What organizational accomplishment are you most proud of this year?

Outsourcing to meet our firm's accounting, IT support and hiring needs. The competitive employment environment has made it challenging to find, train and manage new employees. Outsourcing has proven to be a great alternative, especially as a small business with limited time and resources.

What are your expectations for the banking and finance industry in Rochester over the next year?

Growing demand for professional advice from the banking and finance industry as our population ages, and baby boomers enter the later phase of retirement when they can face more health-related challenges. Financial resources will need to do more during this critical phase of retirement, and we are looking for ways to protect and grow assets to meet these types of challenges.

What have your clients been most concerned about this year?

This year's elections have many investors nervous about potential changes in policies, especially income and estate tax laws set to expire at the end of 2025. In addition, a growing concern is protecting financial information from security breaches and identity theft. Data protection is now a part of most of our conversations -- how to protect financial data and best practices with keeping personal information safe.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

Develop your professional network. Having experts to consult with helps you to develop your personal knowledge base and makes you a resource for your clients when they need advice or services that are outside your area of expertise.

What book that you've read recently would you recommend to others and why?

"The Lion Women of Tehran" by Marjan Kamali. It is a story about friendship and how it is challenged and forever altered during the years leading up to the revolution in Iran.