My reflections on 40 years in business
Forty years ago this week, I incorporated Financial Service Group. It was exhilarating, exciting and unquestionably a bit scary. I knew I was taking on a lot. I had a young family, and didn’t have the luxury of a sizeable nest egg to use to carry us until the business took off. I never doubted that it would, I just didn’t know how long it would take.
At the time FSG, was a one-person operation in a small, upper level two-room office overlooking Washington Avenue. Some days I would gaze out the window and let my mind wander to the future. What did I want the business look like in ten years, in 20, in 30 years. At the time I could barely imagine beyond that point, not yet realizing how quickly the years fly by. Imagining FSG at 40 years was just too long of a time horizon. As I look back today, it seems like no time at all getting from there to here.
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are a leading financial life-planning ensemble firm serving the needs of nearly 300 client families. Through four decades we have faced our fair share of challenges, but through it all, we have persisted and grown into the successful firm it is today. We are proud of our humble beginnings and our evolution.
The values I espoused all those decades ago, are still the ones we try to keep front-of-mind every day. At our firm, we approach each and every client relationship with our hearts fully invested. We are dedicated to creating a financial planning experience that is rooted in caring, compassion, and genuine connection. Our goal is to form relationships that stand the test of time, built on mutual trust and respect. We believe in doing what we say we will do, and we hold ourselves accountable to deliver not only what you expect but what you deserve. We always operate with integrity and a steadfast commitment to your financial well-being. We believe in being transparent and open with you and with each other. Our aim is to earn and keep your trust, and we take this responsibility seriously.
The 2023 FSG Team
Our team is made up of individuals with unique life experiences and diverse areas of expertise. This collaborative approach allows us to bring a variety of perspectives to your financial planning needs, making us more relatable and better equipped to help you achieve your goals. Just like FSG has evolved, we understand your financial needs are constantly evolving, which is why we never stop learning. We stay up-to-date with the latest financial planning techniques and strategies, so you can feel confident knowing you’re in good hands. We strive to be on top of our game for your benefit, always working to build our skills and knowledge to serve you better.
In 2008, we made a major move to demonstrating FSG’s permanence to our Racine-area community by investing in our beautiful office center. I am proud that our team has a comfortable environment offering technologies that help us stay connected to clients and to each other no matter where we are physically.
I’m also honored that we’re in a position to help support our local community through various contributions, volunteer efforts, and our Client Referral Program. We know that strong communities helps to improve the lives of everyone who lives and works in them.
As Financial Service Group celebrates our 40th anniversary, I have nothing but gratitude for everything that FSG has brought to my life personally and professionally. I appreciate every moment of the last 40 years from the perspective of someone who took a leap of faith and continued to hold fast to early visions of the future.
Thank you to our clients who remind me every day what it’s all about. FSG and our employees continue to grow and thrive because of your confidence in us.
