SYM Financial Advisors Podcast

Dennis McKeever has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh along with a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. Dennis retired from Dow Chemical after a thirty year career where he primarily served as a senior manager in Research and Development. However, he also had two business management experiences – first as the manager of the Chemicals business for Latin America and subsequently as the VP for the Polyolefins and Elastomers business unit for Dow North America. After retiring from Dow, he served for six years as the Chairman of the Board for SYM Financial and saw the company through a major strategic redirection and a subsequent leveraged buyout to the current principals. Following SYM, Dennis moved on to a large variety of positions in the biomedical sciences, including angel investing. Dive into the rich tapestry of Dennis McKeever's life - from service station garages in the '50s to boardrooms of major corporations. Through decades of risks, learning, and immense personal growth, Dennis shares the true measure of wealth, the balance of emotions, and the joy of traveling with loved ones. "I learned to be willing to take a risk on people, give them a break, but nurture them as much as you can along the way. Focus on investing in the success of your people." - Dennis McKeever This week on Executive Decisions:

• Dennis' first job.
• The importance of getting to know your customers.
• Pursuing a career change.
• The importance of mentors in your career.
• Taking risks and learning from mistakes.
• Transition from executive life to board and consulting role.
• The true measure of wealth.

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "It really doesn't matter how big the business is, the same basic principles of business management and management people are there no matter what the size. Get to know your customers and take good care of them" - Dennis McKeever
• "Pick yourself up and you learn from your mistakes, whether they be people mistakes, or investment mistakes, or the lack of the best of judgment in making a business decision. Learn from those mistakes, keep them in mind as you move forward." - Dennis McKeever
• "The true measure of a man's wealth is what he has left after you take all of his money away. So, treasure your family, treasure your friends, spend quality time with them. Doing this will be your enduring reward for a successful career, and a successful life. " - Dennis McKeever

Connect with Dennis McKeever:

• Email Dennis: [email protected]
• Connect on LinkedIn

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.

Melissa Wolf, CPA joined Baden Gage & Schroeder, LLC in 2012 with over seven years of tax experience specializing in gift, trust and estate planning. She directs tax engagements for clients with personal income, fiduciary income and gift tax service needs. Melissa has extensive experience in assisting clients with the formulation of retirement and estate plans.

Melissa joins me for a powerful conversation spanning various topics, from Melissa's diverse journey to becoming a CPA, to nuanced aspects of charitable giving, donor-advised funds, and the utilization of various trusts. We discuss the mechanics of revocable and irrevocable trusts, as well as family and personal residence trusts, and how they can be effectively used in estate planning. Indiana's unique charitable credits, gift tax return protocols, and strategies to maximize tax benefits for charitable donations were also highlighted. This conversation shines a light on the legalities of gifting and the importance of collaboration among financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys for optimum planning.

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• How to use donor advised funds for charitable giving.
• Do you need a check before giving?
• What is a revocable trust?
• How long will a family trust last?
• What if the beneficiary is not ready to handle the assets?
• How to use a trust in estate planning?
• The purpose of the gift tax return.

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "So one that I've seen that I really do like is matching their earned income. Yes, a lot of times when someone's setting up a trust, they want to make sure there's still a work ethic out there for the kids and the grandkids. So one that I love is matching their earned income or matching two times their earned income. That's a great one." - Melissa Wolf
• "We review all of our beneficiaries every year with each client, to try to make sure along with their estate plan that everything's still aligning, because things do change, circumstances change." - Seth Whicker
• "You would want to put something in that is going to grow, not something that already has grown. You don't want to put your lake home that already has $400,000 for the appreciation because you're not gonna get a step up on your basis." - Melissa Wolf

Connect with Melissa Wolf:

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn Baden Gagen & Schroeder, LLC.

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: This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product and does not constitute as investment, legal, or tax advice and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional legal or tax advisor. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. SYM recommends you engage your CPA/tax preparer to for tax strategies specific to your circumstances. 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.

