As I sat in my office this week pondering the topic of this week's article, I took notice of my new computer software and programs, in my expanding office space. I could not help realize how things are changing.
I have been accused of being "resistant to change," and that I was "living in the past," but change is growth, and growth is good for business. Carson City has been a good place for me to own and run a small business. People here like a personal touch that does not involve an automated menu system or an international call center.
A few months ago, I was at a conference in San Diego, Calif., where Dr Ken Dychtwald was speaking. He is a demographer, and was there to discuss the "New Old." He has written several books on aging, specifically, the baby boom generation. He believes that the largest group of aging people (the boom) now in America will change how everyone lives and does business in the future. I had to agree.
I have seen for a fact how marketing and product development have been targeted to the boom. Since I am one of those boomers, or "new old," I realized that I had to make some changes.
In a highly regulated industry like mine, I had to find ways to keep running my business with that personal touch, while staying ahead of changing technology and client expectations. I also needed to keep costs in line, so the time was right to evaluate the business.
I am a bit willfull, but let's face it, the world is not going to wait around while I make up my mind. I need to make sure that I can provide advice to a changing population with different needs.
So I am proud to announce my affiliation with LPL Financial Services, the promotion of Walter Shepperd to investment executive and the hiring of Ray Masayko as financial advisor.
Donna Keyes is still our illustrious administrative assistant, but these days, she could use an assistant of her own. Oh, I am still here too. Somebody has got to pay the bills.
We are also expanding our office space to double the current size. With these changes, I hope to provide better service to the Carson City area. LPL Financial Services is headquarted in San Diego. They were established in 1973 to provide broker-dealer services to independent financial advisors. Currently there are over 6,500 offices and 4,000 advisors nationwide as well as 390 banks and financial institutions using LPL.
After shopping around, I felt that LPL was best qualified to provide services for our branch. Walter Shepperd and the addition of Ray Masayko will add more capable advisors to the team.
Maybe you can teach a "new old" dog new tricks, but I still want to live in the past, at least in some areas. Some things won't change. We can still be found in our same location (expanding to twice it current size) and have the same phone number. Feel free to contact any of us.
We still don't have an automated menu, and if I have anything to say about it, we never will. Our number is 841-4277 and address is 896 W. Nye Lane, #102, Carson City.
• Carol Perry is associated with Carol Perry and Associates. She has been a resident of Northern Nevada since 1983.