It Really IS All About You…….and a little bit about us!

You know how much I love writing my Blog about all of you, and I look forward to many more years of great client stories!   That said, frequently you ask for updates about us as well, so I thought it would be fun this summer to visit with the Team here at Ballou Plum and chat a bit about what’s new in OUR lives!  We’ll start with our biggest news, first.

Our very bright Financial Planning Associate, Laura Malinowski (soon to be Laura Knolle), and her husband, John, enjoyed a romantic wedding and honeymoon in Kauai this past May. Here’s a great picture of them together (adorable!) on their special day!  Laura is also very busy in her last semester at Golden Gate University, finishing up her Master’s in Financial Planning and Taxation with an emphasis in Estate Planning this August.   She’s looking forward to weekends of play and not study!

John and Laura on their wedding day!

Busy and beloved, our Operations Manager, Debi Murphy, finished her degree as well!  In June, she graduated Cum Laude from Cal East Bay with her Bachelors in Liberal Studies and a minor in California Studies.  Debi is our inspiration on so many levels, as she had to abandon college in her younger years to support her family, help put her husband and daughter through their college studies and support their goals and ambitions, but never lost sight of the importance of a degree and education for herself. Here she is in her full graduation regalia!  We are SO proud of her!!!  Later this month, Debi and her husband, Pastor Kevin Murphy, will be heading to Honduras with a group from their church to spend a week working at the Children’s Rescue Mission (www.crmission.org) in Tuepasenti.  They are making a huge and positive impact on the lives of so many who live without things you and I take for granted.



Debi graduates with Honors!

Our hard working, multi-tasking Chief Investment Officer, Sid Ean, and his wife, Sophon, welcomed their second son late last year.  Here’s a picture of Parker (now three and proud big brother) with adorable baby Liam, and proud Dad.   Sid is embarking on studying for his CFA this year, so he’ll be a busy man between family, work and burning the midnight oil over text books. And they still want that daughter, so, we are looking forward to more little Eans in the future!

Parker and Liam visiting Dad at work

Ever patient, detail oriented, and always empathetic, Ballou Plum’s Client Services Manager, Mark Young, is a lifelong student.  Before joining us he was already well underway on obtaining his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.  This summer he’s finishing up the last coursework for that designation and then he will sit for the exam in the fall.  He continues to have a passion for sports, especially golf, and is looking forward to scuba diving in Cozumel in August.

Mark, high above the shores of Lake Michigan at Arcadia Bluffs

The calm and loving voice of Ballou Plum, Cristina Holloway, continues to wear many hats here at Ballou Plum.  She is a woman of many talents from helping you with appointments and paperwork, to becoming our event planner extraordinaire!  Those of you who attended our Shred party recently met her terrific son, Brent, the youngest of her three sons.  Cristina loves traveling, biking and spending every free moment outdoors.  

Cristina and Benny enjoying a beautiful day at Tumalo Falls near Bend, OR

Super sharp and very fun, Rene’ Trujillo, the true and quintessential soccer mom (attended UCSF on a soccer scholarship), has been a great addition to our team.  With an extensive background in portfolio management, she has been a perfect fit as Research Assistant in Team Research.   Full-time Mom with two busy youngsters and part-time with Ballou Plum, here’s a picture of her, her husband Craig, and their two adorable children Jameson and Zeke.

Hanging around with Rene' and her family!

Meredith Ballou, our newest addition, joins us part time this summer, as a “junior” Client Services Coordinator.   As my daughter, she’s helped us out over the years somewhat informally, and now we are really happy to have her join us as an official Team member.  Passionate about providing great customer service, she’ll be serving us in the much needed role of internal general office support. 

Meredith in her Tigger ears at her favorite place, Disneyland!

Marilyn and I continue to feel honored to be here for you.  This fall, Marilyn will be traveling to India in November. You know her love of adventure and travel --- so there’s no telling what’s next!  Here’s a picture of her and her husband, Todd, enjoying the great outdoors in their EarthRoamer (learn more about EarthRoamers at www.earthroamer.com).

Marilyn and Todd enjoying a trip in their EarthRoamer

And last, but hopefully not least, I want to thank you so much for your many kindnesses and good wishes while my husband battled a very invasive cancer this year.  Having your understanding along with a great Team here at Ballou Plum enabled me to cut back my hours a bit to focus on my husband’s health issues.  So far the news is excellent:  he appears to be cancer free!   And on a fun note, my son, Nicholas, has decided to try his hand at touring as a tennis pro.  He and his doubles partner are already doing well.  If you would like to see him play in the Bay Area, he’ll be in the Moraga Country Club tournament this August 6^th – 11^th. 

John and Lynn enjoying date night!

So, whew!   That’s it from us!  Aren’t you glad you asked!?!?  ;-)

Wishing you a very fun and hopefully relaxing summer!  Big hugs from all of us to all of you!