Complimentary May 2013
Living the Good Life
PREMIER PLANNING GROUP: Building Relationships... Building Futures
HICKORY LIVING • MAY 2013
1
cover story
LIVI NG
PREMIER PLANNING GROUP: Building Relationships...Building Futures By Kristie Darling
On the cover–J. Bryan Setzler, owner and financial advisor of Premier Planning Group Pictured–Financial advisors Bryan Setzler and Ken Sigler (right) have over half a century of combined experience in the financial services industry.
12 12
HICKORY HICKORYLIVING LIVING••MAY MAY2013 2013
“Learning is the beginning of wealth,” wrote businessman and author, John Rohn. The financial planning team at Premier Planning Group in Hickory understands this important concept. “Client education is an important part of the process,” shares Bryan Setzler, Premier’s president and financial advisor. “Today’s financial products and services have become quite complex. We assist clients to understand how a particular financial strategy can help them reach their goals. We help define their needs, answer their questions and put a plan in place to meet those concerns.” The firm remains true to the basic principles that helped Setzler begin his career 25 years ago in Hickory, after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Lenoir-Rhyne University with degrees in International Business and Economics. PREMIER PLANNING GROUP IN HICKORY – A PROFESSIONAL TEAM The firm opened its doors last July when Bryan Setzler decided to leave his old firm to open the North Carolina office of Premier Planning Group. Ken Sigler, a 28-year veteran of the financial services industry, joined Setzler and brings a wealth of experience with him. Ken Sigler is a Chartered Financial Consultant and has worked with Bryan for most of their careers at other firms.
Above–Premier Planning Group staff–Sitting, Office Manager Kathy Navlyt (left) and Case Manager Sharon Wilson. Standing, Financial Advisors Ken Sigler (left) and Bryan Setzler (right) Below–Bryan explains a financial product to the PPG team
Ken and Bryan could not deliver the kind of service that is required without their capable staff. Kathy Navlyt is the office manager, and Sharon Wilson is a case manager. Kathy is likely to answer your call when you phone the office. “This is a family-friendly business–a great place to work,” she shared. “Bryan and Ken have retained all of their clients from their prior firm, and I believe that’s because people trust them and are very satisfied with their results.” Kathy is responsible for the financial management of the Hickory office. “I love working HICKORY LIVING • MAY 2013
13
here,” said Sharon Wilson. “I’ve known and worked with Bryan and Ken for many years–they are dedicated to their clients and work incredibly hard to exceed their expectations.” As case manager, Sharon manages the many applications, forms, and paperwork that flow between Premier and over 30 financial service providers that they work with. “Both Ken and Bryan are amazing at keeping up with the changing needs of our clients and staying current with new products that might be helpful to them,” Sharon explained. There are affiliated offices in Cincinnati, Ohio and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. All three offices benefit from the combined knowledge and expertise of the other offices. “I place a high value on my relationships with the other managing partners of PPG. We consult on client solutions to make sure we 14
HICKORY LIVING • MAY 2013
continue to deliver the best trusted advice to our clients”, says Setzler.
“We can help assure those objectives are achieved.”
PLANNING IS CRITICAL The firm focuses on two principle areas of financial planning: estate planning and wealth management. Both areas are interrelated as part of a financial plan. “We define wealth management as a strategic combination of financial products that allow our clients to enjoy peace of mind over their financial affairs,” explains Setzler. The professionals at Premier Planning Group believe that clients should begin developing an effective income strategy for their retirement years early. “The more time a client has to plan, the better the results tend to be at retirement,” says Sigler. “Our clients want to be financially independent and do not want to burden their children as they age,” Ken said.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Each client has his own unique personality and financial requirements. “Ken and I place a high value on the relationships we enjoy with our clients. We take our role very seriously,” Bryan said, “because we understand that our clients put their trust in us every day to help grow their wealth, minimize their risk and protect their families.” Ken added, “Our clients are our focus. I enjoy meeting new people, getting to know them and their families and helping them plan for their future. It is important work, and I love it.” Both Ken and Bryan work with their own clients, as well as work together with many clients. Ken shared, “We make it our job to understand everything
Photos: Opposite page–Bryan reviews accounts with longtime client, Mrs. Frances MacDowell. He has been a trusted advisor to Mrs. MacDowell for 20 years. Pictured left–Bryan greets another longstanding client of 15 years, Mr. Lyndon Helton.
we can about our clients’ families and business situations, so we can be of the most value to them.” Setzler and Sigler believe strongly that being an independent firm allows them to serve their clients’ needs better than if they only represented one primary financial provider. “Our independent structure allows us to provide unbiased advice and counsel to the clients we serve,” said Bryan. “Independence is key to maintaining strong client relationships. Our clients understand that we always work to bring them the best solution.” Ken added, “Whether we are designing plans for young professionals, or seasoned business owners, we can bring the solutions to assist those clients.” BEST OF BREED FINANCIAL PRODUCTS “We provide the finest financial products and solutions for our clients in Hickory,” states Bryan. Setzler’s experience serving on various financial product design committees over the years has proven invaluable in helping him evaluate various financial product designs for his clients. “Great care is taken to choose our financial product
providers wisely. We have been able to compete and win against other larger firms by reacting quicker to the changing financial landscape with innovative financial solutions, many of which did not exist a few years ago.” FUN & FAMILY The importance of family and the desire to enjoy time outside the office helps drive the entire Premier Planning Group team. When not in the office, Setzler enjoys boating and motorcycles and spending time with his family. Bryan’s daughters enjoy swimming and ice-skating, and are learning to snowboard. Ken plays drums in the jazz trio, Men In Black Tie, and plays old rock with Time Travelers. He’s also an endurance racer with the Sports Car Club of America, traveling from Virginia to Daytona to compete. Ken and his wife, Susan, have three children. Kathy Navlyt and her husband, Dave, stay busy in the evenings and weekends cheering on her two sons who are involved in karate, wrestling and football. Sharon and her husband, Danny, are active in their motorcycle club and enjoy riding to a new destination every Sunday.
LET PREMIER PLANNING GROUP HELP PLAN YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE Our futures are unknown, of course, but we can each make plans to ensure that our families and businesses are secure and protected today and tomorrow. The team at Premier Planning Group can become a lifelong partner in helping you put your plan in place. With over 50 years helping people maximize investment and insurance strategies, Premier Planning Group is ready to help you plan your financial affairs. You can learn more about Premier Planning Group at their website, www.premierplanning.net or call them to make an appointment. Time spent with Bryan and Ken could be the start of a very important relationship.
245 11th Ave NE, Suite 100 Hickory, NC 28601 (across from Youssef 242) www.premierplanning.net 828-855-9344 HICKORY LIVING • MAY 2013
15