SYM Financial Advisors Podcast

In this episode of Executive Decisions, guest hosted by Seth Whicker, guest Tim Early, CEO of DreamOn Group, shares his insightful journey from an early career decision to move from New York to Florida, leading to a pivotal role in the medical device industry with Cordis Corporation. Tim reflects on his educational transitions, notably from West Point to Rochester Institute of Technology, and his shift from accounting to packaging engineering, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's strengths with career choices. The episode delves into Tim's experiences with changing industry regulations and the challenges they presented, highlighting his adaptability and growth in various roles, including quality engineering at companies like CR Bard Corporation and Johnson & Johnson. Tim discusses the nuances of different corporate cultures, and the significance of effective communication and diverse skill sets in executive leadership. The narrative also touches on his venture into entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons on risk-taking, resilience, and the critical balance of opportunity and decision-making in an executive's journey.

About our guest, Tim Early:

Tim Early, the CEO of DreamOn Group is known by many as the Founder and former CEO of Network Partners Group and a visionary in the life sciences industry. Tim brings with him a rich history of innovation, evidenced by his contributions to medical technology and packaging. He holds patents for advancements in laparoscopic packaging. His leadership in companies like Network Partners, Zimmer, and Johnson & Johnson has centered around building teams of passionate professionals and developing solutions that emphasize client and colleague needs. With a Master's in Packaging from RIT, Tim continues to shape the industry with forward-thinking approaches and a commitment to excellence.

Summary and highlights from the show:

• Early Career Decisions: Tim Early shares his journey of moving from New York to Florida without a job and how he seized an opportunity in the medical device industry with Cordis Corporation, reflecting the importance of adaptability and initiative in leadership.

• Educational Shift and Career Relevance: Discussing his transition from West Point to Rochester Institute of Technology, Tim highlights the significance of recognizing one's strengths and interests, as he shifted from accounting to packaging engineering.

• On-the-Job Learning and Growth: Tim talks about his early career experiences in medical device packaging, emphasizing the value of learning on the job and adapting to roles beyond formal education, a key skill for successful executive leadership.

• Facing Industry Regulations and Challenges: Tim's experience with FDA regulations at Cordis Corporation illustrates the importance of compliance and adaptability in executive roles, especially when navigating changing industry standards.

• Career Development at CR Bard Corporation and Johnson & Johnson: Tim recounts his roles at these companies, focusing on the impact of corporate culture on his professional growth. His experiences underline the importance of aligning with a company's culture and values for effective leadership.

• Quality Engineering and Interdisciplinary Skills: Tim's transition from packaging to quality engineering demonstrates the need for executives to possess diverse skill sets and the ability to handle various aspects of a business.

• Leadership and Communication Skills: Discussing his role at Johnson & Johnson, Tim emphasizes the importance of effective communication with both peers and executives, a crucial skill for leadership, especially when delivering challenging news.

• Insights on Corporate Culture: Reflecting on his time at different companies, Tim shares insights into various corporate cultures (technology-driven, sales and marketing-driven, financially-driven) and how understanding these cultures is vital for effective leadership and decision-making.

• Professional Risks and Learning from Mistakes: Tim's story of starting ISO Pack and the challenges faced provides insights into risk-taking and learning from failures, highlighting resilience as a key attribute of executive leadership.

• Final Reflections on Career and Leadership: In his closing remarks, Tim reflects on his career, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full breadth of business operations and the challenges of transitioning from a corporate executive to a business owner. He also shares his regret of not starting his entrepreneurial venture earlier, illustrating the balance of risk and opportunity in executive decision-making.

