A qualified financial advisor can assist you in determining your specific financial needs and objectives. In addition, he or she can:
- keep your financial plan current as your financial situation changes
- evaluate and describe for you various investment opportunities
- review the asset mix of your portfolio
- monitor the performance of your investments
- suggest revisions when necessary
How do you choose a financial advisor? A recommendation from a friend or relative is a good way to find a financial advisor. You can also contact professional organizations or licensing organizations to identify candidates you might like to interview. Look for a company with longevity, a good track record and a good reputation. Then ask your prospective advisor lots of questions. Find out if he or she has experience helping clients with concerns and resources similar to your own. Ask what information you need to bring to the meeting. At your meeting, ask the following questions.
What are your qualifications and experience? Many financial advisors will provide their potential clients with a copy of their resumé and a packet of information about the services they offer. Clients should know whether an advisor has professional designations or affiliations. Consider if they are individual practitioners or are part of a larger organization.
What services do you offer? Find out in what areas your advisor specializes - tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, insurance products, etc.
Will you be the only person working with me? Many financial advisors sometimes employ assistants or work with partners. Determine if you are comfortable dealing with other members of the planning team.
How much do you typically charge? Money is coming out of your pocket; therefore, it is a good idea to find out how your financial advisor is compensated. Advisors may be compensated by fees you pay directly to them, fees paid for asset management or by commission for products sold. The method of compensation is less important than the disclosure of conflicts of interest and the quality of the advice given.
We who interact with Dan know that is exactly where his priorities lie.
In 1991 Graphics House was a startup company with three full time employees and ambitions of becoming a national supplier. Today GH Companies is a major force in the national, digital printing arena.
When Dan first showed me through the Peck Street offices a decade ago, I was impressed with the equipment. I had already been working in printing and publishing for 25 years but had only read about the direct to plate technology Graphics House was using every day.
What really dazzled me was the positive enthusiasm of the man who would become my publisher and friend. Many who talk to Dan become caught up in that optimism. Whatever the plan, it can be accomplished with hard work and perseverance. And that hard work can be fun.
Dan always thinks of life as a partnership. When talking about sales in a 2007 interview he said, "It's not us selling something to them, we are working together, because the more successful they are the more successful we become."
During the many publishing meetings we've held over the years Dan's focus has always been on the value we offer advertisers. Bringing positive, inspirational and useful editorial content to Western Michigan through On the Shore is a win/win situation for readers and advertisers alike.
Dan's partnership attitude is most evident in the relationship he has with his family. In addition to son Matt, GH Printing president, and son Brent, GH Imaging president, many members of Dan's extended family keep GH Companies moving forward every day.
They play hard and work hard, but, unlike so many workaholics I've worked with in the past, they honestly seem to enjoy it. It seems Dan and his wife, Schar, have passed that positive outlook on to the next generation of businesspeople.
During his acceptance speech at the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce's Entrepreneur of the Year Award Luncheon, Dan challenged other entrepreneurs to find ways to give back to the community.
He talked about his involvement in the Muskegon Rescue Mission, where he has been a Board member for seven years, and about helping to start the Unity Christian Music Festival, one of Muskegon's most successful, annual concert venues. This year Unity celebrates its tenth year.
Working with the Mission and being a Founding Sponsor of Unity could not have been easy tasks, but I can see Dan at planning sessions, smiling wide and emitting that positive glow those who work with him always appreciate.
Dan's optimism is even more surprising when you realize this is a man who has experienced crushing business setbacks. For me, his early failures have always given more weight and meaning to his enthusiasm.
Entrepreneur Award finalists were reviewed based on several factors, including business growth, innovation, response to adversity, staying power, customer/employee relations, respect for the environment and giving back to the community.
The fact that a businessman like Dan can build a successful career through service to others will always be a great encouragement to me.
"We like to do business," said Dan, "so we can succeed together."