FORTY
Employer: AMI Investment Management Title: Financial Advisor Education: • BS Management, Krannert School of Management, Purdue University, West Lafayette. • Certificate in Financial Planning, Boston University Community organizations with which you are involved: • Past-President of the Purdue Alumni Club of Fort Wayne • Current Board Member, Purdue Alumni Association • Board Treasurer, Power House Youth Center • Parkview Foundation’s Cookin’ Men • Emmanuel Community Church High School: Blackhawk Christian Hobbies: Reading and playing golf. Why are you in northeast Indiana? Northeast Indiana is a great place to live and work and most of my family is here. What is it about your profession that you enjoy the most and why? Helping my clients navigate their financial journey. It’s very rewarding when I can lend my expertise and make suggestions that have a life-changing impact on someone’s financial future. About how many hours a week do you work on average? 40 What does success mean to you? I agree with John Wooden’s definition: “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” What has been your greatest mistake thus far and what did you learn from it? I’ve learned how important it is to surround yourself with great partners. It’s the best way to maximize your enjoyment in life and it tips the odds of success in your favor. How do you stay energized to accomplish what you do at work, at home and in your community? I am passionate about the activities I’m involved in so it’s natural for me to keep a high energy level. What is the newest piece of technology you own and what does it do? It would probably be an AV cord I use to connect my mobile devices to my car so I can listen to podcasts while driving. I’m a big fan of “The Tim Ferriss Show.” What is a book you would recommend? “The Automatic Millionaire,” by David Bach and “The Obstacle is the Way,” by Page 22
AGE: 30
Ryan Holiday Where did your first paycheck come from? What was your job then? Vera Bradley. My mom was in charge of the annual tent sale at the Coliseum and I broke down empty cardboard boxes after school. What kind of support did you receive along the way to help you advance in your career? Endless. I’ve learned that most people are willing to help, you just have to ask. My wife always supports me in whatever new idea I’m working on and has been a wonderful partner in life. My parents have been my biggest fans. My firm is structured and run so that it provides both personal and professional support. Many businessmen and women who have been willing to meet with me and share their stories and advice. All of my clients who have given me their trust and confidence. One of my heroes, the late Eugene Parker, showed me that you can do anything with hard work and creativity. What is your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career? Serving my clients. I love working for the families and companies that I get to work with. Our motto is to treat our clients in a manner they would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. What lessons did you learn from it? Doing the right thing never goes out of style. If you always do what’s in the best interest of those you serve, you will be successful. What is your current professional goal? Do the best I can for my clients and continue to grow the number of families and Forty Under 40 • 2017 • fwbusiness.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.
RYAN KAY
organizations I work with. Also, as treasurer of a non-profit youth center, I’m always thinking about ways we can improve the fundraising efforts of our organization to serve more kids. How do you remain current/relevant in your profession? Lots of reading and networking but it’s the questions from my clients and colleagues that continually push me to stay up to date on current financial planning topics. How do you balance your career, family life and community involvement? I prefer to view them as one. My faith, family, career and philanthropic activities all mesh together in my mind. Each of them do require a level of focus but I like the quote: “Be where your feet are.” What do you do to relax? I like to read, play golf, enjoy a beverage and good conversation with a friend, play with my bulldog (“Mackey”) and spend as much time with my family as possible. Do you identify with Gen X or as a millennial? Why? Based on my age I am a millennial but to me that simply identifies the year I was born. I think I have characteristics of both. While I think it’s important to embrace new technologies I find it extremely valuable to connect with people the “old school” way by actually picking up the phone and talking to them. I see the value of old fashion hard work and reaping what you sow. What would you tell your high school self based on what you know now? Don’t try a jump on a motocross bike in the year 2015…it doesn’t end well.