SJS Welcomes Elizabeth Molique to Chicago Office

Elizabeth began working at SJS in August 2025 as an Investment Analyst in the Chicago office, primarily supporting Tom Kelly, SJS’s Chief Investment Officer. Her responsibilities include investment research, portfolio analysis, performance monitoring, and client/advisor support.

Originally from Arizona, Elizabeth interned at SJS' Arizona office in 2024, gaining early exposure to investment research and client service. She also fulfilled roles as a data management intern at a real estate firm in Madrid and as a financial modeling intern at an annuity development company.

She recently graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where she earned a degree in Mathematical Finance and Spanish. While at Trinity, she was a member of the varsity Swim & Dive team, competing in sprint freestyle and butterfly events. She also studied abroad at Universidad Complutense in Madrid.

Elizabeth is passionate about investments and committed to continuous growth in the financial industry. She is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation to deepen her expertise in portfolio management, financial analysis, and ethical investing. She thrives on learning, analyzing markets, and identifying long-term value.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, especially to Spanish-speaking countries, and discovering new cuisines and restaurants. She also has a deep appreciation for art, which was sparked by a class she took at the Museo del Prado in Madrid.

SJS Quarterly Outlook: July 2025

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SJS Outlook: Q1 2025

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New SJS Perrysburg, Ohio Office!

We are proud to share our new office location in the historic River House building at 115 West Front Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551!

We are excited to offer a second location in Northwest Ohio, aimed at providing more convenience for our clients in the Perrysburg area and beyond.

SJS was founded in 1995 with a mission to provide a major money center management experience while maintaining small town values and putting the client first, all the time, every time. Each of our offices in Sylvania, Chicago, Scottsdale, and Perrysburg help us to better serve our clients and connect with our communities.

We are looking forward to hosting meetings with a scenic view of the Maumee River, and encourage you to explore the shops and restaurants when you stop by for a visit!

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Important Disclosure Information:

There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against a loss in a declining market.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.

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SJS Welcomes Ryan Stoller!

We would like to welcome Ryan Stoller to the SJS Team!

Ryan serves SJS and our clients as an Associate Advisor. Growing up as the son of a poultry farmer in the small town of Van Wert, Ohio, Ryan developed a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to client service. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lourdes University, with minors in Psychology and Theology, while also playing baseball for the Grey Wolves.

Before joining SJS, Ryan worked as a financial advisor in Van Wert, Ohio. After marrying, he moved back to Toledo, where he taught at Perrysburg Schools as an intervention specialist. However, his passion for finance and helping clients led him back to the financial advising industry. Ryan joined SJS in August 2024 and is eager to continue growing within the industry.

In his free time, Ryan is active in his local church, where he leads multiple men’s groups and serves in the youth group. He also enjoys exploring Toledo’s Metroparks, playing pickleball with friends, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

We are really grateful that Ryan decided to join our Team - please join us in welcoming Ryan!

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Thank You Elizabeth Molique & Isabelle Szenderski!

This summer, we had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth Molique and Isabelle Szenderski during their internships with us. We asked each of them to write a summary of what they did throughout the summer. We really enjoyed getting to know Elizabeth and Isabelle, value all of their contributions to improving SJS, and wish them all the best going forward!

Elizabeth Molique

During my summer internship, I had the opportunity to engage in a variety of impactful projects. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work at SJS. Collaborating with my colleagues in the Scottsdale office and beyond was an enriching experience, and I’m grateful for the valuable lessons and insights gained throughout this journey.

• Client cash flow and investment planning: Developed and updated client cash flow simulations, portfolios, and retirement plans using eMoney and Morningstar. Actively participated in client meetings to discuss and refine these plans.

• Portfolio optimization: Conducted detailed reviews of client portfolios to identify and recommend enhancements for potential improved performance and alignment with financial goals.

• Development of financial literacy resources: Designed and produced detailed financial literacy materials for internal and external audiences. These included documents on strategic charitable giving (e.g., donor advised funds, qualified required minimum distributions), student loan forgiveness regulations, comprehensive financial literacy presentations, and fact sheets about portfolio funds for institutional clients.