Matt Stevens transitioned from the U.S. Navy in July 2017 after serving for 26 years as a SEAL. He attended The Honor Foundation's (THF) inaugural East Coast class in the Spring of 2016, joined the THF SOF Advisory Board in the Spring of 2017, and then joined THF's Board of Directors in February 2018. Throughout his career, Matt served as a Special Operations Executive leading high-performing teams conducting our nation's most sensitive operations, cultivating interagency relationships and executing plans in dynamic environments. Matt served on the leadership team of an emerging technology company from 2017-2019 before assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer of THF.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah interviews Matt Stevens, a former US Navy SEAL with 26 years of service. Matt's career journey is highlighted, including his transition from the Navy, involvement with the Honor Foundation, and his experiences as a SEAL team leader. Matt emphasizes the importance of trust and credibility in leadership, earned through tactical proficiency, keeping promises, and vulnerability. He also discusses the influence of mentors and the need to adapt leadership styles to different situations.

Matt shares how the Honor Foundation has been instrumental in helping Special Operations veterans find fulfilling post-military careers through personalized coaching, networking opportunities, and support. Matt's passion for helping his fellow veterans shines through as he shares success stories of program participants who have found meaningful careers and the joy of giving back by becoming coaches and instructors for the foundation. The conversation also touches on the organization's future goals, including expanding its reach to more transitioning veterans across the country.

"In my work now at the Honor Foundation, I see that a lot of folks think that every single person who was in the military probably has PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and they were like in gunfights every day of every month of every year for 20 years. And it's just not the case." - Matt Stevens

This week on Executive Decisions:

• Introduction to Matt Steven's background.
• Where did Matt find his start as a leader?
• How to become an effective leader.
• Mentors and leadership style.
• Managing risk and saying no.
• Making the decision to retire from the military.
• The importance of educating veterans about the business world.
• The first class at the Honor Foundation.
• How the Honor Foundation has evolved under Matt's leadership.
• Traveling as a family.
• Staying on top of life outside of work.

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "We don't charge transitioning veterans anything; we go out and hustle and raise the money. So they don't have a financial burden while they're getting out of the military and losing that steady income stream." - Matt Stevens
• "I always just find it fascinating to hear as people have successful careers as leaders, where they found their start. And it could be something as basic as a paper route" - Sarah Delahanty
• "Success for us is somebody finding fulfillment as defined by them. It's not about how much money they're going to make or what school they're going to get into." - Matt Stevens
• "Title and the rank are just one component, then you have to earn the trust of the people behind you and they have to earn yours. A trust transfer in the relationship where they then follow you because they believe in you and you believe in them." - Sarah Delahanty
• "We will never degrade the quality of what we're doing. It's a platinum standard, and we want to give that to any special operator who wants it." - Matt Stevens
• "It's not just all about 'help the veterans'; it's like, hey, how do you want to help your own business? You might consider hiring some of these rock stars who are probably gonna run circles around some of your other folks." - Matt Stevens
• "Scaling that jump in scale, at some point, is going to be huge. We're always thinking about how to grow what we're doing without degrading quality at all." - Matt Stevens

Connect with Matt Stevens:

• The Honor Foundation Website
• The Honor Foundation on Facebook
• The Honor Foundation on Instagram
• The Honor Foundation on LinkedIN
• Email Matt: [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

Stitcher

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.

Meet Erin (Rethlake) Ehler, head coach of the Huntington University Women's Softball program. Listen in while she and Michelle talk about the challenges facing young women today and how we can empower them to be independent, confident and successful individuals. Erin speaks with experience having played college softball for a Division 1 program and earned the title of Miss Indiana Softball while in high school.

Today, Erin coaches young women in the sport and in life drawing parallels to the education and development Michelle provides women with their money. Hear them talk about the challenges and dangers of comparison in today's social media world.

Erin sets a stellar example of turning her passion into a career while remaining dedicated to her family and incorporating her love for teaching.

We discuss her journey from a determined Division I athlete to a compassionate college coach, overcoming obstacles on and off the field and instilling invaluable life lessons in her players along the way. Erin sheds light on the profound impact social media and the culture of comparisons have on young athletes. With her Softball Barn becoming a symbol of dedication and values, Erin is influencing a generation of women in Huntington, Indiana.

"When you start going through the trials and tribulations of being an athlete, you realize it's so much bigger than just softball." - Erin Ehler

This week on The EmpowHER Podcast:

• What do a college softball coach and financial advisor have in common?
• How do you marry your passion with your income?
• How comparison is your worst enemy (in life, sports, and even finance).
• Where do you go when you get stuck?
• Advice for young women in sports.

