SYM Financial Advisors Podcast

Dr. Al Grossnickle is the owner of Strategic Venture Partners LLC, a consulting company that helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses. For over a decade, Al worked as an Associate Professor of Business at Grace College, where he was also the Director of the William P. Gordon Institute. At the University of Saint Francis, Al served as the Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. He had also served as the President, CEO, and Corporation Founder of Miller's Health Systems for eight years before he embarked on his academic career in 2006. Al draws from his extensive experience in the academic and business worlds to guide his clients through today's complex markets and the ever-changing world.

Al joins me today to share his insights on weathering the complex business climate amidst the pandemic. He shares his career journey and explains how he uses his experiences to help other entrepreneurs grow their businesses. He shares his advice on mitigating turnover and attrition rates among Boomer employees and healthcare workers. He also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people smarter than you and underscores the power of keeping a sustainable competitive advantage.

"The dynamics of business are rapidly changing today. Listening and humility have become more important for CEOs." - Al Grossnickle

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• The challenges Al faced as a top executive of Miller's Merry Manor
• How Al's experience as CEO informs his current role as a business consultant
• Supply chain issues and other challenges business owners are facing due to the pandemic
• How a bonus structure may bridge the challenges that may come with raising employee wages
• Why business owners should consider outsourcing parts of their businesses
• Addressing labor turnovers in the healthcare industry
• The impact of vaccine mandates on labor, logistics, and supply chain
• How business owners are reacting to the rising cost of raw materials
• How to manage the attrition trend among Boomer employees
• The importance of creating a strong succession plan
• The value of surrounding yourself with the right professionals
• Setting up a family business for the next generation
• Avoiding complacency and how hiring a business consultant can help your company grow

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Running a business is a labor of love, but outsourcing can help you spend more time on parts of the business that are most productive." - Seth Whicker
• "There is an economic incentive to getting the balance back between supply and demand. The key is knowing how long it takes to get there." - Seth Whicker
• "The definition of business and profit is to maximize shareholder wealth; otherwise, companies will stop reinvesting." - Al Grossnickle

Connect with Al Grossnickle:

• Strategic Venture Partners
• Email: [email protected]
• Al Grossnickle 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

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TuneIn

Amazon Music / Audible

Stitcher

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.

Amy Wilson is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Dow Corporate, which aims to become the most innovative, inclusive, customer-centric, and sustainable materials science company. They provide science-based products and solutions to their customers in spheres as diverse as packaging, consumer care, mobility, and infrastructure. Amy's responsibilities with Dow include leading and providing counsel in corporate governance, as well as managing compliance matters. She is also the executive sponsor for Dow's lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and allies' employee resource group, GLAD.

Amy joins me today to discuss some of the silver linings she saw amidst the pandemic and what the last year has taught her about people. She describes her experience as a lifeguard and how it made her want to double her efforts to pursue her education. She explains why some questions are too personal for employees, especially with so many of them working from home. She also shares the traits she looks for in a potential leader and why you can learn a lot about a person when you play golf with them.

"The world you're in is always changing, so it's your obligation and responsibility to keep up with that." - Amy Wilson

This week on Executive Decisions:

• What Amy has learned from her first job as a lifeguard
• The real value of continuous learning
• Amy's advice to young professionals in any industry
• The advice Amy learned from mentors on what not to do as a professional
• What the pandemic made Amy realize about people
• Why you shouldn't ask people about their families
• Amy's thoughts on the significant events that transpired in 2020
• What Amy would tell a leader about making impactful decisions
• The biggest risks Amy took in the past (and what happened next)
• The traits Amy looks for in a potential leader
• Debunking myths within the legal industry
• What golf can teach you about people and life
• Looking for the "culture carriers" on your team

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "You can take away something from every style. There are times where one style may even work better than the other, depending on the situation." - Sarah Delahanty
• "As you lead people, they may need different things from you. People may need the carrot or the stick depending on their work styles." - Sarah Delahanty
• "The more you can paint a story for people to know how they can contribute to the situation, the better it is." - Amy Wilson

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant

Connect with Amy Wilson:

• Dow Corporate
• Amy Wilson 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:

iTunes

Android

Google Play

Stitcher

Spotify

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.

Dr. Matt Eckert has been practicing dentistry for the past 28 years. Together with his business partner Ryan Hart, Matt operates Downtown Dental, a practice honored by his long-term patients. Matt completed his undergraduate degree from Ball State University and completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society, and Andrews Lions Club.

Matt joins me today to share his insights on running a dental practice in Huntington, Indiana. He discusses why he pivoted from studying architecture to dentistry and explains why he decided to start his practice in his hometown. He shares his advice on getting a business partner, managing a dental practice's finances, and prioritizing family over work. He also highlights the power of serving a community and underscores the importance of working with a financial advisor as soon as you can in your career.

