Q: Thirty years is a long time to be in business! Other than your credentials and experience, what do you attribute your success to?

A: Part of me wants to say that we succeed because we genuinely care. But more specifically, I think it comes down to a few key things. First and foremost, Our Philosophy and Our Process. And perhaps as an aspect of this, our focus on education, since clients who understand how their plans work for them are more likely to stay the course.

Second, working with clients as a team of specialists. We believe that when the same person is responsible for everything from big-picture planning, strategy, and management to administrative details, the quality and efficiency of service decreases. This is why every client of ours has an ongoing relationship with both me and a Personal Service Representative who can handle their non-advisory questions, concerns, and requests.

Third, our investment in state of the art technology. You can have the soundest principles in the world, but if you apply them poorly or use weak data, you’re at a disadvantage. This is why we equip ourselves with some of the best tools available for acquiring, evaluating, and leveraging the information our clients’ financial futures depend on.

See also Our Difference.

Q: What do you love most about the NEWA team?

A: I cannot stress enough the importance of my experienced, competent, and hard-working staff.

The paperwork, processes, and procedures required to implement plans and fulfill clients’ day-to-day requests are more complex and sometimes onerous than you can imagine. I’m not talking about checking boxes and filling in blanks by rote, although there’s plenty of that. Their work requires extensive knowledge of all the products and services we provide, all the ways of administering them, and all the rules and regulations governing them.

Then there’s the level of attention to detail required. One tiny error can have serious consequences. To maintain meticulousness, my team has to care. They have to keep every client’s context in mind, recognizing that financial stakes are always high stakes. And on top of this, they must support clients in taking the steps necessary to bring their transactions to completion.

I won’t say my team are unsung heroes, since clients often sing their praises, but I will say it’s hard to overestimate their value.

Q: You’re well-known for serving on Boards of Directors, making charitable contributions, and teaching Adult Education classes. What motivates you to do this work?

A: I’m a firm believer in making the world better through voluntary action, by lending your time and talents to causes you care about. Most of the work I do is a reflection of three values of mine:

• Fiscal responsibility. I am a trustee of the New Hampshire Retirement System, where I served a two-year term on the Board of Trustees, and I am also Chair of their Governance Committee. In addition, I serve as Treasurer for Cochecho Country Club. (Golf, anyone?)
  
  
• Financial literacy. I’ve taught adult education classes for over 20 years. One of my most popular courses helps students understand and use the 6 steps of the financial planning process to craft a preliminary plan of their own. Another popular class, this one for students nearing retirement, teaches income planning and Medicare and Social Security planning. Additionally, I was a Board Member for the Adult Learning Center of Nashua.
  
  
• Fostering resilience. There’s a special place in my heart for organizations that support youth and people with disabilities. I have served on the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee for the Cotting School in Lexington, MA, as a Board Member and Treasurer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Nashua, and as an Advisory member to the Merrimack YMCA. I also regularly contribute to the Nashua Center for the Multiply Handicapped.

Q: Lastly, you clearly love your work. What’s one thing you enjoy doing outside of the office?

A: Competing. Right now, that takes the form of golf. I compete against myself—whether its by lowering my handicap, upping my consistency, or mastering new techniques—and in amateur tournaments of all kinds. If I’m not getting better at something, I’m getting bored. And believe me, golf gives me plenty of opportunities to improve!