SYM Financial Advisors Podcast

Jimmy Greene is the President & CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Michigan, a trade association representing Michigan's commercial and industrial construction industries. He is the first Black CEO in the organization's 60-year history. Jimmy is also the founder of Total Solutions Group in Saginaw, a firm specializing in technology project consulting and telecommunications. Before becoming the President of the ABC of Michigan, he served as president and CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors, Greater Michigan Chapter and the Greater Michigan Construction Academy.

Jimmy joins me to share his journey from a rocky childhood to becoming the first Black CEO of ABC of Michigan. He explains why he never wanted to be like his parents growing up and how a family tragedy became a turning point in his life, ultimately making him pursue greatness. He highlights why every contribution to your community is essential to at least one person. He discusses why leadership programs should be reviewed and why he believes there are too many leadership books. Jimmy also shares why he believes life is all about doorknobs and why your community is like a bank.

"We have to treat the community like a bank. You can't withdraw more than you deposit." - Jimmy Greene

This week on Executive Decisions:

• Jimmy's accomplishments across various industries
• Jimmy's first professional experience
• Why Jimmy didn't want to be like his parents
• How a tragedy became a turning point for Jimmy
• Jimmy's advice to those who are rushing at life
• How you can have intentional contributions
• The experiences that contributed to Jimmy's current leadership role
• Leadership programs and why Jimmy believes we should 'scrap them'
• Why life is all doorknobs
• Jimmy's interests outside of work

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Every single contribution, every single moment of my time meant some difference to one person." - Jimmy Greene
• "The social contract we all need to understand is we're making deposits and withdrawals, and we want to make sure we don't outweigh our withdrawals against our deposits." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Influences shape your decisions and shape your founding principles of who you are." - Sarah Delahanty

Connect with Jimmy Greene:

• Associated Builders & Contractors of Michigan
• Jimmy Greene 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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Tom Ackmann is a principal and senior retirement plan advisor at SYM Financial Advisors, an RIA firm with a long history of serving plan sponsors and their employees. He previously worked as the Vice President of Baden Retirement Plan Services and the Vice President for Ascensus. At SYM, Tom leads a team that advises over 100 corporate clients and 10,000 participants. Tom holds a degree in Communications/Political Science from Concordia University Chicago.

Tom joins me today to discuss retirement plans and how to find the right one for your company. He explains which plans offer flexibility and outlines their components. He also highlights why business owners should consider offering retirement plans to employees and underscores the value of working with advisors to work out retirement plans.

"Understand that as your business evolves, your retirement plan evolves, too." - Tom Ackmann

This week on Originators:

• Tom's background and his journey in the retirement planning industry
• The concept of compensating factors
• The difference between defined benefits and defined contribution
• SYM's "Three Uniques" and taking on fiduciary responsibilities
• The three investment models SYM offers their clients
• Encouraging people to save and invest even in down markets
• The pendulum in the 401(k) space and why today's younger people are more interested in 401(k) plans
• The components of a 401(k) plan
• Why business owners should offer 401(k) plans to their employees
• Incubator plans and making the 401(k) transition easier
• Why business owners should know every retirement plan option
• Why health insurance is the most popular benefit among companies
• Holding retirement plan providers accountable
• The value of working on retirement plans with trusted advisors

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "The eighth wonder of the world is compounding money." - Seth Whicker
• "Even though you're young, you want to retire someday. To do that, you've got to rely on yourself by saving early and often." - Seth Whicker
• "You don't make a profit off of the 401(k) plan. What you're making is goodwill for your employees and, if it's designed properly, goodwill for yourself." - Tom Ackmann

Connect with Tom Ackmann:

• SYM Financial Advisors
• SYM Financial Advisors on LinkedIn
• SYM Financial Advisors on Facebook
• Tom Ackmann 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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Paul Barbeau is the Senior Global Director at Dow, a material science company that provides innovative and sustainable solutions for consumer care, infrastructure, and packaging businesses. Paul collaborates with various business leaders to improve existing workplace strategies with employee experience, asset optimization, and sustainability in mind. He is also the Director at 1st State Bank, a banking company that focuses on helping businesses grow in the Great Lakes Bay area.