"Dentistry was easy; the business part was a lesson learned by trial and error." - Dr. Matt Eckert

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• Matt's background and why he decided to start his dental practice in his hometown
• How Matt knew that dentistry is something he wanted to pursue
• Going to dental school and how it prepared him for running a business
• How partnering with an experienced dentist helped Matt at the beginning of his career
• Why dentists need to learn how to manage their practice's finances
• The challenges of bringing in a business partner to your dental practice
• The "hire-fire" part of running a business and why hiring compassionate staff is crucial in a dental practice
• The biggest risk Matt has taken and the fears he faced in his business
• The best decisions he made in running his dental practice
• How being dedicated to making the community a better place has benefitted Matt and his practice
• What Matt wishes he did sooner for his financial life and how he teaches his children about money
• His advice for young dentists who are about to start their career
• The power of continuing education and why everyone should prioritize their families first

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "You can have the best idea in the world, but if you can't make your finances work, you'll quickly run out of business." - Seth Whicker
• "Dentistry is the easy part; running a business is the fun part." - Dr. Matt Eckert
• "In your day to day grind, it's easy to forget to let your staff know how much they're appreciated." - Seth Whicker

Connect with Dr. Matt Eckert:

• Downtown Dental Huntington
• Downtown Dental Huntington on Facebook

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 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.

Tom Schwyn is the Vice President of Global Legal Operations and GPO General Counsel at Whirlpool, one of the world's leading kitchen and laundry appliances brands. Tom has an incredible career story, having joined Whirlpool as an electrical engineer back in 1987. As Vice President of the Legal Operations department, today Tom is tasked with mitigating risks, optimizing value, and promoting global collaboration across legal departments. He is planning to retire by the end of 2021.

Tom joins me today to share the many pieces of advice he followed that helped him get to where he is today. He describes what his first job was like and the lessons it taught him that he still carries to this day. He explains how young people can plan ahead without feeling stressed out or burned out. He shares some of the reasons why great leaders stumble and how they can correct themselves to prevent those experiences again. Tom also describes some of his fondest moments in the industry, his favorite taco recipe, and his advice for young professionals who have no idea how to manage their finances.

"Have a plan, but be open to opportunities that present themselves to you." - Tom Schwyn

This week on Executive Decisions:

• Tom's first job and what the experience taught him
• Tom's advice to those who are about to embark on their professional journey
• What Tom considers to be terrible advice that is frequently given to young professionals
• What it takes to enjoy a long career
• Some of the decisions Tom would want to revisit
• The four qualities that define success for someone in Tom's position
• Why Tom believes many good leaders fail as they climb the ranks
• Some of the most significant risks Tom took in his career
• The tough experiences Tom encountered and his key takeaways from them
• The best way to mentally recover from a loss
• Debunking some of the common myths in the industry
• Separating good advice from bad advice as a young professional
• Tom's fondest moments, his Ted Talk topic, and financial advice

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "We can't be everything to everybody." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Sometimes, it's not important to be the loudest voice in the room. Zsometimes, it's better to listen and treat everyone with respect." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Failures of integrity are hard to come back from." - Tom Schwyn

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything by Stephen Covey

Connect with Tom Schwyn:

• Whirlpool
• Tom Schwyn 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:

iTunes

Android

Google Play

Stitcher

Spotify

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

John Barce is the Owner and Partner at Barrett McNagny LLP, one of the oldest law partnerships in Indiana. John is a premier business attorney who focuses his practice on business transactions, federal & state taxation, and estate & business planning. He completed his JD at the Indiana University School of Law, where he graduated with Latin honors. Since 2016, John has been recognized and listed in the Best Lawyers of America publication. He is also a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, as well as the Allen County Bar Association.

John joins me today to discuss why business owners should have a solid succession plan as part of their business strategy. He shares the different legal entities a business can register as and explains what makes C-corporations different from S-corporations. He discusses what a "band-aid" approach to succession planning is and how it can lead to expensive business litigation. He also highlights why he approves of using valuation experts and shares his advice on making the succession, exit, and selling processes seamless.

"Succession planning is a process you wouldn't want to wait on." - John Barce

This week on The Owner's Corner:

• John's background and how his family inspired him to practice law
• His passion for business law and work in succession planning and corporate transactions
• Legal matters that entrepreneurs should address before starting a business
• The different legal entities a business can register as and the income tax structures they come with
• Why business partners should avoid the "band-aid" approach to business succession
• The number one driver of expensive business litigation
• Why business partners should create a succession or exit plan the moment they start their organization
• What buy/sell agreements are and how they help facilitate successions
• The value of having a "company value" conversation between business powers
• The difference between a C-corporation and an S-corporation
• How to make selling a business a seamless process

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "Business partners have got to plan from the beginning how they'll separate if they have to." - John Barce
• "While you're in that honeymoon phase of being excited, that's a great time to address how you'll get issues settled down the road." - Seth Whicker
• "Don't necessarily expect that you want to go and sell your business today and you're going to walk away. They may want you to stick around for 2-5 years." - Seth Whicker

Connect with John Barce:

• Barrett McNagny
• Email: [email protected]
• Barrett Law on LinkedIn
• John Barce 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 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.

