Charles Zhang - Michigan’s #1 Financial Advisor by both Barron’s* and Forbes**

Fee-Only Unbiased Investment Advice

• We uphold a Fiduciary Standard and work with clients on a fee-only basis.

• We do not receive commissions, kick-backs, or soft dollars from product sales, eliminating inherent conflicts of interest.

Credibility & Professionalism

• Our team of professionals holds designations and degrees such as CFP®, CFA, CPA, MBA, and PhD.

• Charles received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management - Northwestern University, his MA in Economics from Western Michigan University, and Executive Education from Harvard Business School and Columbia University.

Charles Zhang CFP®, MBA, MSFS, ChFC

• Ranked #1 on Barron’s list of America’s TOP Independent Advisors and is the highest ranked NAPFA-Registered Fee-Only Advisor on the list.*

• Ranked #6 in the nation on Forbes’ list of TOP Wealth Advisors and is the ONLY Independent Advisor in the top 10.**

Minimum investment: $1,000,000 in Michigan/$2,000,000 outside of Michigan. Assets under custody of LPL Financial, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab.

*As reported in Barron’s March 12, 2022 and September 17, 2021. Based on assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practices, and other factors. For fee-only status see NAPFA.org.

**As reported in Forbes April 7, 2022 and August 24, 2022. The Forbes rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, are based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. See zhangfinancial.com/disclosure for full ranking criteria.

Lear To Expand In Tc

Southfield, Mich.-based Lear Corporation plans to expand its current manufacturing facility in Traverse City to manufacture components related to an electric vehicle battery pack. The expansion includes more than $28 million of capital investment and will create 79 new advanced manufacturing jobs. The project is part of a larger statewide Lear expansion expected to generate a total capital investment of $112.5 million and create up to 500 jobs, supported by a $4.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved a 15-year, 100-percent State Essential Services Assessment exemption valued at $1.9 million in support of the project. Michigan was chosen for the project over other competing sites.

INCUBATOR FARM RECEIVES $700K GRANT

The Grand Traverse Conservation District’s newest program, the Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF), recently received a $695,617 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This grant is part of a $24 million investment from the USDA across 45 organizations and institutions that teach and train new farmers and ranchers. GLIF was created in response to the current state of agriculture in the Grand Traverse region. It is estimated that in northern Michigan approximately 83,000 acres of farmland will transition hands in the next 10 years. Yet it has become increasingly difficult for retiring farmers to transition their land to new farmers, adding to the growing pressure to convert farmland to development.

New Headquarters For Prout

Prout Financial Design has moved to its new headquarters at 1105 E. Eighth St. in Traverse City, complete with new offices, multiple meeting spaces and a brandnew facility called the Financial Learning Center – a state-of-the-art classroom for hosting client and community financial literacy classes. “We’re talking about opening the space up for community classes on important topics like Medicare, accounting, finances, insurances – all offered by local professionals,” said Dennis Prout, owner and certified financial planner. “People need help navigating the complexities of retirement. The Financial Learning Center will fill that need.”

Over the past 5 years, I have been able to grow my real estate business largely with the help of client referrals. The loyalty you all have shown me and the referrals that have come from you have been invaluable to my business. I am so blessed to be able to do what I love — helping others find the home of their dreams! If someone you know is looking to make a move, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Pets Naturally Franchise Opens In Gr

Pets Naturally, northern Michigan’s only holistic pet supply store, has expanded into the Grand Rapids area. The franchise, called Your Pets Naturally (gr.yourpetsnaturally.com), has opened at 6439 28th St. SE in the Cascade East Shopping Mall and is owned by Jim VanDyken. The store offers a wide variety of safe, natural food options, holistic supplements and wellness products, homemade bakery treats, and a variety of toys and accessories for dogs and cats. Owner and franchisor Kathy Hyland opened Pets Naturally in Traverse City in 2013.

Groundbreaking For Workforce Housing

Developers of Brigantine Apartments, a workforce housing project in East Bay Township, broke ground in late November with the expectation of a November 2024 completion date. The development, located on a 38-acre site on Four Mile Road just north of Hammond Road, will provide 192 apartments, plus amenities including a clubhouse and swimming pool. The property is owned by Coseo Properties Inc., which owns and maintains almost 3,000 residential units across Michigan. Construction is by Cunningham-Limp, with local design and development partners including Traverse Architect Group and Mansfield Land Use Consultants.

Local Wineries Nab Major Awards

Six area wineries captured 41 awards at the recent invitation-only Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition. The awards included seven for the top honor of the Jefferson Cup Award: Aurora Cellars claiming three, Good Harbor Vineyards taking two and one Jefferson Cup went to both Brys Estate and Two

It was an absolute delight working with Pam through our recent real estate transaction. Her professionalism and knowledge of the real estate market helped us tremendously when making decisions about pricing, showings, and negotiating. She guided us seamlessly from listing through showings to the closing, with no stress on our part. She is a true advocate for her clients, going well above and beyond the usual expectations of a Realtor.