Connect with Tim Early: Email LinkedIn

About SYM Financial Advisors and the Executive Decisions Podcast:

Executive Decisions is a podcast designed for current and aspiring business leaders, offering an in-depth look at the evolving nature of executive roles. Hosted by SYM Financial Advisors Principal and Senior Financial Advisor Sarah Delahanty, the show delves into the personal and professional journeys of its guests, exploring the challenges they've overcome and the learning experiences that have shaped their paths to success. The podcast provides insights into how executives manage the increasing complexity of both their professional and personal lives. Featuring a range of guests from diverse industries, each episode aims to enlighten listeners on the continuous state of learning and adaptation necessary for effective leadership. Whether discussing career progression, leadership strategies, or personal growth, Executive Decisions is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of executive leadership.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

In this episode of the Owner's Corner, host Seth Whicker welcomes Tim Early, CEO of DreamOn Group, for a deep dive into his entrepreneurial journey. Tim's story begins with a move from upstate New York to Florida, marking the start of his career in the medical device industry. His narrative is not just about career choices but also highlights his entrepreneurial spirit. Tim shares candid insights into his early attempts at starting several businesses, discussing the challenges and setbacks he faced along the way. These experiences, though not immediately successful, were instrumental in shaping his approach to business. The conversation culminates in the story of his eventual success with Network Partners, a testament to his perseverance and the valuable lessons learned from previous endeavors. This episode offers a unique perspective on the realities of entrepreneurship, illustrating how resilience and learning from failures can lead to significant achievements in the business world.

About our guest, Tim Early:

Tim Early, the CEO of DreamOn Group is known by many as the Founder and former CEO of Network Partners Group and a visionary in the life sciences industry. Tim brings with him a rich history of innovation, evidenced by his contributions to medical technology and packaging. He holds patents for advancements in laparoscopic packaging. His leadership in companies like Network Partners, Zimmer, and Johnson & Johnson has centered around building teams of passionate professionals and developing solutions that emphasize client and colleague needs. With a Master's in Packaging from RIT, Tim continues to shape the industry with forward-thinking approaches and a commitment to excellence.

Summary and highlights from the show:

• Tim Early's Early Career and Move to Florida: The episode begins with Tim recounting his move from upstate New York to Florida post-college, which marked the start of his professional journey in the medical device industry.

• Initial Steps in the Medical Device Industry: Tim shares his experience of starting his career with Cordis Corporation, a pacemaker company, illustrating how opportunities sometimes arise from unexpected places.

• Educational Background and Its Influence: Tim highlights how his education influenced his career trajectory.

• Entrepreneurial Ventures and Challenges: Tim opens up about his attempts at starting several businesses, sharing the challenges and setbacks he faced, and the lessons learned from these early entrepreneurial endeavors.

• Founding of Network Packaging Partners: A significant focus of the discussion is on Tim's founding of Network Packaging Partners. He details the journey and the strategies that led to the success of this venture, offering insights into what it takes to build a successful business after previous attempts.

• Growth and Challenges of Network Packaging Partners: Tim talks about the growth of Network Packaging Partners, the hurdles of self-funding, and the journey to becoming cashflow positive.

• Selling Network Packaging Partners to Private Equity: Tim discusses the decision to sell Network Packaging Partners to private equity, the cultural changes post-sale, and his continued role in the company.

• Starting DreamOn Group: Tim concludes by sharing his current venture with DreamOn Group, focusing on the importance of adapting to new communication methods like video and building a team with complementary skills.

• Resilience and Learnings: Throughout the episode, the theme of resilience is prominent. Tim's story is a testament to the importance of persevering through career shifts and using these experiences as learning opportunities for future success.

Connect with Tim Early:

Email LinkedIn

About SYM Financial Advisors and the Owner's Corner Podcast:

Welcome to the Owner's Corner Podcast hosted by Principal and Senior Financial Advisor Seth Whicker from SYM Financial Advisors. In this show, we dive into the dynamic world of business ownership. Whether you're just starting out or are deep into your entrepreneurial journey, this podcast is designed to be your go-to source for insights and inspiration. Each episode, Seth connects with business owners and industry experts, bringing you their stories of triumphs, the lessons they've learned from their mistakes, and their strategies for success. We'll discuss everything from the initial stages of launching a business to the intricate details of exit planning. Whether it's succession, retirement preparation, or exploring buy-sell agreements and growth tactics, our goal is to spark your imagination about what's possible — for you, your team, and your family. Remember, while I share my insights and those of my guests, these are our personal opinions and not reflective of SYM Financial Advisors. This podcast is here to provide general information, not specific financial advice.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

