Well, 2009 was my first year attempting to blog and I have to say, while I enjoyed the few times I wrote, I was a miserable failure in quantity. You have to have quality and quantity to be a success and I did not. My hope in 2010 is that I will be more consistent in using this method of communication. My thought is to write more often but shorter, so we’ll see. My apologies to you in 2009 for the lack of success in blogging and you have my hope for a better 2010.
Money Management: We are relatively happy with how Richmond Brothers came through in 2009. We have weathered the storm pretty well in what seems like the end of 24 months of historically bad times. From a business perspective, we have had pretty good years. Our current assets bounced back really well from the March lows and many clients tell me that they realized when they talk with friends that they have bounced back much better than most. That makes us feel good; more for those that trusted us to guide them through this historic crisis than for Richmond Brothers, although it is definitely a point of pride.
Our clients have voted with their voices by referring us to their friends, family and associates. Our asset gathering continues to roll along. We did not set any records but we continued to gather enough assets to help us offset investments in new technology, staffing and building a company that you can be proud of. Thank you for continuing to refer us to your friends, family and associates. We do not advertise, as we rely on our clients to do the selling for us. We have always believed that if we do right by our clients they will do right by us. We continue to believe in this and our clients continue to deliver on that principle. Thank you. We will count on you for a record year in 2010!
We continue to make investments in our business to be sure that we will be the company you expect, demand and want to serve you in one, three and five years down the road. Matt and I have made several due diligence trips this year looking at new possible vendors. We have invested in and executed new technology that will help us serve our clients more efficiently. We have made a very conscious decision to invest in our company through the bad times. We made this strategic decision so that we would emerge from the recession a stronger and better company. Over time, our surveys that clients fill out will tell us how we have done; we look forward to the results.
Fitness: I have to say this area of my life was a total disappointment. I have ended the year at a weight nearly as high as I have ever been and in pitifully poor shape in regards to cardio and strength. Looking through the rear view mirror, it seems that I did not handle the stress, that inherently comes with my job, very well. I did not make good decisions when it came to prioritizing exercising with working. I have re-evaluated this and have adjusted my schedule accordingly. I am not working less, simply smarter; it is a long-term commitment to our clients to do what I can to be here for years to come. I will keep you posted on my progress (hopefully more often as I mentioned earlier).
Family: I want to say thank you to the entire Richmond Brothers family – from employees, clients, vendors and friends. It has been another exciting year. What a time and place to be in history with opportunities to make a difference in the world. I am so blessed with opportunities; every day we ask, “How did I make a difference in someone’s life today?” Each and every day I get up I have that chance and that is a rare blessing. Too often, that which is given to us is expected and I thank God each day for what I have been given. I appreciate the challenges and relish the opportunities.
A special shout out to my beautiful bride, Stephanie. She allows me to lead the adventure I do. You will not find a more supportive person who by her love allows me to be the person I am. Honey, it’s never been boring and always interesting. To my kids for teaching me more than I teach them; our world is a laboratory and you are the teachers. Sharing your life is not only giving me pride but is such a privilege. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be in your best interests. To my brothers for living out all that is important in family. To Dad, welcome back. To Paul and Jane, thanks for the first 17 years; I’ve reaped the benefits of it. As important, thank you for being the role models for Hunter and Taylor; they can never have enough people to love ‘em. To the Richmond Brothers team, thank you for bringing the vision to life everyday; without you, they would simply be words printed on a paper, because of you it is something very special. To Gene “they don’t make ‘em like they used to,” your impact on me is more than you’ll ever know and continues ever day I take a breath. To Richie and Heidi, we share special times in special places with you; each one is treasured. To Jeff and Eric, I hope your patience and commitment is rewarded with a better effort from me in 2010; still you have my admiration. To Uncle Matt, for your friendship, in and out of Richmond Brothers, it is treasured. To JD – you have given me a gift that once opened can never be put back into the box; it has changed my life and how I live it…that adventure continues and because of it so does my personal growth. Thank you…keep changing the world one child at a time. To Sister Peg, for all that you are and do, I’ve grown as a result of our friendship. To our clients…for making it all possible.
Keep dreaming…in high-definition 1080p color, but remember success = knowledge + action. Remember to take action, every day ask, “Did I make someone’s day today?” You can do it, one action at a time.
