I think at this stage in my career - some quarter of a century in..omg what have I been doing with my life, lol - I am very content with my place in my business and with what I have accomplised. As such, I feel a quiet confidence about all I have learned about the insurance industry but also no real urgency to write every account I have opportunity to quote. I believe this allows me to pass along to an associate those risks I would rather not work on and take a consulatative, patient approach on those I do. And, of course, any lead I might receive from PowerCore represents something I absolutely wish to work on. So, at the end of the day, I am a pretty laid-back insurance agent and I believe that makes folks feel at ease when working with me. I still take the work very seriously, as I have seen up close what happens when someone is not properly insured; however, the process of getting a prospect to a place of "properly insured" is a smooth ride for all parties involved. 

What to do is easy.  Why do it is the next layer of information.  And then there's how.

I always what to know why (why use matte paint instead of flat paint).  I want to know how (how does my client make coffee in the morning - an esspresso machine or a pour over filter).

These peices of information let me ceate better finished projects for my clients.  It's not just space or a new kitchen, it's a project that's tailored to their needs and lifestyle.

One ability that has always come naturally to me is strategic patience—something I began developing as a child through playing chess. Chess taught me to think several moves ahead, anticipate my opponent’s actions, and remain calm under pressure. More importantly, it trained me to understand that rushing decisions often leads to unnecessary losses, while thoughtful timing creates opportunities for better outcomes.  I have learned through personal and professional endeavors, no good decisions are made when they are made based purely on emotion.

As a divorce attorney, this ability translates directly into how I advocate for my clients. Divorce is often emotionally charged, and many situations can escalate quickly without careful handling. I am able to step back, ask los of questions, assess the full landscape, and guide my clients through decisions with clarity and intention rather than reaction. This not only strengthens legal strategy but also helps protect clients from avoidable conflict and long-term consequences. My natural inclination toward patience and foresight allows me to navigate the emotionally charged family law issues with precision and purpose.

I strive to take complex topics, (like finance) and break them down to the language of my audience.  I look for simple analogies pertinent to the listener to explain financial "speak" in a language people can understand and remember.

I always wanted to be a teacher, and now I get to teach others in a way they understand! 

I'm able to synthesize information from different genres and translate for others.

Part of this excellence comes because of my brother - he turns anything about my business into a golf analogy!
Since we both grew up in the construction industry (four generations) we also have that common languge to riff from.
(As a heavy equipment operator he considered himself to be "sculpting the earth". He is also a potter. Ask to see my favorite work of his.)

Here are his golf points when I asked which was more important, the long game or the short game:
1: The most important show is the current one. Not the one before and not the one after this one. A 300 yard drive and a 1-inch putt both count as 1 stroke.
(My synthesis: referrals take both relationship (300 yards) and responsiveness (putt).

2: In your mind play the hole backwards to know where you want each shot to go Each shot doesn't have to be perfect to keep you in the game. 
(Identify the prospect WHO WANTS YOU - and the reason they want the result they'll get from you - then set that up with six InfoMinutes.)

3: When you have a question take the longer club and swing easier. If you're in the bunker set your feet solid, swing smoothly, just get on the green.
(Today's message doesn't create today's referrals. )

4: Play your own game. Not your opponents. Let them beat themselves. There are 18 holes. The game is not lost or won on a single shot. Play smart.
(Focus on the meeting. Focus on the person you're with at coffee. Be respectful.)

5: The better the competition the better you will play. Embrace it.
(This is why Teams with strong policies are always larger and pass more referrals than Teams that have a relaxed attitude toward the organizational standard.)

Good, eh!  He gave me 10 more.

I'm good at reaching common ground regardless of the type of personal injury case that I handle.  Communication is key.  I have represented over 3500 clients in my career from all walks of life and from all over the world.  Before I started representing plaintiffs exclusively, I worked for insurance companies.  I know their tricks.  As long as there is open dialogue amongst all parties, we can reach a common consensus and a good result for my client.

Translation.

I can see what someone is actually good at — before they can articulate it themselves — and convert it into a message, a system, and a market position that works.

Most business owners are too close to their own expertise. They undersell it because they think "everyone knows this," or they over-complicate it trying to prove they're smart. I walk in and immediately see the gap between what they're capable of and how they're showing up in the market. Then I name it — clearly, quickly, in language the right person will respond to.

What makes it valuable here is that seeing it isn't enough. I'm not a strategist handing off a deck. I stay in the room until it's working.

Pattern recognition + translation + implementation. Most people can do one. Some can do two. Very few do all three with speed and directness — and that's why referrals to me tend to stick.

