Skip to main content
Category

Savage Team

Savage recognized with community impact award

Savage and Associates has been named the recipient of the Maumee River Award from the Maumee Chamber of Commerce during their 46th annual Hometown Hero awards banquet.

“We are so grateful for this acknowledgment, especially knowing the impressive list of past recipients to receive this prestigious award,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “On behalf of our 130+ associates, we are humbled by this great honor.”

The award is presented to a company or organization that is making a tangible, measurable impact in the Maumee community through activities such as job creation, workforce development, volunteer efforts, board service, philanthropic support, or innovative business models that promote social goals.

Photo: Kristin Meyer (left), executive director, Maumee Chamber of Commerce, presents the nominations and letters of support from various businesses and organizations throughout the Maumee area, to J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage.

Savage hires five college students for summer program

Savage and Associates has hired five college students with northwest Ohio roots to join the advisor internship program this summer which provides formal training, access to mentors, opportunity to acquire professional licenses, and other valuable experiences.

Joining the program are the following students:
• Anna Brubaker – student from The University of Toledo, majoring in finance and minoring in professional sales (top left)
• Ryan Christie – student from The University of Toledo, majoring in finance and information systems (top middle)
• Jason Drees – student from The University of Toledo, majoring in finance and professional sales (top right)
• Chandler Fitzgerald – student from Pensacola Christian College, majoring in business management (lower left)
• Shawn Old – student from Ohio University, majoring in international business and business analytics (lower right)

“It is our honor, and long standing tradition at Savage, to work with some of the best and brightest students so they can begin their professional careers immediately after graduation,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing them grow with us.”

Along with working to acquire their life and health license, the students will learn some of the basic risk products, meet regularly with industry experts, learn the importance of ensuring clients are well rounded in their portfolio of bank accounts, investments and insurance, as well as progress in several areas to enhance their industry knowledge. The internship program runs through mid-August.

Students interesting in learning about the advisor internship program should contact Liz Harmon, recruitment and practice development manager, Savage and Associates, at 419-725-7211 or [email protected].

Savage leader honored with Pacemaker Award

J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates, was presented (virtually) the Pacemaker Award by the University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation. The award is the college’s highest honor, recognizing individuals for outstanding achievement in business, as well as contributions to the community and the University.

“We are proud to honor J.R. Toland as a Pacemaker, the criteria for which is ‘outstanding achievement in business or profession and service to The University of Toledo area,’” stated Anne L. Balazs, Ph.D., dean, The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation. “Mr. Toland joins a long line of distinguished men and women from the Toledo area who are making a difference through their contributions to the community. This award dates back to 1963 and Mr. Toland is another shining example of an ethical and successful leader – a Pacemaker to celebrate!”

Toland joined the financial services firm in 1984, was named to the management team in 2000, and selected as a partner in 2012.

He is actively involved in his professional and local communities. He was recently chosen to serve on the board of Finseca upon the merger of AALU and GAMA (Association for Advanced Life Underwriting, and General Agents and Managers Association International), and is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He serves on the board of the YMCA of Greater Toledo, and previously was board chair for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Central Catholic High School. In addition, he coached youth football for more than 15 years.

Toland earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Toledo in 1985. He has been married to his wife Beth for 31 years. They have four adult children, Nikki, Troy, Halli and Scott.

Qualifying membership in the MDRT is based on minimum sales production requirements and gross business generated within a year. Lifetime membership is achieved in the 10th year and this status is maintained in future years by attesting annually to having met current minimum production levels and by paying the required dues. Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation.

Savage names new partners

Vision statement on entranceway wall

Savage announced today the addition of new partners to our firm. Each with more than 20 years of experience with Savage, the new partners include:

  • Tony Desch, financial advisor
  • Jason Elchert, financial professional (Findlay)
  • Matt Holzemer, employee benefit consultant
  • Gary LeSage, certified financial planner
  • Steve Milewski, financial advisor
  • Steve Morr, financial professional
  • Pat Paule, employee benefit consultant (Bowling Green)
  • Lou Ramirez, investment advisor representative
  • Mark Smith, financial advisor

Savage sought to create a new structure that would create viability for a more robust future for the company. Just as the firm expanded from insurance to securities four decades ago, group benefits shortly after, added mortgage services nearly 20 years ago, and entered an exciting era when the new headquarters was completed in January 2019, evolution has taken place at numerous other milestones throughout the 64-year history.

The change ensures a bright outlook with continued advancement and progress in all facets of the firm.

“As Savage continues to grow, we have an even brighter future ahead as this partnership and relationship with these seasoned and very well respected professionals in our industry ensures the legacy of our firm will thrive for another 60 years,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “This is an exceptionally talented group of individuals, each with unique skills sets and areas of expertise, who will help us continue to provide great value to our clients. This partnership ensures that our independent firm, remains just that – independent years into the future just as we have been since our start in 1957. The partnership creates consistency, broadens the ownership structure, and helps us preserve the strength and future of the firm.”

Together, the new partners provide an extensive list of services and products to clients across the nation including specialization in investment and wealth management, trust and estate planning, financial wellness, tax planning, life insurance, retirement plans, employee and individual benefits, and more.

They join current partners, J.R. Toland (Savage President and CEO), Phil Johnson, Russ Karban, Kelly Savage, Mark Smigelski, Joel Tschantz, and Scott Walsh.

High five! Savage named a 2021 top workplace for fifth year in a row

Savage has been named one of the region’s top workplaces for the fifth consecutive year by the Toledo Blade.

Additionally, the company received a specialty award for exhibiting superior values.

“Savage is delighted to receive this honor for the fifth year in a row,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “I am so proud of our team of more than 120 associates, across four locations, as they carried on with such dedication and optimism amid the ongoing pandemic. Our continued growth is due to having so many high-caliber, energetic people that simply love serving others.”