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "I just found a passion for the game, and I think when you find a passion for something, you just want to keep doing it." - Erin Ehler
• "There's so many things that are challenging young women today" - Michelle Hipskind
• "Comparison is the thief of joy, whether that's with my college team, or I have a young girl who comes in the barn." - Erin Ehler

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

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 we have an energetic conversation across two generations. Michelle is joined by mother and daughter Rickie Kohne and Laura Murray as they take a look into their personal experiences and insights on financial management. Laura and Rickie share the valuable lessons they learned from their parents, emphasizing the importance of living within their means and prioritizing savings.

Both women stress the need for open communication and trust within relationships, acknowledging the role of financial advisors in providing guidance and peace of mind. They discuss the challenges of budgeting, sharing humorous anecdotes and reflecting on the importance of relinquishing control when necessary. Overall, the group encourages asking questions, seeking professional advice, and learning from past mistakes to achieve financial stability and security.

This week on The EmpowHER Podcast:

• Teaching young women to ask questions about money.

• The importance of asking the right questions.

• Rickie's first checkbook.

• Advice for women who don't have a career outside the home.

• Lessons learned – your own and from others

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "You don't have to be afraid to talk about money. Reach out there and ask those questions and educate yourself." – Rickie Kohne

• "Sometimes we hold ourselves back because we think we don't have enough money for a financial advisor, but you should still ask the questions and seek guidance." – Laura Murray

• "Financial planning is about finding peace of mind and feeling comfortable about your financial future." – 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 Michelle 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.

Ed Mohr is the retired Vice President of Total Rewards at Whirlpool Corporation, a Fortune 200 company specializing in home appliances. With a background in HR, manufacturing, and logistics, Ed has accumulated 29 years of experience in various roles. In his current position, he is accountable for executive compensation, broad-based compensation, global mobility, benefits, health, wellness pensions, and 401 k plans globally. As a member of the Global Senior HR Leadership Team, he plays a crucial role in shaping the company's human resources strategies. Ed holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University.

Today, Ed and I discuss his early career experiences and the path he took to become a leader. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and shares lessons he learned from his diverse career. He outlines the benefits of diverse backgrounds in a team. Ed suggests focusing on experiences that contribute to personal growth, exploring different roles, and developing leadership skills. He describes his career transitions and the importance of continuous learning, challenges, and making meaningful contributions. He details why it's crucial to care about people, build relationships, and have a positive influence on others. He explains the balance between career planning and being present in the current role and how to take career risks. Ed also encourages curiosity, learning from experiences, and finding enjoyment in all situations and shares his upcoming travel plans.

"Instead of always concentrating on the actual function, concentrate more on the experiences and what the experiences are going to get you." - Ed Mohr

This week on Executive Decisions:

• How Ed's early career experiences helped him on his journey to leadership
• Work-life balance and the lessons he learned from his diverse career
• The benefits of diverse backgrounds in teams
• How experiences contribute to personal growth more than specific jobs
• The importance of continuous learning and challenges
• How to foster genuine relationships
• The importance of caring about people and their work experience
• How to balance career planning and being present in the current role
• Traits that can harm a leader's career
• The importance of finding enjoyment in all situations
• Why you should enjoy the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination.

Our Favorite Quotes:

• " When you're having fun and enjoying what you do, the rest of it falls into place—enjoying the work, having meaningful relationships, and having a good time." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Always learn things from people no matter who they are. It's shocking what people teach you. " - Ed Mohr
• "To be an effective leader, you have to have fellowship and followers." - Sarah Delahanty

Connect with Ed Mohr:

• Ed Mohr on LinkedIn

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

Stitcher

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.

Michelle Hipskind, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and overseer of the Empower Women's Financial Education Program, discusses the question, "How much do I need to retire?" She emphasizes why there is no one-size-fits-all answer and that it depends on factors such as what the retiree wants their retirement to look like, what they can control, and what they cannot control. Other considerations include replacing cash flow, managing debt, accounting for taxes and healthcare expenses, dealing with inflation, and accounting for discretionary expenses. Michelle recommends working with a financial advisor to build a financial plan that maps out a retiree's goals, anticipated expenses, and anticipated income streams.

"Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all equation, it depends on what you want your retirement to look like." - Michelle Hipskind

This week on The EmpowHER Podcast:

• How much do I need to retire?

• When do you want to retire?

• Paying taxes on income in retirement.

• Key factors to consider.

• The expenses that help you live a rewarding retirement.

• Inflation and compounding returns.

• How to plan your retirement.

Key Quotes:

• "Retirement expenses and estate funding can be unpredictable, so it's important to plan for the unexpected." - Michelle Hipskind

• "Flexible work arrangements allow us to continue working well beyond what a traditional retirement age looked like." - Michelle Hipskind

• "Taxes continue to haunt us even in retirement, so it's important to keep track of taxable income and avoid penalties." - Michelle Hipskind

• "Inflation and compounding on investment returns are important factors to consider for retirement planning." - Michelle Hipskind

• "Discretionary expenses can help make retirement rewarding, but they should be balanced with non-discretionary expenses." - Michelle Hipskind

• "Planning for long-term healthcare expenses is important, especially for women who tend to live longer and have a higher likelihood of early onset dementia." - 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

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.

Maggie Browning is the Franchise Partner of the Burn Boot Camp locations at Fishers and Zionsville, Indiana. Burn Boot Camp is a network of fitness facilities that envisions a world where women love themselves today and are inspired by who they'll be tomorrow. Before working with Burn Boot Camp, Maggie worked as the Deltek Systems Analyst at Walker Consultants and the Project Administrator at McShane Construction Company. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Administration from Bradley University.

Maggie joins me today to discuss the advantages and challenges of being a franchise owner. She explains how she knew it was time to expand to another location and why the integration of family and work is critical to the success of any business owner. She describes how her most successful employees are former members of the gym and how her background in entrepreneurship helped her navigate the challenges of purchasing a gym franchise amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Maggie also highlights how getting involved in local communities empowers Burn Boot Camp's messaging and marketing and underscores why passion and purpose are essential foundations of any business.

"Go into business doing something you're passionate about because it's going to come into every crevice of your life in ways that you don't expect." - Maggie Browning

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• Maggie's background and Burn Boot Camp's history and mission
• Creating an economy of scale and the different factors Maggie considered in choosing a new location for a franchise
• Finding the right leaders and team members for your company
• The importance of using your passion as the foundation of your business
• The difference between work-life balance and work-life integration
• The challenges Maggie encountered at the beginning stages of being a franchise owner
• How being a part of a franchise helps with expanding to other locations
• Why owning and running a business is a family affair
• How the Burn Boot Camp community relied on each other during the pandemic
• Maggie's marketing principles for Burn Boot Camp
• A day in the life of Maggie Browning and how she balances her time between family and business

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Find something you're passionate about that you're going to love and it will feel not like coming into work, but like an extension of who you are." - Seth Whicker
• "When I say that a business is a family affair, I don't mean all family members work in the business. It means you need to have the support of the entire family to make the business work." - Seth Whicker
• "The number one tip to business owners is to surround yourself with people better than you and you will always be alright." - Maggie Browning

Connect with Maggie Browning:

• Burn Boot Camp
• Burn Boot Camp on LinkedIn
• Burn Boot Camp Fishers, IN on Instagram
• Burn Boot Camp Zionsville, IN on Instagram
• Maggie Browning on LinkedIn

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.

Carrie Minnich is a Partner at DWD CPAs & Advisors and is in-charge of the Nonprofit Services Team. She earned both a Bachelors degree in Financial Accounting (Cum laude) and a Master of Accountancy from Manchester College. Carrie has been with the firm since 2004 and has been a Director since 2017. She specializes in audits, reviews and compilations of financial Statements for nonprofit organizations.

Michelle and Carrie discuss various aspects of non-profit organizations. They delve into types of financial contributions, distinguishing general operations, specific programs, and significant projects like capital campaigns. Carrie provides insight into donor restrictions and the auditing process, with an emphasis on the organization's responsibility to align fund usage with donor stipulations. In this conversation, Michelle and Carrie outline the structure and dynamics of a non-profit's board, the difference between 'oversight' and 'working' boards, the concept of term limits, and potential liabilities for board members, underscoring the need for Directors and Officers insurance.