Paul joins me to explain the importance of establishing a company culture where every voice is represented. He shares his experience with being part of the family business and where his entrepreneurial passion started. He describes his love for baseball and what it was like to serve as the President of the Michigan Baseball Foundation. He discusses how Dow impressed him the most from a cultural perspective. Paul also explains how businesses will shift beyond the pandemic, especially regarding flexible work setups.

"When you're starting, every voice has an impact on the culture." - Paul Barbeau

This week on Executive Decisions:

• What Paul learned from the family business from an entrepreneurial perspective
• Why Paul avoided the traditional career route
• How vital the culture was in Paul's career choices
• Paul's passion for both baseball and business
• Navigating the risks of moving locations for your career
• Getting the team to be part of the culture you want to grow
• What Paul believes is a good sign to choose a new career
• Why Dow's culture impressed Paul
• How our working environments will shift in the future
• The cultural bedrocks Dow cultivates
• Paul's passion and hobbies outside of baseball

Resources Mentioned:

• The Michigan Baseball Foundation

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "The freedom to learn and grow is important and formative." - Paul Barbeau
• "Anytime you find a good culture, you just want to bottle it and never let it go." - Sarah Delahanty
• "It's exciting to have a blank slate and build something from the ground up." - Sarah Delahanty

Connect with Paul Barbeau:

• Dow
• 1st State Bank Great Lakes Bay
• Paul Barbeau 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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Fernando Signorini is the Vice President of Operations US Gulf Coast and Site Director of Texas Operations at Dow, a chemical manufacturing company that's been around for over 125 years. They're currently spearheading programs for a more sustainable future. Fernando has been with Dow for almost 28 years, and his vast experience made him an expert in business processes, planning, plant operations, and strategic sourcing.

Fernando joins me to discuss what it means to be more than a leader to your team and explains why leaders often find themselves brooding over criticism. He shares the traits all leaders must have and how to apply them to their team members. Fernando also describes why having a balanced mind is essential in decision-making and discusses the best way to find higher-level insight into your chosen industry.

"The role doesn't matter. It's all about connecting with the people." - Fernando Signorini

This week on Executive Decisions:

• Where Fernando's passion for leadership stemmed from
• The leaders who influenced Fernando's career
• Keeping in touch with your team despite being an in-demand persona
• The one mistake leaders frequently make
• How to find high-level insight as a leader
• The responsibility of a leader to their team and the traits leaders need to have
• Why having a balanced mind is the key to making critical decisions
• Why strategy is good, but you shouldn't spend too much time on it
• Having your team retain your self-awareness
• Fernando's expertise outside of his industry

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "You're not going to have insight if your mind is not balanced." - Fernando Signorini
• "Building that self-awareness for leaders can be a big blindspot." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Being present is a skill." - Sarah Delahanty

Connect with Fernando Signorini:

• Dow
• Dow on LinkedIn
• Fernando Signorini 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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Luke Schroeder is the Owner of Starting Strength Cincinnati. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Management from Purdue University, Luke worked in leadership positions across several industries, including aerospace and manufacturing. These positions include serving as the Plant Manager of Red Spot Paint, the Manufacturing Manager of Zimmer Biomet, the Senior Operations Manager of NuVasive, and the Director of Operations at Bullen Ultrasonics.

Luke joins us today to discuss what it takes for a company to successfully navigate uncertainty. He shares his background and his journey to becoming the owner of Starting Strength Cincinnati. He reveals what made him leave the corporate world to own a business and enumerates the advantages of working with a franchise to launch a business. Luke also highlights the role of communication in any company and underscores what his previous work experiences taught him about running his own business.