One natural strength I’ve always had is to break down complex issues into small pieces for customers, employees, and work colleagues. Another skill I’ve always had is empathy – the ability to “walk a mile I another person’s shoes”. In addition, I also had to develop my communication skills so I could deliver clear direction to customers, other department heads, and employees.

These skills have helped me own small businesses since I can clearly explain what is included and not included in a customer quote. I respond as quickly to customers as possible. I am also sensitive to customer needs such as budget, safety, cost and other items.

I've always been curious and tirelessly look for solutions to problems. Real estate is more than just putting a house on the market or completing a contract. Every step of the way there are many decisions to be made and many hurdles to overcome to get to the closing table. I like to think there are very few problems that I'm not able to find a solution to for my real estate clients. I feel like this is an ability that sets me apart from other agents as well as helps my clients get to the closing table. I have a can-do attitude and therefore have very few fall through sales. My 25 years experience in the business have honed this problem solving ability ensuring a positive outcome.

“My business card may say mortgage planning specialist, but what really sets me apart is something that’s always come naturally to me — I can take complicated financial situations and make them simple, clear, and actionable.

Most people feel overwhelmed by mortgages, rates, credit scores, down payments, and timing the market. I’m able to quickly sort through the noise, explain the best path in plain English, and help people make confident decisions without pressure.

I also tend to see solutions where others see roadblocks — whether it’s helping a self-employed borrower, structuring an investment loan, or showing parents how to turn college housing into a wealth-building opportunity.

People don’t refer me because I work for a mortgage company. They refer me because they trust that I’ll treat their friends and family like they matter, solve problems, and guide them the right way.”

One ability that has always felt like a second nature to me is the power to quickly establish a sense of calm and genuine connection with others. I supsect it stems from my childhood; I attended three different elementary schools, which forced me to learn the 'art of the new kid'—navigating unfamiliar environments and figuring out how to make friends and build trust almost instantly.

In my practice today, that translates to a high level of emotional intelligence and business growth. d I believe I'm able to calm down first-time buyers and sellers who are naturally anxious about a major life transition which makes their agents feel confident to refer to me.  I also have mentored younger agents  agents to develop contract clauses and work through contract disputes.  It has always been important to me that they feel comfortable coming to be on the frontend of a contract so they can avoid major issues on the backend.  I think my openess and ability to connect makes them feel heard and secure in their decision making and enjoy working with me. 

My super power is being able to google my symptoms, and then simply get up and walk away. 

When clients come to me something in their business is breaking or broken, and it can be hard to see a way out. The first part of my job is to remove the fear and simplify their situation. 

It has always come naturally to me to compartmentalize information, prioritize what matters most, and decide what to do next. I don't get hung up on what happened in the past or on what has not yet happened in the future, and from the very first meeting with a client I can give them a simple roadmap to get them where they need to go. 

I bring an uncommon background into my work as an intellectual property and patent attorney. I have a mechanical engineering degree, a law degree, and real-world on-the-job experience in mechanical design and software engineering. I’ve worked in these fields for more than 40 years.

I don’t know if it is a natural ability, so much as it is intense interest and hard work over those many years, but I believe I have developed the ability to assimilate and synthesize highly technical, mechanical and software engineering designs very quickly. For my technology clients, this means that I am efficient in the uptake of their technical designs (which saves them a lot of time and money). It also means I can get “into the weeds” with their engineers and developers to quickly uncover what I need to assist my clients in protecting and commercializing their innovations and other competitive business assets.

Armed with this information, I’m able to ask respectful, probing questions about my clients’ goals, desired market position, and day-to-day business interests. That allows me to provide them with cost-effective and personalized strategic options in protecting, enforcing, and licensing their intellectual property portfolios. In turn, with the runway to market I help provide them, my clients are able to grow their businesses more quickly and effectively in the face of ever-increasing competition and unpredictable market conditions.

One ability that has always come naturally to me is translating complex financial information into clear, practical guidance that people can actually understand and use.

Tax law, compliance requirements, and financial reporting can feel overwhelming to most business owners and individuals. I have a natural ability to break those complexities down into plain language, connect them directly to a client’s real-life situation, and help them understand not just what to do—but why it matters. I remain calm, even in potentially difficult situations, which helps to keep my clients calm and confident that I can resolve their immediate issues. Additionally, I am able to take financial information that is not properly organized or reported, and apply acceptable methods to correct and report accurately, while assisting my clients identify proceses to utilize going forward to maintain order. That clarity builds trust, reduces anxiety, and empowers clients to make better financial decisions.  

