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V O L . X X V I N O. I X M AY 5 , 2 0 2 0 16 W E A LT H M A N A G M E N T / R E T I R E M E N T F O C U S experience working with so many women. One of five women on the 15-member investment team, she says: "My colleagues on the investment committee are intel- lectual powerhouses, and I feel very lucky to be at a small firm with that kind of prowess." Lest anyone think all the women-led firms are not inclusive of men, Cornerstone Financial Planning — a boutique operation run by Susan Veligor and Jill Boynton in Portland and Newington, N.H. — just hired its first man, a financial planner-in-training who started a week before they went to remote operations. "He's bright and sharp, he's got a journalism degree and a dry humor," says Veligor, who says their new colleague doesn't mind being the token male. "We asked him about this, and I think he had a very strong role model in his mother." Bright future, building relationships Women of all experience levels interviewed for this article see a bright future for young peers starting out today. As for career advice, Psyhogeos recommends earn- ing the trust of others whether it be a client, colleague or external associate, noting: "People always want to do business and seek advice from those that they trust." Her other two tips: Always demonstrate excel- lence even in the most menial tasks, and master your oral and written communication skills, includ- ing taking the time to check any correspondence before sending it out. "I would encourage young women to consider a career in wealth management, because I have found it to be a rewarding way to marry the analytical challenge of investing, planning and problem solving with the satisfaction of helping your clients and their families reach their goals," says Spinnaker's Rand. " I would also encourage anyone starting out in the profession to try to identify a mentor that will invest in you. I have been the beneficiary of some amazing mentors over the years and it has helped me exponentially." Back at Robinson Smith, Daigle says: "Entering a profession that deals with something as personal as someone's finances is difficult, you need a broad knowledge base that people will trust, but you also need to be a person people can trust. e relationships you build with your clients will help them and you make it through the ups and downs of the markets." R e n e e C o r d e s , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t r c o r d e s @ m a i n e b i z . b i z You haven't stopped working and neither have we. While the coronavirus has affected every aspect of agriculture, we know you are still working to produce food, fiber and other products we all rely on. And we are still working to provide you with the credit and financial services you need. We have the financial capacity to support you through this challenging time. And we will get through this together. Loans & Leases Financial Record-Keeping Payroll Services Profitability Consulting Tax Preparation & Planning Appraisals Estate Planning Beginning Farmer Programs Crop Insurance TODAY YOU CAN SEE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MADE IN AGRICULTURE. 12507-MEBMay_Made in Ag_Here for You.indd 1 12507-MEBMay_Made in Ag_Here for You.indd 1 4/14/20 11:39 AM 4/14/20 11:39 AM » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E I love the people aspect of this business. You really get to know your clients, and you become almost like a partner for them in reaching their goals. — Katie Exchange Boston Financial Management

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