"The leaders who were bold enough to stand up and define what the company was facing, articulate a vision for how to get through it, and lead from the front were the leaders that got us through uncertainty." - Luke Schroeder

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• Luke's background and his journey as a business owner
• How he discovered his passion for operations, solving problems, and driving efficiency
• How it felt to leave a stable career to start a business and what it took to launch Luke's fitness center
• The advantages of working with a franchise
• His advice to people who are considering launching a business
• What led Luke to utilize a franchise opportunity to start his business
• How Luke worked with the SPA program to secure capital for his business
• The importance of cultivating relationships with employees as a leader
• What Luke's previous jobs taught him about work ethic and leadership amid uncertainty
• The impact of COVID-19 on the aerospace industry
• The characteristics that help companies successfully navigate times of uncertainty
• The three characteristics Luke looks for in an employee

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe
• Book: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink
• Book: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson
• Book: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Role by Patrick Lencioni

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "What makes a lot of business owners successful is their passion behind what they're doing, and turning that passion into a business." - Seth Whicker
• "When times are the toughest, our people look at us and how we're responding, and they respond accordingly—they're guided by your every move as a leader." - Seth Whicker
• "We all emulate the leaders who inspired us." - Luke Schroeder

Connect with Luke Schroeder:

• Starting Strength Cincinnati
• Starting Strength Cincinnati on Instagram
• Starting Strength Cincinnati on Facebook
• Starting Strength Cincinnati on Twitter
• Luke Schroeder 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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Dave Youngstrom is the CEO of Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants. Yeo & Yeo is one of the country's leading tax, technology, accounting, wealth management, and medical billing advisory firms. Dave has been part of the Yeo & Yeo family for over 28 years, where he served as Principal, Director, and Board of Directors before becoming its CEO. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at Saginaw Valley State University - College of Business Management.

Dave joins me to discuss how Yeo & Yeo waded the pandemic and his key takeaways from running a business through a global health crisis. He shares his passion for baseball, his first job, and the critical leadership skills he learned in his youth. Dave explains why remote work was a big disruptor in their industry and how leaders connect with clients through their people. Dave also discusses what leaders should do if they want to succeed in any industry and why you're never too young to think about retirement.

"Our people are our direct connection to our clients." - Dave Youngstrom

This week on Executive Decisions:

• Dave's first job and where he is today
• The importance of developing a routine mindset
• The business skills Dave learned in his youth
• How Dave's firm navigated the pandemic
• Dave's advice to future leaders in any industry
• What future leaders should look for in a mentor
• Taking the pandemic into account and how to move forward
• The challenges of remote work
• How Dave stays on top of his game
• What Dave wishes he did more in his youth
• When kids should learn how money works
• Dave's passion for baseball and his other hobbies

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Build a good team and trust in the team you built." - Dave Youngstrom
• "You shouldn't wait until you're on the doorstep of retirement to start thinking about taxes and money." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Building a relationship is not only with your clients, but also deep relationships with your team." - Sarah Delahanty

Connect with Dave Youngstrom:

• Yeo & Yeo
• Dave Youngstrom 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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Randy Strebig is the Founder and Owner of Strebig Construction, a construction firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When Randy founded the company in 1980, he focused the firm's efforts on residential modeling, roofing, and concrete flatwork. Over the last 40 years, Strebig Construction has been expanding and evolving into a dominant force in commercial, industrial, and design/build projects. Randy and the Strebig Construction team are dedicated to taking a customer's idea from inception to reality using creative imagination and value-based packages that deliver results.

Randy joins us today to discuss the foundations that make a successful construction company. He shares how his childhood shaped his work ethic and creativity and discusses the importance of trade schools. He explains how Covid-19 impacted Strebig Construction and outlines how he avoided laying off his team amid the pandemic. He also highlights the value of employing business advisors and consultants and underscores why business owners need to keep an eye on market trends.

