What inspired you to start your business?
Both my mother and mother-in-law were widowed at an early age and needed financial help. There was and still is a shortage of women in the financial field. I felt that there was an important role for female advisors who enjoy helping others manage their money, and I am delighted that my daughter-in-law Jenn has joined me in the business.

What are the three most important lessons you have learned building your business?
Success is a combination of working hard, believing in what you do and sticking with it. It takes time and dedication to build a successful business.

When you first started what was the biggest challenge when it came to cultivating clients?
As fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™, we work differently with our clients. People are used to the traditional brokerage model of “salesmen.” We sit on the same side of the table as our clients and are transparent about how we get paid. It has taken some time for clients to understand these significant differences.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Well, in our case, we decided to combine the two! We have a family-run office with my husband Roy, son Robert and daughter-in-law Jenn. The shared values and trust that we have in each other makes it easy to work together.

What has been the role of luck in your success?
I have been lucky to find a career that I love and equally lucky to find great clients I enjoy working with.