How long have you been in business?

Since post early retirement, at my ripe old age of, um, actually, since 1995.

And in Austin?

I 've been here since 1986.

And before that?

Five years in Bryan-College Station.

Oh, are you an Aggie?

Well my daughter went to school there, and I went to the Aggie Fire School, but I am a fan of the Longhorns too.

Does your business offer any unique products or services?

Yes, we arrange any type of establishing retirement goals from A-Z, like the right levels of insurance, setting cash aside for emergencies, to full financial planning.

What do poeple NOT know about you that you would like to share?

I get as much joy out of seeing people achieve their goals that they set as if they were my own.

Have you received any awards?

I received several, at the annual conference we have. I was just developing my niche the first few years in business, but I have achieved the millionaire's club. That doesn't mean I'm a millionaire, it means I've delivered a million dollars gross in dealer concessions.

Have you achieved any special accomplishments?

I received the certified senior advisor certification 2 years ago. Basically that means I'm able to help the baby boomer generation as they reach retirement years with the issues they need to face, like long term health care, wills, etc.

If you could give advice to those who are just starting in their careers, what would you say?

You'd be amazed at what a few dollars set aside each month can do. The power of compound growth is what Einstein said is the 8th wonder of the world!

What is the best advice you've ever received?

You've got to believe in what you're going to do.

If you didn't have the job you had now, what would you be doing instead?

I'd be a captain on a small sail boat, or a pilot in an ultralight.

OK, so how do the landlubbers and the "grounded" who need financial advise reach you?

Members doing business with members - I think that's a reason a lot of us join business organizations. We're looking for other people who will refer business to us.

I'm sure we've all heard the sage advice that you have to give referrals if you want to receive them. A referral is a great compliment for a business. It's a statement of trust. It's that spirit, of trust and giving, that we want to reward at our Chamber luncheons.

Starting in August, we will add a segment to our luncheons called "Members doing business with members." If you have made a referral to another member since the last luncheon, you'll be invited to stand and introduce that other member. You are encouraged to be effusive. After all, you trusted the other member with your reputation.

It's hard to make a referral if you don't know what other members do, so I want to encourage you to get to know the other businesses in our Chamber. It's all about members doing business with members.