This skill makes me especially effective because my role goes beyond preparing returns or reconciling books. I help clients see the full picture—identifying risks, uncovering opportunities, and creating strategies that align with their goals. Whether I’m guiding a business owner through S-corporation planning, helping a client resolve a tax issue, or improving their accounting systems, I focus on making the complex feel manageable and actionable.

Clients don’t just refer a firm—they refer someone they trust to guide them. My ability to simplify, educate, and advocate for my clients is what consistently earns that trust and drives referrals.

Having been through my own financial mess and coming out on the other side allows me to understand what my clients are going through.

Arguments, sleepless nights, guilt and shame...I've dealt with it all.  

This allows me to meet my clients where they are, empathize with their situation, and, since I've lived it, help them avoid the pitfalls along the way.

My calm demeanor also put people at ease in a situation that can be very stressful.  

One thing that comes naturally to me is an understanding of science. In restoration, this helps in a wide variety of areas, from understanding Building Science, to predicting and evaluating how water flows through a building, to understanding how and why we clean things. It could be something as complex as thermodynamics for determining what is causing a building envelope issue or something as simple as grasping why physical removal of mold spores from an environment is the only true remediation. 

As a certified Building Moisture Inspector, I can evaluate a commercial or residential building and identify the relationship between the indoor air and the outdoor air (hot to cold, high to low, wet to dry) and apply science to track down where water or moisture is entering the envelope and how to correct it. 

As a water restoration specialist, I can apply the fundamentals of thermodynamics and physics to dry building materials efficiently and completely.

As a fire restoration specialist, I use science to identify how to save metal components that will oxidize if not treated, safely remove dangerous contamination, clean, and deodorize a building.

As a trauma and crime scene clean up technician, I use science to understand what materials can be saved, how to clean biohazards, and how to protect workers.

All aspects of the restoration industry, from simple carpet cleaning to complex fire damage losses, rely on solid science and an expert who understands it. My instinctual scientific nature leads me to be very good at what I do.

One thing that has always come naturally to me is connecting people and opportunities together. Even before I got into commercial lending, I was the person introducing one friend to another friend, and those relationships would often turn into business partnerships, collaborations, or lifelong friendships.

What I realized over time is that the same skill applies directly to what I do professionally today.

A lot of people think lending is just about rates and paperwork, but in reality, it’s about fit. Every bank and lender has what’s called an “appetite.” Just like investment companies diversify their portfolios, banks diversify the industries they lend to. They don’t want all of their capital concentrated in one space.

For example, one bank may already have hundreds of millions invested in hospitality and hotels, so they may not want another hotel deal right now. But that same bank may actively want to lend to medical practices, contractors, or owner-occupied businesses.

That’s where I’m effective.

I naturally look at a business owner, understand their story, their industry, and their goals, and then connect them with the lender that is most likely to say yes. I’m not just trying to “find money.” I’m matching the right opportunity with the right funding partner.

That ability to connect the right people together is something I’ve done my entire life, now I just do it in business and commercial finance.

I can't play Call of Duty to save my life, but I will whoop your ass in Tetris! I enjoy puzzles... not just solving them, but putting a system in place so that the solution stays in place and gets improved on. I take notes on everyone who sits in my chair and put in how I cut their hair, what measurements I used, and I also include photos of what they looked like when they left the chair. This gives me a reference point and a target to aim for on their next cut, and if they want to make adjustents, like "keep it a little longer on top", I already know where we started, so instead of remembering and reinstalling a haircut, I am refining their hair style and tailoring it further to them and their lifestyle.

There are 2 things that come naturally to me which also help make me exceptionally effectice within the soccer trainer business industry, those 2 things are: 

1) my ability to quickly and easily connect with different personality types 

2) understadning learning styles and types and being able to meet people at their level of understanding 

Connecting with my clients and thier families is obviously important, most are trusting me with the development of their child, this means building rapport with players, parents and other family members in order to make everyone feel at ease and confident that I will look out for the best interests of all involved 

As for number 2 my background in teaching really helps with this but it is essential for me to be effective, knowing the learning styles of the players I work with allows me to connect with them on a deeper level in a way they understand meaning what we work on is more likely to stick long term. Meeting someone at their level of understanding ensures there are no gaps in knowledge and that players feel confident owning thier development as they know and can comprehend exactly what is happening every step of the way!