"Serve with your heart and exceed peoples' expectations." - Randy Strebig

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• Randy's background and how he gravitated to the construction industry
• How his family life as a child inspired his creativity and work ethic
• Learning the construction trade from vocational school and the first jobs Randy got
• The importance of vetting clients and ensuring they fit your business model
• The biggest challenges Randy has faced as a business owner
• The value of watching market trends and how Randy overcame his first economic downturn
• How the Covid-19 pandemic impacted Strebig Construction
• Randy's advice on succession planning and exit strategies
• The importance of having advisors and consultants for your business
• The value of technical education and programs
• Why traditional college education and trade education can go hand-in-hand

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Many get into business because they had a passion that led them to that business. They weren't doing it to taste money, but because they loved it." - Seth Whicker
• "Business owners' time and energy get so wrapped around in their business that their personal lives get neglected, but business and personal life are not independent of each other." - Seth Whicker
• "In the face of adversity, keep making decisions. Don't wait and stall for something to take effect—you need to be the effector every day." - Randy Strebig

Connect with Randy Strebig:

• Strebig Construction
• Strebig Construction on Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Fred Helfrich is a retired Certified Financial Planner who formerly worked for SYM Financial Advisors. He worked for the financial advisory firm for over an impressive 41 years. As a financial planning expert, Fred has mastered the art of wealth management, investments, estate planning, and financial advice. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Hanover College and earned his CFP in 1986 from the College for Financial Planning. Since retiring in 2021, Fred has discovered a passion for riding a bicycle over long distances and has pedaled hundreds of miles since.

Fred joins me to discuss the state of the financial industry, his career at SYM Financial Advisors, and what life has been like after retirement. He shares the experiences that shaped his youth and describes how technology has changed the financial landscape over the last decade. He shares his takeaways from working with a wide variety of clients, especially those going through tough times. Fred also discusses other skills he's cultivated beyond financial advising — and his passion for long-distance cycling.

"There were situations where I wasn't the answer. You have to be willing to man up and admit to the client that they can be better off somewhere else." - Fred Helfrich

This week on Executive Decisions:

• The experiences that shaped Fred's younger years
• Why Fred prefers to work with people over computers
• The challenges Fred faced in his career and how the industry has changed since he started
• Fred's advice to his younger self
• Handling demanding clients and tough conversations as a business leader
• Lessons learned from working with different people
• Working with clients who are going through a terrible life event
• The qualities and traits Fred has observed from the many clients he's worked with
• Fred's thoughts on teaching kids about money early
• Common financial problems Fred wishes more people were prepared for
• Other skills Fred is known for, beyond financial advising
• How retirement has changed Fred's perspective on life

Resources Mentioned:

• Relevant Magazine

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Body language adds up. It's going to impact the way clients react with you in the long haul." - Fred Helfrich
• "You don't get to be a high level executive without having strong people skills." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Sometimes, staying cool and collected in stressful moments is important." - Sarah Delahanty

Connect with Fred Helfrich:

• SYM Financial Advisors
• Fred Helfrich 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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Over the last 30 years, Doug Conner has been buying and selling lower-to-middle-market businesses in the Midwest. During this time, he has also worked as the Managing Director at Periculum Capital Company and the Principal at BrightPath Capital and Cardinal Ventures. Doug holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Mathematics from DePauw University and received his Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.

Alex Shortle has spent the bulk of his career supporting growth stage and lower-to-middle-market companies through the various inflection points of the corporate cycle. He has executed merger and acquisition advisory, private placement, and turnaround engagements, and helped launch the venture capital firm, Meridian Capital, where he also served as the Principal. In 2019, Alex served as the Vice President of Periculum Capital Company before co-founding EO Advisors.

Doug and Alex join me today to discuss what business owners should consider when selling their businesses. They outline the process of searching for an ideal business buyer and describe the perfect time for an owner to sell their company. They describe the current changes and trends in the mergers and acquisitions market. They also highlight the role of patience in selling a business amid uncertain times and underscore the value of hiring advisors and consultants when selling a company.

