The business district of East Grand Rapids is called Gaslight Village and it is also known to me as “home”.  The Branch of Edward Jones in Gas Light Village is ran by Chad Zagel with the support of Office Administrator Billie Barszcz.  One great attribute about a company like Edward Jones is their excellent national reputation plus local personal attention and expertise of financial advisors.  Edward Jones was recently named by Fortune Magazine as the NUMBER 2 out of the 100 best companies to work for.  That is quite a statement and it certainly shows by Chad and Billie in our local office too.

We had a great photo shoot with Chad and his office recently and we also asked for a few key pieces of information for our readers to learn about Chad and Edward Jones.

Financial Advisor and Branch Manager Chad Zagel

Office Administrator Billie Barszcz

What can you tell our readers about yourself?
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids (Forest Hills), and attended the University of Michigan for my Bachelor’s degree. Following school I spent a year living and working in the Czech Republic, wherein I began merging theoretical business ideas from school into real world application.  After running my own consulting firm, I wanted to find a way to use my experience in developing and implementing Business Plans to help more people.  In my current role I can apply over 15 years of knowledge in multiple industries to help my clients achieve their individual financial goals, and help them stay on track for years to come.

What do you do to keep the competitive edge?
As a financial advisor it is essential to apply proven investment principles to the goals and objectives of each client.  While there are countless investment tools available, I find that face-to-face discussion aide in identifying the goals and risk tolerance of each individual.  My focus is educating clients on the options available to them, as well as offering insight into what would bring maximum benefit.  My five step asset management process essentially identifies the financial situation my clients are in today, and where they want to be in the future.  I help determine if goals are attainable, and facilitate methods to achieve those goals.  Ongoing communication both strengthens relationships and keeps clients moving in a positive direction.

Anything you would like to mention that is going on with your business now (new or ongoing)?
This has been a difficult time period for many people across the country, as well as here in West Michigan.  It is imperative that we evaluate our financial goals in relationship to the income requirements for objectives such as Retirement or Higher Education Funding.  A portfolio, when managed correctly, can generate income regardless of the account value.  I specialize in working through issues such as job change, job loss, and overall retirement income planning.  My goal is to ensure that while the financial world continues to change around us, my clients and their families will be financially protected.

Personal attention and professional service

Systematic investing and planning

Welcoming environment that David Chandler Photography and Blog Grand Rapids are proud to endorse and utilize.

I had the opportunity to work with Chad Zagel with Edward Jones last week.  We’ll be posting images and information about Edward Jones soon!  It was a REALLY fun shoot.

There is plenty going on these days with community revitalization, especially in Grand Rapids.  Considering the difficult times facing most of Michigan I think many would agree that Grand Rapids is one of the brighter spots in Michigan.  It is great to know that we have many bright minds like those at Nederveld to help our state (and beyond) with planning, revitalization projects and strategies designed to help businesses today and into the future.

Terry Sanford and Mark Miller took the time to point-out a few important aspects of their business.  This company is led by professionals that know how to make decisions and get things done.  I found this out specifically when I was commissioned to create architectural art pieces for their new office in Grand Rapids.  It was one of the most enjoyable projects that I have done.  Read on for the interview below:

Welcoming entry to know you are in the “right place”.

• What is your story? When and how did you get started?

Nederveld was founded over 30 years ago as a small land surveying firm. It has grown to become a full service urban planning, land surveying, civil engineering and forensic engineering company with offices in Grand Rapids, Holland, Ann Arbor and Chicago. One of our tenants is trying to improve the built environment and how it affects our daily lives. Our planning department has created several award winning projects for neighborhoods that assist them with their revitalization projects. It became clear to them that while improving the public realm was an important piece to the city’s rebirth, it was only part of the process. Cities, towns, villages and neighborhoods need to have a strategy to keep its business’ healthy and attract new business. Brick pavers and fancy benches do not help them become better retail destinations, a strategy does. That’s what will help enhance the city’s vitality. One of our key components is teaching independent retailers to use technology to build their businesses.

