The State of the Company
The saying that “time passes more quickly with age” may also apply in business. PDS Planning closed our 36th year in business and has hit the ground running into year 37. Before we get too far into the new year, we would like to take time to celebrate our accomplishments in 2021 and share some exciting announcements for the coming year.
We expect the new year to bring with it a new list of challenges, but nonetheless are excited to start the year strong. First, we are happy to announce Jimmy Rogers as a new principal at PDS Planning, someone who can help face those new challenges head-on. Currently serving as one of our Wealth Managers, Jimmy will be joining the ownership group of Rita Itsell, Jamie Menges, and Kurt Brown. We all welcome Jimmy into the role as the latest principal at PDS Planning.
We are pleased to have added to the PDS family last year and continue to this year. Last year we welcomed Noah Studenmund as a new addition to our staff, joining Katie as part of our team of Client Relationship Managers. We were also thrilled to welcome a non-staff addition, Ruby Euton, the first child for PDS Portfolio Manager Kyle Euton, and his wife Jess.
We now have the pleasure of introducing our newest staff member, Jillian (Jill) Wendling. She will join the team as our newest Planning Analyst alongside Alyssa and Beth. We will be sitting down with Jill soon to learn a little bit more about her, her thoughts on joining PDS, and how she likes to spend her time outside of the office. We are proud of our team members and love for our clients to get to know them. Check out all of our employee spotlights, and stay tuned for more.
This past year we were thrilled to have the opportunity to resume our regular volunteer activities with Ronald McDonald House Charities, and continue to give back to the community through the PDS Cares charitable fund. Our team loves to be back at RMHC, and we were able to prepare breakfast for the residents and staff on three separate occasions last year. Both with our staff and close industry peers, all while keeping ourselves and others as safe as possible.
The PDS Cares charitable fund was established in 2015 as a way for the company and employees to support the community by giving back. Since then, PDS Cares has donated over $60,000 to over 100 charities both locally and nationwide. In 2021 alone, our staff granted gifts of nearly $6,000 to 12+ charities of their choice through the PDS Cares employee discretionary gifting program. In addition, by decision of the entire PDS team, we granted gifts to an additional 6 charities, including a $2,500 donation to Gifts of Kindness with the Columbus Foundation.
We appreciate the honor of being recognized by Columbus Business First for the Corporate Citizen Award for being one of the top 100 organizations in Ohio that gave the most cash contributions to local nonprofit organizations. This recognition is a testament to the spirit of philanthropy that permeates through the company and each of its employees.
Finally, we are proud of our work to establish ourselves as a significant player in the fee-only RIA space, providing a positive fiduciary experience with no strings attached. With no commissions or product fees, but rather a flat fixed fee designed for a clients’ own financial situation that best delivers a means for them to be successful in attaining their financial goals.
This last year we were thankful for the recognition of our work, both on a local and national level. Locally, Columbus Business First recognized PDS Planning as the 9th largest fee-only financial planning firm in Ohio. Nationally, we were recognized as the #46 fastest growing RIA firm in the country by Financial Advisor Magazine.
A special “thank you” to our clients, families, friends, and industry colleagues and peers for supporting both our people and the organization. We have a great appreciation for all who contribute to our success. Many wishes for good health and success in the New Year.
Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment, strategy, or product or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this newsletter, will be suitable for your individual situation, or prove successful. This material is distributed by PDS Planning, Inc. and is for information purposes only. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon sources PDS Planning believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy. It is provided with the understanding that no fiduciary relationship exists because of this report. Opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily the opinions of PDS Planning and are subject to change without notice. PDS Planning assumes no liability for the interpretation or use of this report. Consultation with a qualified investment advisor is recommended prior to executing any investment strategy. No portion of this publication should be construed as legal or accounting advice. If you are a client of PDS Planning, please remember to contact PDS Planning, Inc., in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives. All rights reserved.