Ryan Landgraff
Background
Ryan Landgraff
Ryan Landgraff is my guest this week discussing fatherhood, manhood and proper financial stewardship.
I met Ryan in the twitterverse. We reviewed each other’s posts periodically and found a common ground in the fatherhood arena. I forget who reached out to who, but nonetheless, we connected. Ryan requested a connection through Skype so we could “met” and discuss our views more intimately and personally. We had a solid connection and the interview was on.
Ryan shares his personal and professional views on manhood, fatherhood and the financial industry (respectively) in the following interview.
Read intently. Ryan speaks briefly, but his words are insightful and fruitful, particularly in the financial realm.
Enjoy the interview and please leave your thoughts in the comment section.
Interview
Please briefly describe your personal and professional background.
I serve professionals in regard to financial service. Our team finds where one’s assets are working efficiently or inefficiently. We are able to accurately assess whether or not one is forfeiting money knowingly and unnecessarily to the government and other financial institutions.
What does manhood and fatherhood mean to you?
To me, both manhood and fatherhood are defined as a continual process of striving for good character. I’ve counted on many mentors over the years in whose footsteps I find myself walking. They exemplified faithfulness, patience, self-control, peace, joy, love, gentleness and kindness.
What is your fondest memory of fatherhood?
The most memorable moment as a father was the last time my daughters reached a milestone. My youngest learned to walk and my wife and I really enjoyed experiencing this.
How do you want your children to remember you?
As a man who discovered what his purpose in life was and did it to the very best of his ability. I would want them to know I added tremendous value to peoples’ lives.
What is your most memorable moment (so far) as a husband?
My father died three years ago. I realized I needed to take more responsibility for my family.
How do you make a marriage lasting?
We do activities together and as a family. We rely on commitments we observed our parents doing for decades. We chose each other based on our shared faith and spiritual values.
How do you intertwine your challenging career with your family?
I’ve written my own eulogy and I read it frequently. It has become a compass for me in this area.
In “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Franklin Covey challenges professionals to seek effectiveness with people and efficiency with things. I’ve often caught myself following some of the habits my father did as a business owner–working late, trying to work during family time. When I do that, the end result is ineffectiveness and weakened relationships.
Why did you enter the financial industry?
I had always read financial literature, but had never come across what I’d begun to feel about the industry. Through some connections, I accepted a position with a firm whose foundation was based on the following premise from John Bogle, founder and ex-CEO of the Vanguard Fund. He stated, “Clients have been flooded with products but haven’t been educated on why they have what they have.” Rather than being taught how each asset affects the other, clients have been sold whatever has driven a high commission and benefit for whomever was the financial representative.
I serve to fill the ability gap whereby a client eventually makes decisions independent of an advisor. This is accomplished through a holistic, educational approach to handling money.
What are some of the mistakes people make in managing their finances?
Conventional wisdom is often a great sounding myth. Most professionals tend to be doing whatever ‘everyone else is doing’ at the same time most people are in financial trouble. Without further scrutiny, professionals continue to follow several money myths that reinforced by financial companies for their advantage.
What is the biggest risk to business owners today?
Equity that is earning little or losing ground coupled with debt that erodes one’s business is like a ball and chain around the ankles of a runner.
What does the future look like for the small business owner?
The professional and business owner alike are best suited to face the financial challenges of the 21st century in general and the current recession in particular are those who continue to grow intellectually. They read voraciously, critically and put the knowledge into action. Time is the new currency and information is now at a premium for those willing to pay.
Any final thoughts?
Nobody will care more about your family, finances and future more than you ever will. I’d be more than happy to hear what other are doing in that respect and to begin a conversation as to how I may serve in that manner.
Ryan can be reached at Ryan.Landgraff.accruwealth@gmail.com, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.
{ 1 trackback }