• Investment research and analysis: Executed comprehensive research on prospective investments by evaluating Morningstar data, financial ratios, 10-K reports, and expert analyses, providing valuable insights to support strategic investment decisions.

• Internal data management: Updated and managed internal spreadsheets related to net assets and trust files for SJS, ensuring precise and current data maintenance.

• Professional development: Engaged in a series of webinars to deepen my industry knowledge, including Charles Schwab Market Talks, Charles Schwab Women in Wealth, AQR Diversifying Strategies Fund Feature, Dimensional Webinars, Avantis Behavioral Finance Webinar, among others.

Isabelle Szenderski

I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have been given to be a summer intern with SJS. I learned what it means to work with an empowering team that values each employee in the company and in return creates a strong connection with clients as “You come first. All the time. Every time.” is an essential part of the mission at SJS. Throughout my internship I had the privilege of engaging in a multitude of marketing projects. In addition I was able to learn the importance of investing and financial literacy as to further my knowledge and expand my career opportunities.

In my internship I had the pleasure of working on a variety of impactful projects:

• Website updates: Strategized recommendations and implemented changes to improve the SJS website, with the goal of enhancing client and prospective client engagement.

• Social media advancement: Researched and developed a strategy to enhance the SJS social media presence to promote company awareness, including executing a content and posting schedule for LinkedIn.

• Client delivery enhancements: Collaborated on updating client presentation templates and financial documents to aid in client meetings.

• SJS history research and timeline creation: Conducted internal research to create a historical timeline to be added to the SJS website, to better connect with clients and prospective clients.

• SJS swag: Worked with local companies to design new SJS branded materials such as water bottles, golf polos, hats, and sweatshirts.

• Assisting in planning events: Helped organize SJS client events as well as the first inaugural family parking lot party.

• Professional development: Gained proficiency in financial literacy from SJS team members and participated in client meetings to enhance understanding.

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Important Disclosure Information:

There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against a loss in a declining market.

Statements contained in this article that are not statements of historical fact are intended to be and are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements include expressed expectations of future events and the assumptions on which the expressed expectations are based. All forward looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on various expectations and assumptions concerning future events and they are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.

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SJS Welcomes Robert Schaefer!

We would like to welcome Robby Schaefer to the SJS Team!

As an Advisor, Robby brings a wealth of experience to SJS, where he works with both individual and institutional clients. Since starting his career in the investment services industry in 2011, Robby has experience in various roles, including advisor, trust officer, and entrepreneur. Most recently, he founded and operated his own advisory practice before joining SJS. Prior to that, he served private wealth clients at U.S. Bank and Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional and a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), Robby has expertise in guiding clients through their financial journeys. He holds an MBA from the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business and a bachelor's degree in finance from the Miami University Farmer School of Business.

Robby is actively involved in his community. He graduated from the Rocky River Citizen Police Academy, is a member of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers with Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland.

Originally from Sylvania, Robby now calls Rocky River, OH home, where he lives with his wife Kelcie and their children Cici and J.R. His deep roots in Northern Ohio enable him to serve clients across the region and beyond effectively.

Outside of work, Robby enjoys starting his day with pickup basketball or cycling and cherishes evenings spent with his family and friends.

We are really grateful that Robby decided to join our Team - please join us in welcoming Robby!

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SJS Welcomes Jeff Lewis!

We would like to welcome Jeff Lewis to the SJS Team!

Jeff is an Associate Advisor, working alongside Senior Advisors to serve our clients, particularly with financial planning and investment analyses. Additionally, Jeff will be helping with business consultation and strategic planning for our non-profit and small business clients.

Originally from Texas, Jeff grew up outside of the Houston area. He spent two years as a starting pitcher on the baseball team at Howard Junior College in West Texas before graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston. Jeff also received a Master of Science in Theological Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. In 2018, Jeff obtained his MBA in Accounting and Finance from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Jeff spent the past 15 years in Colorado as an executive leader in the non-profit sector. He was the Executive Director for the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart at Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado. Jeff helped to grow the organization through strategic planning, financial development, fundraising, and capital improvements.

Jeff, his wife, and four children recently moved to Ohio to be closer to family. He enjoys dinners out with his wife, playing golf and baseball with his boys, and spending quality time with his identical twin girls.

