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Where to go when the going gets rough
(This article discusses financial issues and uses fictitious names of people for illustrative purposes.)
Many of the approximately 10 million
Canadian baby boomers born between the years of 1947-1966 can recall a
time when the closest thing to a money manager was an insurance agent.
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Adena Franz
Portfolio Manager
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Today, clients require much more from their advisors: financial, estate
and succession plans, for starters. There are retirement plans,
education funds for children, spending plans for retirees. Yet for as
much as the industry has adapted to meet client needs, some fundamental
issues still exist. Adena Franz of the Franz Group elaborates:
“People are still frustrated with our business because they are
still always being sold to. And then they’re disappointed,
particularly when the markets get the jitters!”
She would know. A portfolio manager for 18 years, Franz and her
experienced Group work as part of MacDougall, MacDougall and MacTier,
an employee owned investment firm that’s been serving investors
since 1858. At 3Macs, it’s independence that counts.
“People are frustrated because today’s world is full of
choices. Coffee comes on a menu three pages long. There are at
least 10 varieties of Crest toothpaste. Anyone renovating a kitchen
these days is faced with a ton of choices: colour, materials, sizes,
layout and combinations. Often people simply don’t have the
experience, courage or time to ask enough questions.”
“At 3Macs,” Franz continues, “Our unique freedom
permits straightforward, transparent advice. Nothing fancy. Without
products to push, portfolios are invested to reflect their owner, the
client.”
There’s no hidden agenda. Clients experience honesty and
sincerity. “How we conduct our business is all about who we are.
Our values come across in everything we do.” She adds
wryly: “Often people confuse a pleasant personality for
competency, as in, if he’s a nice guy, he must be good. Well,
here we’re both nice and competent and that’s important, particularly in turbulent markets.”
The Franz Group manages money on a discretionary fee basis. This
emphasizes a solid client-advisor relationship. “Too often
commissions create a conflict of interest. We’re on the same side
of the table. We want what our clients want. More money. You
won’t be sold!” Franz enthuses. “True professionalism
and good business practice begin with complete candour about how and
what you’re paying for.”
Today two-thirds of financial service clients are likely to be over 50
years old. Franz helps clients transition into the next phase of their
lives where the focus will be on spending what they’ve built up.
“Whatever your profile,” Franz says, “The first task
is to build a safe and solid foundation. If we are to be the guardians
of our clients’ capital, we must listen and understand their
goals and aspirations and create a plan to realize them.”
More than just money managers the Franz Group offers a wide range of
services including: tax planning and preparation, charitable giving,
estate and succession planning. “Whatever the objectives,
we tailor the account and when the needs of the account change, we
adjust,” Franz says.
Clients of the Franz Group have a minimum of $500,000 to invest and are
looking for a Portfolio Manager who is serious about personal financial
success. “Our clients want respect, personal attention,
independent thinking and superior service and we believe that’s
exactly what they deserve,” says Adena.
“Trust our data, our strategy and our process… and in
return you will succeed,” Franz imparts, “Our results speak
for themselves.”
Celebrating
their 150th anniversary this year as an independent investment dealer,
3Macs is not owned by a large financial institution or a corporate
owner. They do not maintain inventories of securities nor do they act
as underwriters, except in very rare circumstances. Adena Franz
is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at MacDougall MacDougall
& MacTier Inc. She can be reached at 514-394-3771. The information
contained in this article is for general information purposes only. It
does not account for specific investment objectives or the financial
situation of any person reading it. Opinions expressed are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of MacDougall,
MacDougall & MacTier Inc. Investors should seek professional advice
regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities discussed
or recommended here and should recognize that statements regarding
future prospects may not be realized.
 MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier Inc.
The Franz Group
1010 de la Gauchetiere Ouest, Suite 2000
Montreal, Quebec H3B 4J1
www.3macs.com
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