I'm very resourceful, very good at creating a path from Point A to Point B and identifying the elements needed to create that path. Almost every legal issue touches at least two aspects of law. To the client, the sale of their business might simply mean that the business is getting a new owner and they (the seller) are getting a check. To me, the sale of a business means making sure that any tax and possible legal liabilities have been examined, the exposure has been evaluated, and the appropriate indemnification agreements have been signed. To do all of this, I draw from my experience in different legal disciplines to know what information exists and what it would look like to accurately request the evidence. In the case of a dispute, my resourcefulness shows up in helping clients identify what (other than the plain language of a contract, if there is one) they can leverage to improve their position in negotiations, and the right person to contact to resolve a dispute. My ability to do this comes from my understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements, and my willingness to grovel on behalf of clients.

One thing that’s always come naturally to me is attention to detail. I don’t just look at a roof and see shingles I see how everything works together: flashing, ventilation, drainage, the small things that most people overlook but that make the difference between a roof that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 25.

Because of that, I catch problems early, and I fix them the right way the first time. Homeowners trust me because I treat their roof like it’s protecting my own home.

Being able to ask questions, actively listen to the clients response and getting them to talk about themselves so that I can truly understand what the prospect or client needs, not just what they want.

Everyone wants to be heard, everyone loves hearing their name and everyone loves talking about themselves over anything else. Learned that from Dale Carnegie and it is very true.

I have the innate ability to anticipate how something is going to go and plan ahead to ensure it goes well, regardless of the context.

• On a crowded dance floor, I am keenly watching how other couples are moving to ensure I maneuver my partner and I safely and enjoyably.
• At the front end of a project, when I sit down with a client, I seek information on how the sign, brochure, or business card will be used to determine the right substrate and price the project accordingly. This also ensures we price and deliver what the client needs; I do not like for my clients to waste their money!
• During the project's execution, I am in touch with my team, ensuring that design, manufacture, and finishing are proceeding well and timely, and looking for options when they are not.
• On a trip, I prepare for how the experiences will go, imagining what we would like to enjoy each, while leaving flexibility to adjust in the moment.
• At the end of a project, I create processes to provide the client with the best "check-out" moments.
• In the kitchen, I imagine how I want the dish I am making to taste and how I want it to look, and proceed with the ingredients and cooking methods that get me there.

Something that has always come naturally to me is the ability to translate complexity into clarity. Whether it's a cybersecurity risk, a failing server, or a compliance gap — I can sit across from a business owner who isn't technical and make them feel completely informed, not overwhelmed.

That's rare in IT. Most people in my field speak in jargon. I speak in business outcomes.

Early in my career, I noticed something: business owners don't wake up worried about firewalls. They worry about their business surviving. That realization shaped how I work. I don't sell IT — I protect what people have built. That instinct to think like an owner first is something I bring to every client.

So when you refer someone to me, you’re not just connecting them to a company — you’re connecting them to a partner

I've also been good at puzzles, whether it be logic, word, or physical.  I use this skill to not only determine exactly what it is my client needs based on their verbal and physical clues, but also to come up with the perfect solution to give them exactly the kitchen they need for their everyday usage, design aesthetic, and budget. Solving the "puzzle" of my clients kitchen gives me the same satisfaction and sense of accomplishment I used to have when being the first to complete the "mad minute" in my math classes.

As a child it was my job to make sure that everything was perfect for our family gatherings and I enjoyed doing it. move foward many many years. and now It is part of what I do for a living and I still love making sure everything is correct so my clients can focus on the event that is going on  and not on the small things that they might have forgotten.

What sets me apart is how I process pressure and detail.  In the Marine Corps and as a flight paramedic, I learned to assess situations quickly, cut through noise, and make decisions where every detail matters because lives depended on it. I bring that same mindset to my clients. I don’t just look at surface-level numbers, I analyze everything: risk, gaps, long-term impact, and what could go wrong before it does. People trust me because I don’t guess, and I don’t overlook things. After 11 years in high stress enviorments I’m wired to protect, anticipate, and act with precision. So when someone refers me, they’re not just sending them to a financial advisor they’re sending them to someone who treats their financial life with the same intensity and responsibility I brought to critical care situations.

“One thing that has always come naturally to me is understanding both sides of a deal and finding the right fit—not just making a transaction happen.

In commercial real estate, that matters because landlords and tenants often have very different priorities. I’m good at asking the right questions, identifying potential issues early, and helping people make decisions that actually work long term.

A lot of brokers can fill a space. What I focus on is placing the right tenant in the right property so my clients have fewer problems, stronger occupancy, and better long-term value.

People refer me because they know I’m not just trying to get a deal done quickly. I’m strategic, responsive, and I genuinely care about helping clients make smart decisions that benefit them beyond the lease signing.”