"Maximize your value, but that shouldn't be the only consideration. You also want to optimize outcomes: find the ideal partner who will take care of your stakeholders and employees." - Alex Shortle

"Put your foot on the accelerator and figure out how you can sell your business with momentum." - Doug Connor

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• Doug's background and what led him to investment banking and private equity
• Alex's background and his journey to entrepreneurship and the tech industry
• The difference between investment banking and private equity
• The advisory and consultant functions of an investment banker
• The process of looking for a business buyer
• Weighing business risk, thinking like a private equity owner, and the value of diversification
• The perfect time to initiate the process of selling a business
• The meaning of EBITDA
• The types of businesses EO Advisors work with
• What it means to be a platform or add-on business
• How a private equity firm's specialization can make a difference in acquiring a business
• Utilizing investment bankers to find the right buyers
• Changes and trends in the M&A and private equity market
• Consolidation strategies and being comfortable with partnership
• The Russian-Ukraine conflict, COVID-19 pandemic, and their impact on the M&A industry
• The number one issue Doug and Alex see when business owners sell their companies
• The value of independent advisors and consultants and why many business owners don't know how to assess talent gaps

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Private equity opportunities are being presented to dentists, orthodontics, and oral surgeons, for whom the financing side can be overwhelming if they've not been through it." - Seth Whicker
• "Investment bankers help someone sell or buy businesses; private equity firms buy companies, hold on to them, then flip them over for profit." - Seth Whicker
• "Every company is different; every deal is different. Seeing the ups and downs of the market is an invaluable experience, and it's important to have an advisor who can help you deal with those nuances." - Alex Shortle

Connect with EO Advisors:

• EO Advisors
• EO Advisors on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Doug Conner:

• Doug Conner on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Alex Shortle:

• Alex Shortle on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

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: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Jennifer "Jenni" Wendt is the Global Director of Strategic Planning and Business Analysis at Dow, a sustainable materials science company that sells products in the packaging, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer care industries. Jenni is responsible for generating strategic plans that support the company's capital planning and corporate strategy. Jenni also has oversight of Enterprise Working Capital, with a special focus on managing the risks related to $5-billion investments in trade account receivables.

Jenni joins me today to discuss her role and core responsibilities at Dow. She describes her early work experience and what she learned from working with a variety of finance companies. She explains why she preferred to pursue a career in finance over legal and the risks she took to get to where she is today. Jenni also shares her thoughts on financial advisors, her favorite authors and books, and what she enjoys doing when she's not working.

"It's okay to be uncomfortable. Learning to be uncomfortable can be really powerful and can open a lot of doors." - Jenni Wendt

This week on Executive Decisions:

• Jenni's role at Dow and her strategic expertise
• Jenni's professional experience and the time she worked on a farm
• Jenni's key takeaways from her first job as an executive
• What it means to know how to use your voice
• How Jenni identified her passion for finance
• Why Jenni made the change from legal to finance
• The life-changing risks Jenni took in her career
• Jenni's advice to young professionals that are afraid to take risks
• Jenni's most significant takeaway from 2020 and other life lessons
• What Jenni finds rejuvenating outside of the office
• Jenni's favorite books and authors
• Jenni's thoughts on hiring financial advisors

Resources Mentioned:

• Nora Roberts
• Book: Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership
• Book: What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Keep your eyes open to everything, don't come in with preconceived notions. You're not too good to do anything." - Jenni Wendt
• "That 'can do' attitude usually produces great opportunities for people." - Sarah Delahanty
• "You enjoy what you do because you enjoy the people you're doing it with." - Sarah Delahanty

Connect with Jenni Wendt:

• Dow
• Jennifer Wendt on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (989) 636-2473

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 Podcast

Spotify

Google Podcasts

Stitcher

Audible

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

Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors ("SYM") immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.