We live longer but our capacity is diminishing and in practical care giving it's not always clear who is making the decisions from day-to-day. As a financial advisor, I work with clients everyday who live in the gray space with their loved ones. This is the messy middle, where caring for those who are perfectly capable one day but then slowly diminishing the next is a confounding effort. I am always encountering professionals who enlighten me to better ways to navigate what I call the scary "C"s, caregiving, confusion, chaos, and capacity. – Michelle Hipskind, CFP®

In this insightful episode of EmpowHER, host Michelle Hipskind welcomes Leslie Friedel, CEO of Stillwater Hospice, for an engaging conversation on how palliative care and grief support can help bring dignity, clarity, and legitimacy to this messy middle.

About our guest, Leslie Friedel:

With more than 16 years of experience in nonprofit healthcare leadership, Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. She holds a bachelor's and master's in social work from the University of Saint Francis and Indiana University, respectively. A licensed health facility administrator and social worker, Leslie is deeply involved in the community, serving as board chair of the Indiana University Fort Wayne School of Medicine, treasurer of the Indiana Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and secretary of the Alliance for Human Services. Join us as Leslie shares her passion for healthcare innovation and her commitment to serving the 12-county region in northeast Indiana through Stillwater Hospice's vital services.

Summary and highlights from the show:

• Understanding Palliative Care: The podcast highlights the benefits of palliative care, focusing on patients with life-limiting illnesses or chronic conditions, and how it can help improve decision-making and quality of life.

• Challenges for Caregivers: Discussion on the difficulties faced by caregivers, often women, who balance personal responsibilities with the demands of caring for someone with a life-limiting illness.

• Navigating Legal and Healthcare Decisions: The conversation examines the complexities of legal tools like power of attorney and healthcare directives, especially in the "gray area" when a patient's capacity is diminished but not entirely lost.

• Role of Competency and Autonomy in Healthcare Decisions: An exploration of the balance between respecting a patient's autonomy and assessing competency in making healthcare decisions.

• Anticipatory Grief: Leslie explains anticipatory grief, experienced by caregivers and loved ones prior to the actual loss, encompassing various emotions and decision-making pressures.

• Importance of Early Conversations and Planning: The discussion emphasizes the necessity of having early and open conversations about end-of-life wishes and advanced directives to ease decision-making during critical times.

• Managing Financial and Legal Aspects: There is an acknowledgment of the challenges in handling finances and legal matters, like selling a property or accessing resources, during palliative care situations.

• Finding Support and Building a Supportive Community: The importance of creating a support system comprising professionals, support groups, and other caregivers to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of palliative care.

• Conclusion and Resources: The episode concludes with an encouragement for listeners to engage in proactive planning and conversation about end-of-life care and provides resources for further information and support.

Connect with Leslie Friedel: Phone (260)435-3222 LinkedIn Website

About SYM Financial and EmpowHER Podcast:

The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars, and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community.

Email Michelle at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Owner of Status Go Consulting, Matt Roskuski, has over two decades of executive-level sales and marketing experience. He has worked for organizations of all sizes, from small privately-owned companies to global giants. His experience spans a diverse collection of industries including technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, consumer products, ecommerce and healthcare.

Matt's a native of Ft. Wayne and has a degree in Management from Purdue - West Lafayette. Early in his career, he spent nine years in Colorado and Southern California before returning home for good.

Seth welcomes Matt Roskuski to discuss his background in sales, marketing and consulting. Matt explains how he helps small businesses align their sales and marketing efforts to achieve better results. He shares examples of challenges he has faced when bringing different departments together. Matt also discusses how he works with companies on developing strategic plans and processes to improve productivity. The conversation provides business owners with insights on optimizing operations from an expert consultant.

