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In Employee News, Savage News, Savage Team

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.

The Savage Blog
In Employee News, Savage News, Savage Team, Working at Savage

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.
The Savage Blog
In Employee News, Insurance, Savage News, Savage Team

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.)
The Savage Blog
In Employee News, Savage News, Savage Team, Working at Savage

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].

The Savage Blog
In Employee News, Financial Planning, Insurance, Investments, Retirement Plans, Savage News, Savage Team

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.)
The Savage Blog
In Financial Planning, Investments, Retirement Plans, Savage Team

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/

The Savage Blog
In Financial Planning, Investments, Retirement Plans, Savage Team

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/

 

The Savage Blog
In Employee News, Savage News, Savage Team, Working at Savage

Savage and Associates named a 2020 top workplace

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

For the second time in four years, Savage was the highest-ranked business on the list of midsize companies in the region (those employing 75-299).

“We are humbled and honored to receive this distinction for the fourth year in a row,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “The award is a direct result of the incredible passion from our advisors and staff.”

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: including alignment, execution, and connection, to name a few.

“For more than a decade, the Top Workplaces award has helped organizations stand out among their competitors to attract talent,” said Eric Rubino, CEO, Energage. “This differentiation is more important than ever in today’s tight labor market. Establishing a continuous conversation with employees so you have a deep understanding of your unique culture is proven to help achieve higher referral rates, lower employee turnover, and double the employee engagement levels. No longer is recognition simply a much-deserved cause for celebration, but it’s fast becoming mission-critical to establish a competitive advantage for recruitment and retention.”

Third-party rankings and recognition are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client—or a prospective client—will experience a higher level of performance or results. The rankings mentioned on this web page should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client, nor are they representative of any one client evaluation.

 

The Savage Blog
In Employee News, Savage News, Savage Team

John Metzger and Kyle Schimming Earn Accreditations

John and Kyle Photo

Savage is proud to announce that Investment Advisor Representatives John Metzger and Kyle Schimming have received the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies®.

The AIF® designation certifies that recipients have obtained expert knowledge about fiduciary care standards—and how to apply those standards in their investment management practices. Earning the AIF professional certification involves participating in a rigorous training program, passing a comprehensive exam, satisfying minimum experience requirements, and agreeing to abide by the Center’s code-of-ethics and conduct standards.

“Achieving the AIF designation demonstrates how dedicated John and Kyle are to their professions and their clients,” says Russ Karban, Savage’s Managing Executive. “Their commitment—at such young ages—to the fiduciary standard of always doing what’s in a client’s best interest is impressive.”

Having joined Savage in 2016, John Metzger helps individuals and families with their insurance protection, investments, and retirement plans.

Kyle Schimming joined Savage in 2015. He focuses on retirement planning for businesses and individuals, and he works with local employers to establish retirement plans for their employees.

John Metzger

John Metzger

Headshot Photo of Kyle Schimming

Kyle Schimming

The Savage Blog
In Financial Planning, Investments, Savage Team

What the CFP® Credentials Mean to You

® Credentials Mean to You">Advisors with CFP credentials

Working with the right investment advisor representative can be critical to accomplishing your overall financial goals. Finding a financial planner with training and competency is essential; so, too, is identifying someone with the demonstrated ability to apply that knowledge to real-life financial planning situations.

Administered by the CFP Board, the CFP® certification process helps the public discern financial planners who have met rigorous professional standards. No wonder the requirements to use the Certified Financial PlannerTM and CFP® designations require so much hard work.

Certification involves a two-part education requirement. First, advisors must complete college-level financial planning coursework approved by the CFP Board. Second, certified planners must also possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

After meeting the education requirements, advisors are eligible to take the CFP® Certification Examination. The comprehensive six-hour exam assesses a financial planner’s ability to apply coursework to on-the-job situations.

Because CFP® credentials indicate an advisor’s ability to provide financial planning services, certification requires up to 6,000 hours of professional financial-planning-related experience. Advisors may acquire the necessary experience through various roles, activities, and professional settings.

Finally, CFP® professionals must agree to adhere to high ethical and professional standards—and to provide personal financial planning in each client’s best interest.

Finding the right financial planner can be difficult. CFP® credentials can be a good indication of a planner’s commitment to high professional standards and ethical behavior.

Savage associates who have pursued and earned CFP® certification are Dan Finkel, John Campbell, Russ Karban, and Curtis Frisch. You can learn more about each by clicking on his photo below.

Headshot Photo of Dan Finkel

Dan Finkel

Headshot Photo of John Campbell

John Campbell

Headshot Photo of Russ Karban

Russ Karban

Curtis Frisch

Curtis Frisch

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