Employee Spotlight: Todd Statton

What led you to pursue a career in financial planning? 

My father played a big role in my interest in the stock market and ultimately helped me open my first trading account at the age of 14. As I grew and learned more about the industry, I pursued a career in financial planning because I wanted to help others avoid mistakes when pursuing their financial goals.

 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

For the last 18 years, I have studied the markets and experienced several market cycles. This has not only improved my knowledge of investing, but it has also fueled my passion for the industry. Imparting this same passion and knowledge to my clients is the most rewarding part of my job. When I see individuals hit their investing goals or get on a path to long term success, we both win.

What can clients expect when they choose to work with you and the partners at Strong, Gaddy and Lee?

Other than simplifying the market cycles and explaining the six stages of the financial planning process, I along with others at Strong Gaddy Lee Wealth Management assist investors with answering two fundamental questions: 1) Will I make it? 2) Do I have any financial blind spots?

 

In answering question one, I have determined that many investors have not defined what “making it” means to them. I assist the investor first in answering that question and defining what his or her short term and long term aspirations are. In answering question two, we will outline and discuss if there is anything that will cause yourself, your family, and/or your business financial harm?

We also pride ourselves in our attention to detail in every financial plan that we construct.

 

If you retired tomorrow to start a wildly different second career, what would you do?

During my freshman and sophomore year at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, I was juggling two things I am very passionate about: economics and the stock market and conservation and protection of the forests and environment. In the morning I would take my economics and finance classes and in the afternoon I would attend park ranger and conservation. At the end of the day, I chose economics, but being a park ranger/conservationist would be my next career.

 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

When I am not reading literature about the stock market or specific company, you can find me:

• Trail Running
• Bass fishing on Lake Lanier or fly fishing on the Chattahoochee or mountain stream
• Playing tennis
• Golfing
• Hiking/camping on the Appalachian Trail

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for?

I would gold medal in not being able to stay away from cookies when they are brought into the office.

 

What team do you cheer for on Saturdays/Sundays? 

I am an Appalachian State University fan, but cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs is a close runner up.

Being born and raised in Roswell, GA, Sundays are for the Atlanta Falcons.