And So It Begins

I’ve been wanting to write a blog about investments, markets, financial planning, and the finance profession for a very long time. Now I’m able to. Here’s my first post. 

I’ll be posting here at least weekly, so come back regularly.

And So It Begins

I started my career just over fourteen years ago. My first job was in a call center in Toronto, my second was at a credit union a few blocks from where I grew up, and my third was in a corner office in downtown Victoria.

I had incredible mentors and friends at those three jobs, but those early years were rough. Fresh out of school, I thought I knew everything.

I didn’t know anything. My young ego was getting in the way, and my bosses, try as they might, struggled to tell me that in a way I could hear.

After three jobs in three years, I decided to be my own boss. I worked out of another advisor’s office on Humboldt Street, building my business from scratch—literally knocking on doors and cold calling potential clients. The rejection humbled me fast (I might have cried a few times), but with support from colleagues and family, I endured. Slowly but surely, potential clients became clients.

It was gradual, and then two years later, it was sudden. The foundation for a sustainable business had been built. Carey joined me, we moved into our office in Royal Oak, and we haven’t looked back since.

Over the last eight years, we’ve worked hard to refine how we do business. We also had a lot of help from a lot of colleagues, friends, and mentors. We developed three guiding principles that define everything we do—from how we provide financial advice, to how we serve our clients, and to how we run our office. Here they are:

• Simple is tough but best
• Nobody can predict the future
• Proactive beats reactive

These aren’t just words. They guide every client conversation, investment strategy, and financial plan we create. Our business is resilient because of these principles and our commitment to providing exceptional service.

After years of refining our approach, we’re excited to announce our next chapter: Herlaar Wealth Management, in partnership with Raymond James.

This new chapter allows us to refine our services even further. We’ve honed our skills, deepened our expertise, and built a client service model that’s second to none. And with the resources and expertise of Raymond James backing us, we can provide even better financial advice and service, while maintaining the personal touch that you’ve come to expect.

With Herlaar Wealth Management and Raymond James, we’re even better equipped to help you achieve your financial goals. We’re excited to partner with you and continue this journey. Give us a shout, we’re here to help.