him. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, BORIO DENTAL.

Solution on Page 4

I graduated from dental school in 1981 and opened up a practice in downtown Birmingham. The following year, I moved my practice 1 mile north to my current location, then moved to a different suite in the same building in 2002. I would describe our practice as a personalized dental wellness practice. We spend more time than most practices trying to learn about our patients’ medical and dental histories, assess their risk for dental disease, and have discussions with them so that, together, we can make decisions about their dental health that are individualized for their needs and wants. This approach is a preventive one and can also often predict where problems might develop in the future. Our objective is to not only help our patients keep their teeth but to also minimize any significant problems they could encounter in their elder years when they have fewer dollars to spend on dental care and are less able to sit for lengthy appointments. This approach results in our patients almost never experiencing a dental emergency. Because of the close and personalized interactions we have with our patients, they become our friends, and we often cross paths in our daily lives. Additionally, since graduating from dental school, I have averaged 75–100 hours of continuing education, which has allowed me to integrate my many years of clinical experience with continued exposure to the most up-to-date procedures and techniques. We are always updating our materials and equipment to allow us to be progressive in the services and techniques we provide our patients. This has provided a perfect blend of high touch with high tech, and we always have the patients’ best long-term interests in mind. Time and time again, the reviews our patients post on the internet reflect both the outstanding level of clinical care and personalized service they experience in our office. The information about products and services offered by Borio Dental does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Financial Architects, Inc. WHAT MAKES BORIO DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DENTAL PRACTICES?

EASY SHRIMP SCAMPI

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tbsp butter • 4 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 cup dry white wine

• 1/4 cup lemon juice • 8 oz cooked linguine • 1/4 cup parsley

DIRECTIONS • 1 tbsp minced garlic • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1/2 tsp oregano

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter with 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. 2. Add shrimp and oregano, stirring frequently until shrimp is pink. Remove shrimp from skillet. 3. Add wine and lemon juice to skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. Stir in remaining butter and olive oil and cook until butter is melted. 5. Add cooked shrimp to skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. 6. In a serving bowl, top cooked linguine with shrimp mixture. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Inspired by The Blond Cook

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39395 W. 12 Mile Road Suite 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48331

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Inside This Issue 1 | The Life and Times of Janice Reynolds 2 | Give the Gift of Life 2 | Inside Financial Architects

3 | A Chat With Our Client 3 | Easy Shrimp Scampi 4 | Your Epic Adventure Awaits

Create Your Own Odyssey

GOZO, MALTA

One of the oldest stories in Western literature is Homer’s “The Odyssey.” This epic poem tells the story of Odysseus and his long journey home after the Trojan War. While Odysseus’ travels were fraught with mythical monsters and magic, many of the places he visited are said to be inspired by real islands in the Mediterranean. Even today, travelers flock to these islands looking for peace, adventure, and epic stories of their own. One of the most popular stories in “The Odyssey” is the tale of Odysseus rescuing his crew from Polyphemus, a man-eating Cyclops. It’s said that Polyphemus made his home on what is now modern-day Sicily. Fortunately, there are no Cyclopes in Sicily today; there are only cultural festivals, world-class golf courses, and delicious food. SICILY, ITALY

While Odysseus’ journey was perilous, he did enjoy one peaceful stop. Odysseus spent seven years on the mythical island of Ogygia, home of the nymph Calypso. Historians suspect that Ogygia was Gaudos, now modern-day Gozo, Malta. Gozo is home to the Ġgantija temples, which are older than the Egyptian pyramids. In addition to exploring its archaeological marvels, Gozo’s visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, horseback riding, and other memorable adventures.

by a seaside cafe before lounging on a secluded beach for the rest of the day. It’s no wonder why Odysseus fought so hard to get back to Ithaca! With dozens of other islands to explore, the Mediterranean is the perfect place to plan your own odyssey — minus the mythical monsters, of course.

ITHACA, GREECE

If you want to chart your own odyssey, make your final stop Odysseus’ home, the island of Ithaca. Covered in lush greenery and quaint villages, Ithaca is a wonderful place to relax at the end of your trip. Visitors can enjoy their morning coffee

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