We are really grateful that Jeff decided to join our Team. Please join us in welcoming Jeff!

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Welcome (Back) Molly LaClair!

Most recently part of the SJS Team from 2018 to 2021, we are thrilled to say that Molly LaClair has decided to re-join the SJS Team as an Associate Advisor!

A Northwest Ohio native, Molly earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Miami University, as well as her MBA from the University of Toledo. After spending several years as a project analyst and process improvement specialist with ProMedica, Molly initially joined SJS in 2018 to help existing and prospective clients through investment portfolio analyses, client presentations, and financial plans. Most recently, Molly obtained her Ohio Real Estate Salesperson license in 2023.

Molly is both a team and client favorite, known for her reliability, acumen, communication skills, and integrity. Molly will be working closely with the Senior Advisors at SJS to serve our clients, with an emphasis on financial planning and client presentations.

When she’s not at SJS, Molly enjoys spending time with her family – especially her three young children – visiting the area metroparks and neighborhood parks in Perrysburg, where her family resides.

We are really grateful to be working with Molly again. Please join us in welcoming back Molly!

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Word Of The Year? Gratitude!

By Founder & CEO Scott J. Savage.

The SJS word of the year for 2023 is GRATITUDE! Your Team at SJS arrived at the word of the year during an early January huddle, which is a weekly check-in with all of our Team Members that has been a tradition for most of the 27-year history of SJS.

Why Gratitude? As we collectively process the trauma of the past three years triggered by a global pandemic, economic lockdowns, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the death of George Floyd, double-digit inflation, significantly higher interest rates, and the resulting financial market volatility, it seems to us that getting back to basics of being grateful is a prescription that will enable us to move forward in an optimistic way.

Gratitude for our health, families, friends, faith, country, the SJS Team, and most importantly You, our loyal client who trusts us to do what’s in your best interest day-in and day-out. We are so grateful to work with you, your family, and your organization to achieve our purpose: “Empowering You to Build a Better Life.” We do this by providing major money center management experience while maintaining our small-town values and putting you first, all the time, every time.

These values include:

• Accountability – We own the results, and are responsible to help you achieve your goals.

• Client-Centric – We seek to understand and put you at the center of all we do.

• Collaborative – We win as One.

• Forward-Thinking – We are attentive, adaptive, and agile. Change is everywhere.

• Giving – We give back to make our world a little better than we found it.

• Integrity – Without honesty and high standards, we have nothing.

• Servant Leadership – We serve you with confidence and humility, always striving to be better.

Finally, none of this works without old-fashioned hard work. We won’t go home until the day’s tasks are done. Period!

Reflecting on the privilege to work with you, learn from you, and we hope at times to inspire you leaves us feeling grateful.

Thank you,

SJS

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Important Disclosure Information:

There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against a loss in a declining market.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

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SJS Welcomes Rachel Keesey!

We would like to welcome Rachel Keesey to the SJS Team in Sylvania, Ohio!

Rachel is an Advisor on the SJS team working closely with multi-generational families and individuals. She specializes in investment strategy and financial plan development to help clients achieve goals. She also plans to contribute to SJS’ efforts that tailor services to women’s segments based on their profession, life-stage, and primary interests.

Rachel joins SJS in 2023 with over 7 years of experience in wealth management. Prior to SJS, Rachel was a Financial Advisor at UBS, where she worked closely with business owners, executives, and families.

She is active in the Toledo community supporting various non-profit organizations including Cherry Street Mission, Metroparks Toledo (Good Natured), and the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. She is President of Miami University Alumni Association of Northwest Ohio, a Leadership Toledo alumni, and a member of North Cape Yacht Club and The Toledo Club.

Rachel earned her B.S. degree from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, majoring in finance and minoring in marketing. After graduating from Miami University, Rachel coached sailing for Sailing Australia in Melbourne, Australia and Larchmont Yacht Club in New York. In addition to competitive sailing, she enjoys downhill skiing, reading, and spending time outdoors. A native of Sylvania, Ohio, Rachel is a proud graduate of St. Ursula Academy and currently resides in Downtown Toledo.