"So it's really about alignment, and making sure that everything we're doing from a marketing perspective is pointed at getting that person that we want to talk to, to notice us or to engage with us, or to be aware that we exist, again, depending on where they are in the funnel." - Matt Roskuski

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• Entrepreneurship and business growth with Matt Roskuski.
• Career path and industry experience.
• Sales and marketing operations consulting.
• Aligning sales and marketing efforts for business success.
• Marketing strategy and execution.
• Aligning sales and marketing efforts for better results.
• Sales training and bridging gaps in organizations.
• The importance of customer service representatives in sales.
• Marketing alignment and strategy for small to medium-sized companies.
• Sales and marketing strategies with a consultant.

Our Favorite Quotes:

"From a marketing perspective, how do we find lots of that person? And that's what marketing does, right? They try to take a big group of people and find the few that are a fit potentially for what we're trying to sell them. Okay, marketing, go work your magic and get the message we agreed upon to those people that we want to talk to." - Matt Roskuski

"The individual that answers the phone at SYM is probably one of your best advocates for the company. Are they cheerful, because that's the first impression a lot of people are going to get, or even our customer service representatives, we couldn't grow and be who we are without really good people servicing the client." - Seth Whicker

"Make sure that what everybody's doing, whether it's sales or marketing, but particularly sales and marketing is pointed toward a result and an action that you want to drive." - Matt Roskuski

Connect with Matt Roskuski:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.statusgoconsulting.com/

About SYM Financial and The Owner's Corner Podcast

The Owner's Corner is a show for business owners. In each episode, host and financial planner Seth Whicker sits down with business owners and the professionals that serve them to talk about what it takes to build a business. Our guests come from many industries and walks of life to share their biggest wins, mistakes made along the way, and their thinking about the all-important exit planning.

Email Seth at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Seth on LinkedIn

Follow SYM Financial on Facebook

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google Podcasts

TuneIn

Amazon Music / Audible

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Gordon Bell is the Founder and CEO of The Midland Group, a business advisory firm based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Founded in 1991, The Midland Group has advised clients - both national and international with revenues ranging from $10 million to $5 billion - across a range of industries: manufacturing, distribution, service, and retail. The Midland Group, along with its strategic alliance partners, offers advisory services in Leadership Development, Succession Contingency Planning, Sales and Marketing, Business Development, Operational Excellence, Corporate Development, Mergers and Acquisition, Development of Multiple Exit Options, and Sell Side Preparedness / Sell Side Processes.

Gordon has identified a holistic approach to help his clients build their business and prepare to exit gracefully. Midland's Advanced Value Enhancement Solutions is a program that guides clients in building, growing, and finishing strong. This forward-thinking approach has advised numerous business owners and corporate leaders to maximize their shareholder value at an accelerated rate; minimize business risk; and achieve personal, financial, and business goals.

Whether it is a young business looking for growth, or established companies looking toward the future., Gordon starts by asking his clients three questions: What's your Vision? Your mission? Where are you in your journey? His approach is unique because of its accelerated focus, using 90-day plans to address both immediate and future goals, as well as proven successful development of strong leadership teams, both internally or by recruitment,

Seth welcomes Gordon to the podcast to discuss his journey to becoming CEO of the Midland Group. Gordon explains that he developed a passion for serving others from a young age. He talks about his experience owning an import/export business and doing corporate development work. Gordon also discusses the various consulting services he now provides to business owners, including exit planning, leadership development, and succession planning.

"Just build your best team. You build your best team, and they're a part of taking the risk with you, you're going to have a better plan. If you do that, then you're gonna have predictable financials." - Gordon Bell

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• Leadership, entrepreneurship, and consulting experiences.
• Exit strategies for business owners with a focus on preparation and communication.
• Business planning and strategy.
• Leadership, collaboration, and succession planning in business.
• Exit planning for businesses and families.
• Business valuation and sale strategies.
• Business transactions, legal advice, and exit planning.
• Financial planning and exit strategies for business owners.

