I’d like to share a personal experience that changed me. Let me set the stage as it existed in 2004. Linda, my wife, and I had been partners in life and in business for over 25 years. We were providing traditional financial planning services to both families and businesses, and by most standards were successful in our efforts. Our daughter, Jordan, was completing her MBA at the University of Kentucky.
Although I was an attorney, Certified Financial Planner, Certified Investment Management Consultant and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Auditor, I took advantage of continuing education in order to better serve our clients. Thus, I enrolled in a course in ‘business succession planning’; and I invited Jordan to also participate. Arrangements were made for Jordan to meet me in Denver where the course was being held. I was feeling good that Jordan and I would be spending some quality time together.
As I was leaving home for the airport and as I was kissing Linda, she asked me the following question: “If something happens to you, remind me what I am supposed to do with the business?” My response was rather empty as I replied, “Don’t worry, nothing is going to happen to me.” Little did I realize at the time that Linda’s question would literally change the way we approach our business.
As my plane was lifting off for Denver, I can still remember thinking that both Linda and Jordan would be disappointed with the status of things if I failed to arrive home from this trip. While I had life insurance, real estate, a retirement plan, investments, a will, a trust and powers of attorney; and while it was good I had these things, I realized that simply having these things was not enough to give Linda peace of mind. She wanted some direction. If this was true for us, I remember thinking that our clients and employees were probably in the same boat.
Fortunately, the first morning in Denver I met Scott Farnsworth, an attorney who was developing a business that was designed to help advisors like me. Over the years since our meeting Scott has taught me the following:
“We shortchange our clients if we fail to understand and honor the wholeness of their lives in the counsel we give and the services we provide.”
As a result of Linda’s question and the vision provided by Scott all of us at SuttonAdvisors have set out on a journey to be continually developing our business model to best meet the needs of people and their loved ones.
The ‘old me’ thought we were in the financial or estate planning business. Now, the ‘new me’ understands that our business is not about either financial products or legal documents. It is about people and their loved ones. It is helping people deal with their constantly changing lives.
Don’t be guilty of either thinking or saying: “Don’t worry nothing is going to happen to me”. The success of your planning is dependent upon the inclusion two essential parties: “YOU and YOURS”.
Sutton Advisors cares about the individual’s journey. The journey of a business owner, an heir, a pioneer, a parent… all stories are equally important to us. Your journey is your legacy. Our process is simple: Discover. Design. Implement. Manage. Repeat. Journeys are ongoing, and so we are here to help you reassess your legacy throughout your life and for your future generations. You have a trusted relationship with SuttonAdvisors, PLC and we genuinely care about your individual goals. There is no time like the present. With everything we are witnessing in today’s world, alongside all of the everyday unexpected events – the time to plan is now. SuttonAdvisors believes you define your own journey. We are here to help you along the way.