• My thoughts on good business and how we stay competitive.

We have remained in business by striving for exceptional service. The day we accept that we are a commodity is the day we go backwards. Integrity is a word we uphold every day. We work hard to find the unique qualities and potential in every community we work with. We give that client an action plan that they can implement with our assistance, yet not rely on us for its success. Our niche is in creating reports and plans that are actually implemented, therefore bound for success. We feel that there is nothing more important than investing in existing communities. It is that quality which sets us apart and is carried through our work process and into final products.

• Anything that you would like to mention about your business now?

We are looking at bringing someone on to help our clients with setting up agencies, grant writing and tax districts. That person could also handle some of the project management, allowing our team to be able to work in more communities. Our forensic engineering group continues to have exceptional growth. We’re looking at an additional office location as well as branching our client base further with attorneys.

Mark Miller (on left) Terry Sanford (on right)

One of many awards but a notable Young Architect Award for Mark Miller.

A strategy implemented by professionals.

Investing in existing communities.  Blending the old with the new.

Next on the docket is Nederveld and Associates.  This image is one that was selected when I was commissioned to capture some architectural images this past summer.   Nederveld recently combined two offices into a really cool space in the Custer Building, downtown Grand Rapids.  MORE coming SOON!

Without further ado…  I am happy to post the first entry to Blog Grand Rapids.  We are starting with a truly awesome business in 2peas1pod.  It is a fitting first because, I aim to operate Blog Grand Rapids and David Chandler Photography at a similar standard.  It is a level that is not easily attained OR maintained.  Think I’m going a little heavy?  Keep reading and contact Stephanie and you will find-out for yourself.

Reading | Writing | Photography That is how we do it.  Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Stephanie Socie

• What’s your story?  When and how did you get started?
I started 2peas1pod.com in 2002, after our second son was born. We created this huge square orange birth announcement for Luke. After a dozen people told us that we could sell them, the idea finally dawned on me. I had been a stay at home mom for 3 years already, and was itching to do something more professional. But I insisted on working from home, so the e-commerce site was born in January 2003. It has worked out perfectly - allowing me to stay home with the boys and work in any spare moments I could find.

• My thoughts on good business. / How I stay competitive.
The goal from the very beginning has been for 2peas to offer not just good service, excellent service. Better service than anyone else. There are plenty of card companies out there, and many of them are completely automated. This means that the customers have limited options for customizing, and certainly no human to talk to should they need assistance. In order to stand out from the rest, I have always made sure that people know I will do everything I can to make the design process easy and enjoyable. When I opened the business, I was hesitant to tell people that there was only one employee, or that I was working from home. But I soon learned that this was actually a good way to connect with my customers. In fact, over the years, I have developed a close relationship with many loyal customers. I think that this is because we have so much in common. In this age of big box, off the shelf products, it’s been a wonderful experience to offer an old-fashioned small business alternative.

• Anything you would like to mention that is going on with your business now?
I’m working on a couple of new ideas that are very different from anything I’ve done before. The first is a Featured Artist Program, wherein I collaborate with other artists to create cards based on their designs. I’m working with a local artist and friend, Holly Goulet, to create blank folded notecards with her paintings printed on the front. And later this summer, I’ll be working with my brother-in-law, Steve Socie, to create hand-stamped holiday cards using his carved linoleum block artwork. Also, this year I’ll beginning selling through an affiliate network so I can reach more people but still provide all the service myself.

Your photo highlighted

Personal attention and high standards

Locally owned and operated

Blog Grand Rapids is proudly part of the affiliate program at 2peas1pod.  Certainly not a requirement to be posted here but it works nicely.

Blog Grand Rapids is ready to get under way and in the next couple of days we’ll be recognizing our first business (it’s a good one, stay tuned).  Recognizing business is a good way to initially describe what we are trying to do with this site.  However, like most good writing and imagery you have to SEE FOR YOURSELF.  I will say that our intention is to showcase truly professional businesses.