We are very grateful that Rachel decided to join SJS. Please join us in welcoming Rachel to the SJS Team!

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SJS Welcomes Ryan Walter!

We would like to welcome Ryan Walter to the SJS Team in Sylvania, Ohio! Ryan serves as Client Service Associate, working alongside Jeff Yost and Lisa Denstorff to serve our clients through trading, reporting, account management, and communications with clients and other professionals.

An Ohio native, Ryan grew up in Toledo, graduating from St. John's Jesuit High School in 2005. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Toledo (UT). Ryan began his career at Hileman Associates, working his way up to a Senior Pension Analyst with a primary focus on corporate retirement accounts. His duties included working with trustees, ensuring plan compliance within IRS and DOL regulations, and focusing on business development.

Ryan's interest in investing has flourished over time, with an emphasis on working more closely with families to help them achieve their financial goals. He values working in a culture with a client-first approach and was delighted to join SJS in August 2022.

Outside of work, Ryan loves spending time with his wife Nikki and son Edwin, as well as his two dogs Sherlock and Bilbo. In his free time, Ryan enjoys running, international travel, working on projects around the house, and offering a helping hand to family and friends.

We are very grateful that Ryan decided to join SJS. Please join us in welcoming Ryan to the SJS Team!

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SJS Investment Services Welcomes Austin Grizzell!

We would like to welcome Austin Grizzell to the SJS Team in Scottsdale, Arizona! Austin serves as Associate Advisor, working alongside Senior Advisor Jennifer Smiljanich, CFP® to serve our clients, particularly with financial planning, investment analyses, and portfolio management.

Austin brings to SJS a wealth of experience in the financial industry. During his nine years at Vanguard, Austin progressed from a Client Service Specialist to a Senior Financial Planner, helping high net worth families accomplish their financial goals. He has also held various positions at Charles Schwab, JPMorgan Chase, and ACGE, Inc.

A native of Arizona, Austin graduated from Arizona State University in 2013 with bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics. He earned his CFP® certification in 2016.

Outside of SJS, Austin volunteers with the Wounded Warrior Project as well as the Pat Tillman Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

We feel very grateful that Austin decided to join SJS. Please join us in welcoming Austin to the SJS Team!

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Important Disclosure Information:

Hyperlinks to third-party information are provided as a convenience and we disclaim any responsibility for information, services or products found on websites or other information linked hereto.

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Looking Back On 2021, Looking Ahead To 2022

2021 was an exciting year at SJS. We celebrated our 26th anniversary, welcomed three new Team members, and had the pleasure of meeting with many of you in-person more than in 2020.

To offer you an SJS perspective on 2021, we asked four SJS Team Members across the country to look back on 2021 to describe what they will remember, and discuss what they are excited about for 2022. We hope you enjoy reading their individual takes on the past year, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022!

Scott Savage; Founder & CEO; Sylvania, Ohio Office; Founded SJS in July 1995

Thank YOU for another year of partnership! We continue to be grateful and humbled by the faith and trust you place in Team SJS. We will never take your faith and trust for granted.

It is our custom at the end of the year to reflect on the previous 12 months and look forward to a brand new year. What did we learn? What are we worried about? What opportunities can we seize?

2021 will be known as year two of the Coronavirus pandemic. Early in 2020, a friend of mine who understands viruses and pandemics said to me, “COVID is going to be a marathon.” I can only hope that we are in the last painful miles - weary, legs heavy, and closing in on the finish line. In my opinion, we have been in this together, whether we realize it or not.

Ironically, many of the world’s equity markets rose, fueled by accommodating central banks like the Federal Reserve.[1] Global bond markets, plagued by low interest rates and eye-popping inflation, generally disappointed investors.[1]

We continue to evaluate the world’s investable markets that we believe will reward you over the long-term for the risks being assumed. We remain cautiously optimistic that 2022 will see the supply chain disruptions ease, labor shortages abate, inflation slow, and economic growth persist.

