My Dad’s Story

I work with people in many different ways, but one of my favorites is helping business owners retire the right way.

When my dad met my mom he told her he would be a millionaire one day.  He knew he wasn’t going to reach that goal by selling pharmaceuticals.  So, at 35 he took a big leap of faith. He left his stable salaried job with benefits to start a business selling used hubcaps to the consumer cheaper than they could buy directly through the manufacturer.

I remember literally picking up inventory off the side of the road on road trips.  My brother and I would risk life and limb jumping out of the car, running through traffic to grab a hubcap that had come off a car.

My dad’s always been a risk taker and my mom’s always along for the ride. Well, the risk paid off. After 20 years of owning his business he was ready to retire.  He had built from the ground up a seven-figure business.  He had made it.  He was a millionaire.

My dad is a smart fellow and wasn’t really big on paying professionals to help him figure out what he thought he could do himself.  This was his fatal mistake.

He’s plan was to self-finance the sale to his manager over a 5-year period.  He would shave off the needed income to live, then invest the rest himself.  My dad sold his business in the late 90’s when tech stocks seemed to double in value overnight.  He did not properly diversify and lost half the proceeds of the business with one bad trade.  My parents are now retired in AZ living a much different retirement than they anticipated.

I know what you’re thinking: “I would never be so foolish.”  Don’t be so sure. I work with business owners to help uncover the unknown risks that threaten their success.  You are smart, you’re an expert in your business, but not investments or financial planning. Let me help you navigate and think through the biggest decision of your life.

I wish I had been in the business at that time to help my dad.  Don’t make your last business decision one you regret.

Keri Pugh

Keri Pugh is a Wealth Advisor with Fusion Financial Group, an independent financial planning firm and fiduciary based in Denver, CO. Keri has over 20 years of experience in the industry, as both a financial advisor and Principal. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Northern Colorado and is an alumna with national sorority Delta Zeta. Keri holds a variety professional licenses, carries the esteemed mark of Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), meeting rigorous education and experience requirements in key areas of financial planning, as well as the designation of Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), a symbol of her dedication to upholding the fiduciary standard for clients. As a wife and mother to two young children, Keri is particularly drawn to working with thriving families and women. This is not only reflected within her practice but also in her regular sponsorship of the local PTA and volunteer work with the elementary school. Outside of the office, Keri enjoys traveling, skiing, and the Colorado great outdoors with her family. She often lines up movie marathons for the family and, in line with many clients, is a beginner golfer and a wine enthusiast. To learn more about Keri, connect with her on LinkedIn.