Our Favorite Quotes:

"It's the due diligence that you're collecting, whether you're on the buy side, or the sell side. How can you use that information to have a successful close? No, a successful first 90 days. How do you use that information? Because most transactions fail a year from now." - Gordon Bell

"Once you've discovered what's inside the soul, you discover what their journey is going to be." - Seth Whicker

"What's that mission that you've got? Where are you in the journey to accomplish that? And if I can understand and capture that, then I go through a seven step process. But if I jump to the process, I haven't captured their dreams, their heart aches, hurts. Because that's what you're trying to get at." - Gordon Bell

Connect with Gordon Bell:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.themidlandgroup.net

About SYM Financial and The Owner's Corner Podcast

The Owner's Corner is a show for business owners. In each episode, host and financial planner Seth Whicker sits down with business owners and the professionals that serve them to talk about what it takes to build a business. Our guests come from many industries and walks of life to share their biggest wins, mistakes made along the way, and their thinking about the all-important exit planning.

Email Seth at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Seth on LinkedIn

Follow SYM Financial on Facebook

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google Podcasts

TuneIn

Amazon Music / Audible

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

In this episode Matt Schrock discusses the journey that led him to joining the family construction business, DJ Construction. He talks about how DJ Construction was started by his grandfather and uncle in 1954 and has grown over the decades to include an office in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Matt describes DJ Construction's leadership structure and how they ensure the right people are in the right roles. He also discusses DJ Construction's focus on their core values of integrity, commitment, relationships, and excellence. Additionally, Matt explains how DJ Construction is putting a dent in the fatherless epidemic in their communities through strategic giving that aligns with their community impact purpose.

Matt Schrock has been involved full-time in the construction industry since 2012, all with DJ Construction. He has been in his current role as Vice President since 2019. As Vice President, Matt is responsible for Business Development efforts, Client-Relationship Management, and Community Engagement.

"I had to learn and I think: I had to have a teachable spirit, which sometimes I'm better at than other times, but I think that definitely buys some favor from the team showing you'll do whatever is asked." - Matt Schrock

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• Introducing Matt Schrock
• Career path and growth in the family business
• Succession planning for a family-owned business
• Succession planning and contingency measures for a family-owned business
• Leadership structure and roles in a construction company
• Company culture and values in the construction industry
• Entrepreneurship, business, and family
• Opening a new office in Kalamazoo, Michigan
• Business growth and client relationships
• Family business dynamics and legacy planning

Our Favorite Quotes:

"We like to be very, very collaborative. And I've learned that in some sales opportunities that we've missed on or over the past number of years, some clients don't want that level of interaction, they just want us to bring them a solution." - Matt Schrock

"My goal is to find what you're passionate about, and then put you in that position where you can use that passion. Because then, it's not a job that you come to every day, you look forward to showing it's a career, it's something that you really want." - Seth Whicker

"The relational side of it is more of a factor to us than the exact size or scope of the project. We look for somebody that sees value in us as a partner." - Matt Schrock

"I tell people during the hiring process, it might be a little laborious, it might take a while. But it's just important for us, because we want to find employees who are going to retire from here. Yeah, we're not looking just to fill seats. We want to make sure it's cultural." - Seth Whicker

Connect with Matt:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://djconstruction.com/

About SYM Financial and The Owner's Corner Podcast

The Owner's Corner is a show for business owners. In each episode, host and financial planner Seth Whicker sits down with business owners and the professionals that serve them to talk about what it takes to build a business. Our guests come from many industries and walks of life to share their biggest wins, mistakes made along the way, and their thinking about the all-important exit planning.

Email Seth at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Seth on LinkedIn

Follow SYM Financial on Facebook

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google Podcasts

TuneIn

Amazon Music / Audible

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

This podcast episode discusses Medicaid planning and how it can be used as an asset protection tool rather than just a last resort. Lindsay Koler, an elder law attorney, explains how Medicaid assessments and proper planning can help couples protect their homes and retirement accounts. She emphasizes getting powers of attorney updated and doing Medicaid planning well in advance of needing long-term care.