Jennifer Smiljanich, CFP®; Managing Director & Senior Advisor; Scottsdale, Arizona Office; Started at SJS in August 2010

One of the things I enjoy about coming to work every day is that I get to really know people: who they are, what they want, and what is important to them. I also am fortunate to have an opportunity to make a difference to you when you call on SJS. Finding a solution to a problem, taking away a worry, listening, showing you whether you are progressing towards a goal, and helping you to live a life that is meaningful to you. So as much as SJS manages investments, all of these other responsibilities are just as important.

Living in our current world has helped bring clarity to many people about what is most important to them. It might not be working in a job that historically has comfortably paid the bills. For some, their work has become more stressful with more to do and fewer hands to help. For others, income may not be as compelling given considerations of health, family dynamics, and fulfillment. This year, I’ve had the opportunity to help several clients review whether they could make a job change, move to part-time work, and even retire early to spend more time with loved ones. Providing guidance to someone who is wrestling with these kinds of decisions is rewarding. We are glad to help co-think the financial and other considerations of these life changes.    

There seem to be no lack of pulls on our time. Like you, I find my inbox is always full and the “to do” list is never quite done. I appreciate being able to help you find time in your day to do the things that are important to you. So whether it’s helping you make sure you’ve done everything you need to do before year-end (from charitable giving, to distributions, to contributions), co-thinking options for financing or refinancing a home, figuring out how to get tax documents to your accountant securely, or helping you to consolidate your accounts on MySJS so you can view your financial status in a single place, we are glad to help!

Finally, while many people have been challenged in so many ways in 2021, you have cared. You care about your children and grandchildren. You care about your communities. And you give generously of your time and money to the people and causes you care about. I’ve spent many hours chatting with you about different ways to support the people and causes you care about, whether it’s giving to charities in tax-smart ways, helping support children or grandchildren though 529 plans or gifts, or in Arizona, making use of the state tax credits that support different organizations. As we head into a new calendar year, I am energized to help you potentially accomplish the things that matter to you, so you can focus on living your life to its fullest!

Tom Kelly, CFA; Chief Investment Officer; Chicago, Illinois Office; Started at SJS in June 2018

Reflecting on 2021, I am most struck by the resiliency of the human condition. Amidst continued uncertainty, trials and tribulations, the ups and downs, we are resilient. I was inspired by stories of resiliency of families, communities, and economies. One in particular (perhaps especially captivating after hearing my wife’s stories as a NICU Nurse) is Curtis Means, who was born 132 days premature at just 21 weeks and one day.[2] After round the clock care for nine months by the UAB medical team, Curtis was discharged and eventually named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Most Premature Infant to Survive.[2] Resiliency of a child to fight, medical professionals to care, and a family to love!

In my life this year, one of the biggest accomplishments was the addition of diversified alternatives to our portfolios. While investment performance is not guaranteed, we believe many of the underlying strategies will provide some resiliency against forces of inflation, low-yields, and extended valuations, as well as potentially get stronger during times of market stress. Personally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the blessing of our new baby, Oliver, at the end of the year – hopefully I’m developing resiliency to a little less sleep.

2022 will surely bring new challenges and new opportunities, and I am most focused on ensuring our portfolios are staying up to date with new research and strategies that are MarketPlus worthy. Additionally, I am excited to move into our new office at 55 W. Monroe in downtown Chicago, so next time you are in the Windy City, please stop by and say hi. We can toast to resiliency!

Katie Floyd; Associate Advisor; Sylvania, Ohio Office; Started at SJS in September 2021

After another year of ups and downs, the rollercoaster of 2021 came and went in the blink of an eye. Never knowing what turn the year might take next, I started to evaluate what was most important to me and realized that life was too short to wait for the “sign” to change. So, I stopped measuring my successes by the title of my job and more about how I felt each night before bed. I knew that I wanted to give more back to my community and leave the world a little better than how I found it. And then I found SJS Investment Services.

Starting over is always scary, but I felt the reward would far outweigh the risk. Although I’ve only been here for a few months, I feel like I’ve known my co-workers for years and have comfort that I made the right choice to change my career. At SJS, I feel empowered to explore the unknowns around me and take a chance at something new, and I encourage you to do the same. During my first few months, I’ve been able to meet with some of you and help prepare financial analyses and presentations to help you plan for your future. Additionally, I’ve assisted with marketing efforts and continue to help shape the future of SJS.