"Some boards are more oversight, and less working, while other organization boards are more working. So when you go to volunteer as a board member, that is something you really need to find out." - Carrie Minnich

This week on The EmpowHER Podcast:

• The difference between time, talent and treasure.
• What qualifies an organization to be a nonprofit?
• What is a tax exempt nonprofit?
• The checkbook and treasurer.
• How much control do you have over where the money goes?
• How do you evaluate the lifecycle of a board?
• Paying your taxes and taxes.
• The differences between Donor Advised Funds.
• How to know if an organization is a legitimate organization?
• Differences between men and women in giving.

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "You can restrict where you want your money to go for that organization, whether it be for like a capital campaign, or maybe you are very passionate about a specific program that they have." - Carrie Minnich
• "I have some female clients that really enjoy the benefits of a Donor-Advised Fund. They can set one up and then they've got their money set aside for years to come. They give it away, in one case $50 at a time." - Michelle Hipskind
• "So as part of the audit process, we definitely test restrictions, because you know, they are technically the organization is, you know, legally responsible for making sure that that money is spent for what it's supposed to be spent for." - Carrie Minnich
• "Yes, there is not necessarily a law that says all boards have to have term limits. So some nonprofit organizations do not have term limits for their board members." - Carrie Minnich
• "So as a board member, you are liable for certain things. So before you join a board, make sure that they do have DNO insurance. So Directors and Officers Insurance." - Carrie Minnich
• "Tax law changed a few years ago, which included raising the standard deduction, which we saw across all levels of client that a lot of people didn't itemize anymore." - Michelle Hipskind

Connect with Carrie Minnich:

• DWD CPAs & Advisors Website
• Connect on LinkedIn
• 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.

Jenée Velasquez is the Executive Director of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, a prestigious organization dedicated to philanthropy and community development. Velasquez began her professional journey as the Chief Executive Officer of Midland County's Economic Development Corporation, Midland Tomorrow, where she played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and prosperity. Prior to that, she served as the Manager of Economic Development Services and the first Downtown Development Authority Coordinator in Midland. She also worked for the Manhattan, Kansas Convention, and Visitors Bureau, gaining valuable experience in promoting tourism and enhancing the local economy. Jenée is active in her community and serves on the Huntington Bank Community Advisory Board, the MidMichigan Health Board, the Midland City and County Joint Building Authority, the Council of Michigan Foundations Board, the Michigan Municipal League Foundation Board, and the Greater Midland Community Center's Trustees Board. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Kansas State University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University, and completion of an executive education course at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Today Jenée and I discuss her career and how she's been able to give back to her community. She explains how she blazed trails and opened doors for other women to serve in leadership positions, and how it's both a pressure and an honor to be the first. She recounts her experiences as a leader of Midland Tomorrow, the unique challenges in representing the opinions of the other women in the room, and how the relationships she formed supported her. She details her involvement in the Senior Olympics and her love for volleyball. Jenée also describes being the first in her family to go to college, reveals how her husband helped her achieve her educational goals, and highlights the importance of having a sense of humor.

"Its looking for people that inspire you to be better and learn new things." - Jenée Velasquez

This week on Executive Decisions:

• The mission of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation
• Jenée's accomplishments as a first-time leader
• How Jenée broke ground for women in leadership
• The challenges of being a first-generation college student
• Jenée's journey to leadership
• How networking paved the way for Jenée's career path
• The importance of learning to accept help from others
• How to balance work and life as a parent
• The importance of integrity, kindness, and humility in leadership
• The necessity of taking risks in your personal and professional lives
• How philanthropy affects communities

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "It's about accepting help from others, learning from others, and reaching back to make sure that all the things that were given to you, you're sharing with others too." - Jenée Velasquez
• "Be thankful for the little things. Sometimes, those other things, they can wait." - Sarah Delahanty
• "When you are in a leadership role, be easy to follow." - Jenée Velasquez

Connect with Jenée Velasquez:

• Jenée Velasquez's Website
• Jenée Velasquez on LinkedIn

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

Stitcher

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.