We look at whether someone needs help with activities of daily living like feeding, dressing, taking medication to qualify for long-term care. - Lindsay Koler

This week on The EmpowHER Podcast:

● Medicaid planning and long-term care options.

● Medicaid planning and asset protection.

● Strategies for Aging parents with limited income.

● Spouses in long-term care.

● Planning for long-term care costs.

● Asset protection strategies.

Lindsay Koler was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She attended Concordia Lutheran High School, and then went on to graduate from Baldwin-Wallace University with honors. She was captain of the girl's golf team at Baldwin-Wallace. She went on to receive her law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 2008. Lindsay practiced law in Ohio for more than 7 years, before moving back to her hometown of Fort Wayne in 2014. Helping others through difficult times is part of what drives Lindsay and inspires her.

Lindsay and her husband, Dale, owner of Fall Creek Homes, have three children. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys golfing, watching her kids' activities, and being active in her church and community. She enjoys spending time with her three siblings and all her nieces and nephews, who also reside in the Fort Wayne area. She is passionate about healthy eating and healthy living and enjoys cooking (well, most days!)

Our Favorite Takeaways:

● Medicaid is often overlooked as a financial planning tool. - Lindsay Koler

● Aging and In-Home Services perform the assessments that determine if someone meets the level of care for Medicaid waiver services. - Lindsay Koler

● There are circumstances that are maybe non-traditional or don't fit the stereotype of Medicaid, where planning and using Medicaid becomes a key element of generational wealth. - Michelle Hipskind

● Knowing the Medicaid rules can help put people at ease if they ever need long-term care. - Lindsay Koler

Connect with Lindsay Koler:

● Email: [email protected]

About SYM Financial and The EmpowHER Podcast

The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community.

Email Michell at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Michelle on LinkedIn

Follow SYM Financial on Facebook

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts :

Spotify

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music / Audible

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Dionna has been with Whirlpool Corporation for 15 years and currently leads the Whirlpool Sales Enablement Team as well as being the Chief of Staff for the Sales SVP. She is responsible for creating strategies and experiences to enable profitable sales growth for both Whirlpool and its Trade Customers. Dionna has held various positions with escalating responsibility within training, operations, sales and merchandising. As an accomplished sales leader she has been awarded National Sales Manager of the year and has delivered record breaking profitable growth in each of her respective role scopes . An active leader within inclusion and diversity, Dionna has also led FOCUS, the African American Resource Group, through strategic shifts that helped influence Whirlpool Corporation's first ever Pledge to Black Colleagues in 2020. Dionna is a native of South Bend, IN. She graduated with a B.S. from Purdue University and received her Masters of Business Administration from The University of Notre Dame (Go Irish)!

This podcast shines light on Dionna's career journey and experience as an African American woman in leadership. Dionna shares with the audience her early career, mentors who helped her develop confidence, navigating being underrepresented in her roles, and her work advancing diversity and inclusion at Whirlpool. She also discussed her approach to developing leaders on her team and work-life balance. Sarah and Dionna covered a range of personal and professional topics in this thought provoking discussion about Dionna's pathbreaking career.

"You can be anything you want to be. And no one told me that I couldn't. But no one had said that I could." - Dionna Topps James

This week on Executive Decisions:

• Self-doubt and leadership growth.
• Leadership evolution and encouraging younger professionals to speak up.
• Diversity and representation in the workplace.
• Diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.
• Leadership development and team building.
• Hiring and evaluating leaders based on character and work ethic.
• Career advancement and mentorship in a corporate setting.
• Mentorship and personal branding.
• Work-life balance and personal interests with a busy woman leader.