Looking to 2022, I’m excited to continue expanding my career with the amazing resources SJS has to offer, as well as getting to know you better, the people who make coming into work worthwhile. There is so much out there for us to discover, and I’m happy that I get to be a part of that journey with you. I hope that this next year brings you nothing but health, wealth, and normalcy, and when you aren’t sure what turn the year will take next, just know that we are here for you.

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Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

[1] “SJS Weekly Market Update“. SJS Investment Services, 27-Dec-2021, sjsinvest.com.

[2] “Curtis Means, Alabama boy weighing less than a pound at birth, is world’s most premature surviving baby“. The Associated Press, 10-Nov-2021, al.com.

There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against a loss in a declining market.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only.

Hyperlinks to third-party information are provided as a convenience and we disclaim any responsibility for information, services or products found on websites or other information linked hereto.

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SJS Investment Services Welcomes Katie Floyd!

We would like to welcome Katie Floyd to the SJS Team in Sylvania, Ohio! Katie serves as Associate Advisor, working alongside Senior Advisors to serve our clients, particularly with financial planning and investment analyses.

An Ohio native, Katie grew up in Walbridge, graduating from Lake High School. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting from Bowling Green State University (BGSU), where she also received her Master of Accountancy. While at BGSU, Katie was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, a national accounting society.

Katie began her career at PwC Toledo as a Core Assurance Associate, assisting in the financial statement audits of Fortune 500 companies. During her time there, she passed the four-part exam and met the experience requirements in order to receive her Certified Public Account (CPA) license. Following her time at PwC, Katie became a Senior Financial Analyst in the External Reporting Group at Dana Incorporated, helping to create financial statements as well as perform account analyses.

Katie is a lifelong learner, and she wants to help others do better financially. At SJS, Katie serves clients alongside Senior Advisors Kirk Ludwig, Gary Geiger, and Andrew Schaetzke. Additionally, she is helping to improve SJS-designed financial literacy programs, which we use with students who shadow at SJS as well as may use in potential future community involvement initiatives.

Outside of work, Katie loves spending time with her family, particularly her golden retriever Winnie. In her free time, Katie enjoys playing volleyball, going to basketball games for her husband Mike, and travelling around the world.

We feel very grateful that Katie decided to join SJS. Please join us in welcoming Katie to the SJS Team!

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Congratulations Bobby Adusumilli, CFA!

Congratulations to SJS Investment Services Investment Associate Bobby Adusumilli, who recently earned the CFA Institute’s CFA charter!

Considered by many as one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession, the CFA charter is meant to signify the commitment to maintaining ethics, professionalism, and analytical rigor by charterholders in the increasingly competitive field of investments.[1] To qualify for the CFA charter, a candidate must pass the three CFA exams that focus on topics relevant to investments professions. Additionally, candidates must have at least 4,000 hours of experience in an investments-related profession, completed in a minimum of 36 months. Once a candidate passes the exams and has the necessary work experience, then the candidate can apply for the CFA charter, needing 2-3 professional references. If approved for the CFA charter, the person must continue abiding by the CFA Institute Professional Conduct Statement as well as pay annual dues to the CFA Institute in order to continue using the CFA designation.[1]

Bobby joins fellow SJS colleagues President Kevin Kelly and Chief Investment Officer Tom Kelly as CFA charterholders. Please join us in saying congratulations to Bobby Adusumilli, CFA!

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Important Disclosure Information And Sources:

[1] “CFA Program“. CFA Institute, cfainstitute.org.

Hyperlinks to third-party information are provided as a convenience and we disclaim any responsibility for information, services or products found on websites or other information linked hereto.

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Thank You Molly!

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After over two years with the SJS Team, SJS Associate Advisor Molly LaClair has decided to focus full-time on raising her three young children: William, Lucille, and newly born Poppy.

A Northwest Ohio native, Molly earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Miami University, as well as her MBA from the University of Toledo. After spending several years as a project analyst and process improvement specialist with ProMedica, Molly joined SJS in 2018 to help existing and prospective clients through investment portfolio analyses, client presentations, and financial plans.