Sharon Mortensen is the President and CEO of Midland Area Community Foundation, an organization that promotes philanthropic leadership to help the local community through scholarships, charity funding, and donations to Midland area nonprofits every year. As a leader, Sharon is responsible for overseeing all operations, from proposal to execution. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Defiance College and a Master's in Counseling from the University of Texas.

Sharon joins me today to discuss the qualities a leader must possess to make the right calls for their business. She shares her professional experience, her first real job, and why a service mentality is vital in good leadership. She explains the processes involved in making leadership decisions and how to be objective with each one. Sharon also describes how the Foundation supported its local community during the pandemic and what it takes for leaders to stay at the top of their game.

"Leadership ultimately is about service." - Sharon Mortensen

This week on Executive Decisions:

• Why leaders should be more curious than judgmental
• Having a service mentality as a leader
• The great qualities that distinguish leaders of successful businesses
• The most important advice Sharon has received as a young leader
• How Sharon finds success when faced with a tough decision
• What it takes to be objective in making decisions - even if those decisions are unpopular
• The risks Sharon deemed were worth taking
• How the Foundation helped the local community during the height of the pandemic
• What Sharon believes leaders should do to be at the top of their game
• Why being a "non-profit" doesn't mean you're not supposed to make money
• The myths in the world of philanthropy
• The financial obstacles Sharon wishes people knew more about
• Sharon's favorite vacation spot and words of wisdom

Our Favorite Quotes:

• "In decision making, you need to find the information, come to your decision, and be solid with your decision." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Money doesn't necessarily solve the problem. There has to be some action behind that to move things into a positive conclusion." - Sarah Delahanty
• "Curiosity carries you a long way as a leader." - Sharon Mortensen

Connect with Sharon Mortensen:

• Midland Area Community Foundation
• Email: [email protected]
• Midland Area Community Foundation on Facebook
• Sharon Mortensen 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:

iTunes

Android

Google Play

Stitcher

Spotify

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

SYM senior financial advisor Seth Whicker talks with Chief Investment Officer Andy Popenfoose about the impact of COVID-19 on the markets. This podcast answers questions such as:

• Where will the markets go in 2021 and beyond?
• What did COVID-19 do to the investment market?
• What did we learn about investing in a pandemic?
• What do I need to know for investing in 2021 and beyond?

_____________________________________________________________

SYM Financial Advisors https://www.sym.com 9100 Keystone Crossing #560, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (800) 888-7968 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-in?share

414 Townsend St # 202, Midland, MI 48640 (989) 631-0244 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-midland?share

4215 Edison Lakes Pkwy Suite 320, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 287-0035 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-mishawaka?gm

7030 Pointe Inverness Way #100, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 387-6822 https://g.page/sym-financial-fort-wayne?share

801 Park Ave, Winona Lake, IN 46590 (574) 267-2300 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-winona?gm

This is a webinar for women about debt management and financial strategies for managing debt. This conversion answers questions such as:

• Should I pay off my mortgage?
• What is debt consolidation?
• How does debt consolidation work?

_____________

Sym Financial Advisors https://www.sym.com 9100 Keystone Crossing #560, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (800) 888-7968 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-in?share

414 Townsend St # 202, Midland, MI 48640 (989) 631-0244 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-midland?share

4215 Edison Lakes Pkwy Suite 320, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 287-0035 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-mishawaka?gm

7030 Pointe Inverness Way #100, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 387-6822 https://g.page/sym-financial-fort-wayne?share

801 Park Ave, Winona Lake, IN 46590 (574) 267-2300 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-winona?gm

Gain unique insight from Jill Young, certified EOS facilitator on leading your business through uncertain times.

____________________

Sym Financial Advisors https://www.sym.com 9100 Keystone Crossing #560, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (800) 888-7968 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-in?share

414 Townsend St # 202, Midland, MI 48640 (989) 631-0244 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-midland?share

4215 Edison Lakes Pkwy Suite 320, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 287-0035 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-mishawaka?gm

7030 Pointe Inverness Way #100, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 387-6822 https://g.page/sym-financial-fort-wayne?share

801 Park Ave, Winona Lake, IN 46590 (574) 267-2300 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-winona?gm

SYM senior financial advisor and principal Seth Whicker discusses the unique needs of business owners. Topics include succession planning, buy/sell arrangements, retirement preparation and provisions for death or disability. This podcast answers questions such as:

• When should I sell my business?
• How do I sell my business?
• What is a business valuation?
• What do I need to know about succession planning?

_____________________________________

Sym Financial Advisors https://www.sym.com 9100 Keystone Crossing #560, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (800) 888-7968 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-in?share

414 Townsend St # 202, Midland, MI 48640 (989) 631-0244 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-midland?share

4215 Edison Lakes Pkwy Suite 320, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 287-0035 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-mishawaka?gm

7030 Pointe Inverness Way #100, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 387-6822 https://g.page/sym-financial-fort-wayne?share

801 Park Ave, Winona Lake, IN 46590 (574) 267-2300 https://g.page/sym-financial-advisors-winona?gm