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "I want to be a business leader. Yes, I'm a black woman. But you don't have to be the black woman business leader." - Dionna Topps James
• "I believe it's my responsibility, given the opportunity that I have now, to make sure that I'm clearing the path, and enabling others that look like me to be in rooms that they're not in." - Dionna Topps James
• "Hire the person and the core values of that person because you can teach the job, you can teach the nuances inside the organization. But you can't teach people to be good humans." - Sarah Delahanty
• "You sort of have to go first and be vulnerable, which can be a heavy burden. But in my experience, it's all been worth it." - Dionna Topps James

Connect with Dionna:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionna-topps-james-she-her-228519b/
• Email: [email protected]

About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast

Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes.

Email Sarah at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Sarah on LinkedIn

Follow SYM Financial on Facebook

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Amazon Music/Audible

Spotify

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

In this quick but packed full of information episode, Michelle discusses the importance of including plans for your pets in your estate planning. Many households now have companion animals, so it is crucial to consider what will happen to dogs, cats, or other pets if their owners become unable to care for them or pass away. Michelle recommennds speaking with your estate attorney about setting aside funds and establishing guardians for your pets. She also suggests utilizing local animal rescues, shelters, and foster programs that can provide temporary or permanent care for pets when needed. The key takeaway is to proactively plan for how your pets will be cared for after you're gone, whether it's temporarily or permanently, to gain peace of mind knowing they will be well looked after.

"You can set a dollar amount and your wish list for future guardianship for your favorite pets and then know and have the peace of mind that they'll be well cared for." - Michelle Hipskind

This week on The EmpowHER Podcast:

• The importance of including pets in estate planning since 66% of households have companion animals
• Options for temporary or permanent care solutions for pets through local rescues, shelters, and foster programs
• Speaking with your estate attorney about setting aside funds and parameters for your pets' care after you're gone
• Using planned giving to set up guardianship and funds for future owners of your pets to keep them in the lifestyle you provided
• Asking local shelters and rescues and bringing it up at estate planning reviews

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Even though we don't like to consider having our pets outlive us, it's certainly an important factor when planning for the future." - Michelle Hipskind
• "Many local rescue organizations and privately run shelters and even municipal shelters offer programming to help support those who either temporarily or permanently need care solutions for their pets." - Michelle Hipskind

About SYM Financial and The EmpowHER Podcast

The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community.

Email Michell at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Michelle on LinkedIn

Follow SYM Financial on Facebook

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And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

We have a quick tactical nugget for you on this latest episode of the EmpowHER podcast. In this episode, Michelle Hipskind focuses on dissecting the changes brought about by the 2019 SECURE Act, with particular emphasis on the elimination of the "stretch IRA," which imposes a 10-year limit for withdrawals for those inheriting IRA accounts. However, the podcast also sheds light on exceptions like qualified charitable distributions for beneficiaries close to 70 and a half years old.

"Let's say that you are 65. A parent or an aunt, uncle, someone older than you passes away and leaves you an IRA account or funds from an IRA account. Because you have 10 years to empty that account and you are less than 10 years from 70 and a half, you are allowed to take qualified charitable distributions from that money." - Michelle Hipskind

This week on The EmpowHER Podcast:

• Understanding the SECURE Act
• Hidden nuggets within the SECURE Act
• Examples of these hidden nuggets in action

About SYM Financial and The EmpowHER Podcast

The EmpowHER Podcast is a platform for women to come together to gain financial insight and strategies with a tribe of brilliant women. This show is brought to you by Financial Advisor Michelle Hipskind, CFP ®. Michelle educates on the many important aspects of financial planning and brings in additional professionals that provide advice in their areas of expertise, giving listeners access to the appropriate professionals that can help solve the problems many women face. In-person events are held in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. In addition to the podcast, local events, webinars and blogs are available for all women who want to be part of the EmpowHER community.

Email Michell at [email protected] with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

Follow Michelle on LinkedIn

Follow SYM Financial on Facebook

Subscribe here:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google Podcasts

Amazon Music / Audible

And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.

Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation ("SYM"). The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to sell any product. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional legal or tax advisor. SYM reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs. SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.