On Thursday, my Mom passed away after a long battle with Cancer.
My family and friends’ responses exceeded expectations. Those stories are private and will remain that way.
The same doesn’t apply to my second family, RWM.
I can’t express the feelings of gratitude that flow through every vein.
On Tuesday, things had reached the point of no return regarding my Mom’s health.
As Dina and I rushed to the hospital, I noticed a message from Josh on Slack.
It was simple but powerful, but the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
I just wanted to say I’m thinking of you. If there’s anything in the world you need, just let us know.
I knew he meant every word. This simple message gave me some peace before I descended into a dark place.
A rapid-fire series of events occurred over the next 72 hours.
Starting with our CSA, Lauryn. Lauryn is an Angel of Mercy. She’s the equivalent of a walking hug and the best gift-giver I ever met. There are no other words I can ponder to describe her. I joked that Dina has zero boundaries when trying to help people. Lauryn makes her seem like Darth Vader. It doesn’t matter who it is, animals—neighbor’s children, family, colleagues, and especially clients.
Lauryn sprung into action and, in her standard of maximum efficiency, ensured that pending client business was taken care of so we could devote our energies to other matters. On top of all this, she sent the most beautiful bouquet of Roses to the funeral home. The roses were so stunning that the director took them to the gravesite to give them individually to guests to lay out on the coffin.
The funeral and wake were hastily arranged to occur on the same day, only 48 hours after my Mom’s passing.
Our dear friend, Erika Mauro, on her initiative, posted the details of the services on Slack’s Main Channel with all the pertinent information. I completely understood if people couldn’t be there on such short notice.
Instead, My colleagues Barry Ritholtz and his lovely wife Wendy, Kris Venne, Michael Batnick, and Dan LaRosa showed up. I will never forget this until my last breath.
Barry and Wendy were wonderful with my Dad.
Kris and Mike made me laugh like only they can.
Dan was apologetic that his parents couldn’t come!
Shortly after Kris left, he messaged me. He wanted to ensure I knew Josh was in Florida and would’ve attended if he could.
It didn’t stop there. Collen ordered a gorgeous display of flowers, one of the first things I saw when we arrived.
In addition, Matt, Dylan, and Catalina sent plans and flowers to our home. Numerous other colleagues reached out, their messages bubbling with compassion and concern.
Light is always found in darkness if you look hard enough. I didnt need to search long to see it.
There’s also a business lesson underlying all the simmering emotion.
The most valuable asset in any enterprise is the people. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
The strongest indicator of customer service is how colleagues treat each other.
It was no accident that when Dina and I pledged to protect The Realm nearly a decade ago, the firm had grown from about $150 million in AUM to almost $6 Billion today.
It’s all about the people.
Think about it: We have millions of rabid fans based on our blogs and videos discussing stocks, bonds, insurance, estate planning, and taxes! It’s mind-blowing.
Fans relate to authentic brands, not corporate pablum.
Warren Buffet once remarked:
“A good business is like a strong castle with a deep moat around it. I want sharks in the moat to keep away those encroaching on the castle.”
Jaws author Peter Benchley could learn a thing or two from our crew.
My colleagues are the equivalent of the rare earth minerals powering tomorrow’s technology.
People are the main reason the sky is the limit for RWM, and the future is unlimited.
I experienced firsthand how my colleagues react in a crisis that transcends money. The steely machine became self-aware. Instead of attaching account numbers to tasks, empathy replaced automation.
I can’t imagine any other place I’d rather work or, quite frankly, why anyone would choose another wealth management firm to entrust their hard-earned funds.
Despite the heartbreak, I consider myself blessed. Few are granted the opportunity to be part of a culture dominated by efficiency but powered by humanity.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank You.