Molly is both a team and client favorite, known for her reliability, acumen, communication skills, and integrity. Additionally, Molly worked on a wide variety of projects at SJS, including helping to design the new SJS website, working with the SJS Investment Committee, and creating new processes to more effectively and efficiently work with clients. Molly is also just fun to work with and easy to talk to.

We are really grateful to have worked with Molly over the past few years, and to have gotten to know her husband Brad and their children. While we will miss working with her, we are happy that she will get to spend more time with her family. Please join us in saying thank you Molly!

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Important Disclosure Information:

Hyperlinks to third-party information are provided as a convenience and we disclaim any responsibility for information, services or products found on websites or other information linked hereto.

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SJS Welcomes Michael Savage!

After interning at the SJS Arizona office in Spring 2020, Michael Savage has joined our team in Sylvania!

A Sylvania native, Michael attended Arizona State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Business from the W. P. Carey School of Business. During his time in Arizona, Michael interned for Phoenix Rising F.C., Arizona’s top professional soccer team.

Michael is active in the community and has previously volunteered to helped set up and participate in multiple charitable events including The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Take Steps, and Feed My Starving Children.

Michael is currently pursuing his goal of becoming a Certified Financial Planner®.

In his downtime, he enjoys being with friends and family, watching sports, exercising, and traveling.

Please join us in welcoming Michael to the SJS Team!

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Welcome, Catherine Stanley, to SJS Arizona

SJS is delighted to welcome Phoenix native Catherine Stanley, who joins our team in Scottsdale, Arizona as Advisor Support Associate.

Catherine earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Arizona, and she also holds her MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. Before joining SJS, Catherine worked for more than 20 years in international marketing and operations throughout Latin America and China. She loves the richness and challenge of communicating across cultures, speaks both Spanish and Portuguese fluently, and learned some Mandarin while living in China.

Catherine has had a passion for personal finance from a young age, and her interest in studying global markets arose from her extensive experience living abroad.

Most weekends, you’ll find Catherine supporting her son’s soccer competitions, or spending time with her family, including her two adult children, granddaughter, and her parents who live nearby – as well as her two dogs.

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3 Cheers For 20 Years

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By SJS Founder & CEO Scott Savage

The world looked a lot different 20 years ago. Your mobile phone was large and unwieldy, and could be used to make a phone call, and that’s about all! The Y2K scare had just passed with barely a blip – to the great relief to anyone with a computer. The New York Yankees were dominating Major League Baseball, and Florida State University was the team to beat in college football. Much has changed as the past 20 years have ticked by.

Something that hasn’t changed? The voice you hear when you call SJS. Twenty years ago, SJS Founder and CEO Scott Savage asked his then-neighbor, Meredith Sleet, to answer the phones at his office – for just a few weeks. Meredith agreed … and a few weeks turned into a few years, which turned into two decades last November.

“When I try to describe what Meredith means to me, I start to tear up,” reveals Scott. “If I am the length and shadow of SJS, Meredith is the one holding the flashlight and making sure there are always spare batteries in the closet.”

Meredith is similarly reflective about her time at SJS: “From just four of us in the office when I started, to the ‘Sweet 16’ we have today, it’s hard to call it work when everyone makes it fun!”

And then, just two months after Meredith joined the SJS team, Scott reached out to Kevin Kelly to fill the role of Managing Director.

Kevin served in that capacity until 2008, when he was named SJS President. “Twenty years ago, Kevin brought a method to my madness,” says Scott. “Turning all that we do into a reliable process has allowed SJS to serve more clients at the high standard they have come to expect from us. I am eternally grateful for our friendship.”

From Kevin’s point of view: “It has been a tremendous experience and blessing to get to know and serve the wonderful clients working with SJS over the past two-plus decades. Working with Meredith, Scott, and a team of colleagues that are second-to-none, we strive daily to make MarketPlus Investing® the investment approach with the highest service standards in the industry.

“What a fulfilling challenge to serve individuals, families, and institutions – where our success can directly impact goals that are meaningful to them!”

As we start the new year, the time is right to look back and reflect on the past year – or, in this case, the past 20 years! We are thankful to have Kevin and Meredith as part of the SJS team, and we look forward to their leadership, guidance, and the sound of their friendly voices for many years to come.

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