By Jaymon Meikle, CFP®, Wealth Advisor
July 2022 marks an important milestone in my life. It’s the 10th anniversary of me falling into this industry by happenstance, leading me to find a career I truly love.
I wish I could say that I started in the industry a decade ago due to a burning passion for finances, or anything else, but the truth is I started out in the industry because it’s the “family business.” Both my father and his father are/were financial advisors.
My grandpa started back in 1969 after he separated from service with the Air Force as a B-52 pilot. My father joined the business when he was in his early 20s and has been an advisor for almost 40 years now.
A Core Memory of Financial Planning
I have one very vivid memory of visiting my grandpa and father as a child at their office. I was standing by the reception desk (that’s where all the candy was) while a woman was sitting on the couch in the lobby. She looked nervous and her legs were restlessly bouncing a shoebox that was sitting on her lap, which contained the statements and information of years of saving and hard work.
As soon as my grandpa and father entered the lobby, the lady visibly relaxed. Both went up and welcomed her and took her back to the offices. I look back at that memory and recognize now why she was nervous, but all I knew at that time was that my family helped her.
When I first started in the industry, I oversaw helping our clients with their insurance needs. I got the licenses required and got to work. I enjoyed helping clients, but I felt like there was something missing – and I didn’t enjoy selling products.
I decided to take some education courses through the American College of Financial Planning in hopes that it would help me feel more confident and reassure me that what I was doing for the clients was the best thing for them.
That’s when I came across a course called the “Fundamentals of Financial Planning.” This course was my favorite by far and completely changed the way I looked at helping clients. Ever since then, my focus and efforts have been on how important true financial planning is and how much it can impact lives. That passion drove me to continue my education, and eventually I was able to obtain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.
The Positive Impact of a Financial Planner
I’ve had some incredible experiences in my journey so far as an advisor, but the most fulfilling moments have been when I was able to witness the impact this profession can have. I count myself lucky to help people strive for their goals and reach their potential, whatever that may be.
So, why am I an advisor? Because I get to help people – just like my father, and his father before him. I get to help people with some of the most impactful decisions in their lives. Whenever my kids ask me what I do for work, I have the privilege to say that I help people. The way I can help is through financial planning.
Why I Chose Gertsema Wealth Advisors
I’ve known Mike and Nick for several years through Carson Partners, due to my previous firm being a partner as well. I’ve been lucky enough to be in study groups with both Nick and Scott and have been able to watch from the outside the impact they are having in this community.
Whenever Nick would share what they were working on or discuss the value that Gertsema Wealth Advisors strives to create with every relationship, I would always find myself in awe and agreeing with everything he said.
So, when the time came for me to part ways with my previous firm, there was only one firm I wanted to join. I wanted to be surrounded by a team dedicated to financial planning, dedicated to improving the lives of everyone they meet and dedicated to helping people, and that’s why the only place I want to be is at Gertsema Wealth Advisors.
I am incredibly excited to be with such an awesome team and look forward to meeting you all!
