“J.D., I’ve decided to retire. After 10 years here, it is time,” Sam said.

“I thought the time might be now, so the team has done a bunch of work on your budget and where you are financially,” I said. “I am happy to report all the work we have done together these past 20-plus years has paid off. You are in great shape. You can plan on enjoying this time.”

“I must tell you, J.D., that you have been instrumental in all of this and me getting to where I am.  The way you handled my mother. Then, when she passed away, you and the team handling those transfers and just making everything easy for me.” he said.

I listened, grateful for his words.

“When I moved out of the country,” Sam went on, “I still knew that you would make sure my money and the plan was always going to be all right. I just want to thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.”

Now, this is what we are supposed to do for our clients. It’s our job. But this conversation this week still really hit home for me. Sam has been a client for 20 plus years.  Moved to Asia. Through it all, he kept us, and we kept him. He saw me through one marriage and into another.  Kids and family dynamics.  The death of his mother.

But this is what we do. We help people get to where they need AND want. We deliver excellence and stand beside them.

It is also so nice when they stand behind you, that they realize we are living, breathing human beings, too, when they appreciate what we do and understand the work and commitment it takes.  Then to experience that same commitment reciprocated back to us is incredibly gratifying.

Relationships are magic. The feeling you get to experience when both sets of expectations are met and exceeded, is like nothing you can describe.

I feel blessed to be surrounded with great people, clients, friends and team members.

Thank you all!

-J.D.