An ability I possess that has always come naturally is patience. I don't rush anything that's worth doing right and always have a plan of action before I start a job. 
Patience serves me well because sometimes jobs can be tedious or require more thoughtful preparation and planning. At the end of the day I know the results of my efforts need to match or exceed my clients expectations. If I didn't have patience my work would suffer and I doubt people would refer my craftsmanship.

One thing that has always come naturally to me is recognizing the moment when a family is more overwhelmed than they’re saying out loud.

A lot of people can explain home care. What I’m naturally good at is noticing the gap families haven’t figured out yet.

Who’s helping once everyone goes back to work?
Who’s making sure appointments don’t get missed?
Who’s helping someone safely get through the morning after a hospital stay?

I tend to notice the small day-to-day problems that quietly turn into bigger sources of stress for families.

That’s why people trust me with emotionally overwhelming situations because I help families bring structure and clarity to moments that usually feel uncertain.

I am good at asking questions, I listen to the situation, ask questions and make notes. I also ask follow up questions to get to deeper issues, issues that may not be initially identified. I may make an initial assessment if its a situation I have come across before. However I always continue my research to ensure my analysis is accurate. I have a mentor who I bounce ideas off who also help me to confirm my assessment. If the later research is different than the initial assessment, I always get back to the person with correction/updates.  

One ability that has always come naturally to me is quickly understanding what actually matters in a business transaction beyond what is on the surface. When I look at a business, I do not just see revenue, expenses, or industry. I instinctively identify what drives value, what creates risk, and what will matter most to both a buyer and a lender. That includes things like customer concentration, owner dependency, operational gaps, and how transferable the business really is.

That ability makes me effective as a business broker because I can translate complexity into clarity very quickly. Sellers often think their value is one thing, buyers often assume it is something else, and I sit in the middle aligning both sides so deals do not stall or fall apart in due diligence.

I am also naturally strong at reading people and understanding motivation, urgency, and hesitation, which allows me to anticipate objections before they surface and keep transactions moving forward without unnecessary friction.

My natural client engagement style is to meet people exactly where they are, whether they know a lot or very little about health insurance. I don’t just pull together a proposal of options with little context; I explain the “why” (+) and (-) behind every recommendation so my clients can make an informed decision. Unfortunately, insurance is one of those industries that can get complicated quickly, so I believe a mix of patience and clarity is what people tend to appreciate, and the work relationship evolves from a service provider to a business partner.

The Bible lists several spiritual gifts which are special abilities God bestows upon believers for the purpose of building up the people in the church.

My spiritual gift is shepherd. That means I like to come alongside someone who is hurting and provide care, guidance and direction to help them get through their situation and grow in faith. 

I also find the one who is alone and welcome them, and bring them into the fold. 

At church i have helped several distraught women, one at a time. A lot of other people avoid them because they can’t handle the emotions and the complaints. I am able to handle that because I can see the steps that need to be taken to guide them through their situation. 

That’s why I like to guide people in their family relationships. 

Why choose me as your Trusted Estate Attorney throughout Georgia and New York?

1. Because I worked 6 years in bank and watched accounts wiped clean by power of attorney agents.
2. Because I am an empath and I can tell you within seconds which heir will challenge the estate when you pass away.
3. Because I am a former prosecutor (17 years) and business litigator (3 years) and I know theft by family, is not criminal, it's civil.
4. Because I managed $5M in court appointed estates and learned heirs do not fight because of assets, they fight because of childhood trauma. 
5. Because I appear in court regularly and I know the court will simply slap the hand of the taker and it will cost you and the estate thousands.
6. Because I know your best defense is to proactively plan NOW with a living trust while you can to give your family peace of mind and avoid 1-4.
7. Lastly, when you refuse to proactively plan and your family goes through the above, their grief period lasts twice as long.

When I'm in small business mode, I live and die by my calendar. I use my scheduling habits to the advantage of my customer. I want them to have a lot of fun cooking and serving their BBQ, not worrying about the fuel. I ask about their pellet inventory on a customized reminder basis so they can get a bag or two when they're running low. And I work with them on delivering the pellets, even via Marta.

The ability that has always come naturally to me is connecting with people, quickly and genuinely.

People can tell when you’re not real. And they also know when you are.

Because of that, leaders open up about what’s really going on, and teams are honest about where things are breaking. Not the polished version, the real version.

That connection is what allows me to see where things are off, align people around what matters, and actually move the business forward.

At the end of the day, execution doesn’t break because people aren’t capable. It breaks because people aren’t aligned, and you can’t fix alignment without trust.

That’s where I’m at my best.