Being named a top workplace is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The Blade partnered with Energage to conduct the anonymous survey that uniquely measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization, such as alignment, execution, and connection.

“In times of great change, it is more important than ever to maintain a connection among employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward based on real-time insights into what works best for your organization. The Top Workplaces program can be that positive outcome your company can rally around in the coming months to celebrate leadership and the importance of maintaining an employee-focused culture, even during challenging times.”

Savage has offices in Maumee, Bowling Green, Findlay and Glandorf, Ohio.

Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation.

Turnwald joins Savage to serve Putnam County area

Dan Turnwald, associate*, has joined Savage and Associates to serve clients in Putnam County and beyond. Savage is a full-service financial, insurance, and group benefits services firm partnering with clients across the nation.

“Dan has an outstanding reputation throughout multiple northwest Ohio counties,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage. “We are thrilled to have him on board, and this now gives clients even easier access as we expand to our fourth location.”

Turnwald has more than 15 years of experience developing life protection plans for individuals and families. In only his second year, he qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) – an association that qualifies insurance and financial services professionals in exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. In 2009, he finished with the lowest lapse rating in North America, indicating very high client satisfaction.

With the addition of Turnwald and his location at 150 Church St., Glandorf, Ohio 45848, Savage – which started in 1957 – also has offices in Maumee, Bowling Green and Findlay.

(* Dan Turnwald is not affiliated with Osaic Wealth, Inc.)
(Qualifying membership in the MDRT is based on minimum sales production requirements and gross business generated within a year. Each MDRT status designation is granted for one year only. All members must apply every year to continue their affiliation with the Million Dollar Round Table. Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation.)

Savage announces hiring of four area college students

Savage and Associates has hired four college students to join the advisor internship program this summer which provides formal training, access to mentors, opportunity to acquire professional licenses, and other valuable experiences.

Joining the program are the following students:

  • Cody Bartels – student from Bowling Green State University, majoring in finance
  • Lauren Hehl-Myers – student from Bowling Green State University, majoring in finance
  • Kirby McLoughlin – student from University of Toledo, majoring in finance
  • Lily Powell – student from University of Toledo, majoring in finance and professional sales

“As a major regional financial services company with more than 120 associates, many of them started at Savage right out of college,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “So we know all too well the importance of growing from within as well as ensuring the talent pool that is cultivated here in our area … stays in our area.”

Along with working to acquire their life and health license, the students will learn some of the basic risk products, meet regularly with industry experts, learn the importance of ensuring clients are well rounded in their portfolio of bank accounts, investments and insurance, as well as grow in several areas to enhance their industry knowledge. The internship program runs through mid-August.

Students interesting in learning about the advisor internship program should contact Liz Harmon, practice development and recruitment coordinator, Savage and Associates, at 419-725-7211 or [email protected].

Savage and Associates adds three advisors

Savage and Associates announced the addition of three advisors to its team, bringing the total number of associates to its highest level in company history:

  • Craig Bruning, financial professional
  • Julie Fullerton*, benefits advisor
  • Joshua Holzemer, employee benefits consultant

“More than ever, Savage has the resources to service clients to a wider area and through a larger scope with the addition of Craig, Julie and Joshua,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “They each have a unique skill set and expertise that will provide great value to our clients.”

As part of his responsibilities, Bruning will assist clients in a holistic way through investments, risk management, and group health. Fullerton has more than 15 years of experience in health insurance, specializing in Medicare supplements and individual health insurance. Joining his father’s practice, Holzemer will primarily focus on employee benefits, in addition to offering investment services and individual strategies.

Founded in 1957, Savage is a full-service financial, insurance, and group benefits services firm partnering with clients across the nation.

(* Julie Fullerton is not affiliated with Osaic Wealth, Inc.)

Brimley earns AIF designation

Investment advisor representative Jonathan Brimley of Brimley & Frisch Wealth Management, a part of Savage and Associates, achieved his AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies. This certifies that Brimley has reached expert fiduciary care standards (a fiduciary acts on behalf of an individual or more to manage assets) – and how to apply those standards in their investment management practices. Earning this professional certification involves participating in a rigorous training program, passing a comprehensive exam, satisfying experience requirements, and agreeing to abide by the Center’s code-of-ethics and conduct standards.

Jonathan and his family

“Jonathan always talks about putting his clients first, and this designation is another great example of his unwavering dedication toward those he serves,” stated Russ Karban, vice president and managing executive, Savage and Associates. “For those in the Findlay area, and surrounding communities, are in very good hands with Jonathan as their advisor. It’s no wonder his practice continues to grow each year through so many pleased clients.”

Brimley specializes in comprehensive goal-based planning for his clients, largely in the Findlay, Ohio market, striving to give them increased confidence and maintainable wealth. To learn more visit: https://www.facebook.com/BrimleyFrischWealth/

Savage’s Frisch earns ChFC® designation

Curtis Frisch

Curtis FrischCongratulations to Savage’s own Curtis Frisch, CFP®, for earning yet another professional designation. He achieved his ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation from The American College of Financial Services – the leader in financial services education.

Estate, special needs clients, divorce, business succession, behavioral finance and financial plan development are all part of the preparation for this designation, which prepares an advisor to assist clients on a highly diverse set of financial matters.

Frisch is an owner of Brimley & Frisch Wealth Management – a part of Savage. Their company focuses efforts on individuals and businesses in the Findlay, Ohio market.

Frisch’s niche in the industry is spending necessary, focused time on comprehensive financial plans that analyze cash flow, risk management, investments, taxes, employee benefits, retirement planning, estate planning and education planning.

To learn more visit: https://www.facebook.com/BrimleyFrischWealth/

 

Close Menu