Gore investment adviser Julian Morris has worked with all sorts of people.
Mr Morris, who is retiring from Craigs Investment Partners Gore branch at the end of December, after 30 years, has helped many Gore residents with their finance goals.
He even had third generation clients, he said.
“I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people of all different walks of life,’’ he said.
‘‘Factory workers, 20-somethings, farmers, business-people.
“My role is to sit down with clients and listen to their situations and come up with financial strategies for their needs and situations.
Everyone has a different story, and it is important to put myself intheir shoes.”
Many of his clients have become good friends, he said.
Mr Morris, who is a member of the New Zealand Society of Investment Analysts, first entered the industry in 1985.
“I worked in a bank straight after high school,” he said.
“I’d always had an interest in shares, so I purchased some through a sharebroker. He offered me a position in 1985.”
From there, Mr Morris worked his way through the system, learning the ropes and studying towards his qualifications, which he completed via correspondence.
“It was quite challenging. I did a full day’s work and studied for two to three hours after I came home, burning the candle at both ends.”
He started at Craigs in 1993.
“No two days have been the same,’’ he said.
‘‘Everybody is different, and you need to drill down into the attitudes and personalities to find what the appropriate course of action is,” he said.
Mr Morris said he had seen many changes in the industry.
“There’ve been a lot of changes to paperwork, with everything going electronic,” he said.
“Electronic systems and transfers mean faster, more efficient settlements, which has allowed me more time to spend with the clients.”
Mr Morris is retiring to Wanaka with wife Trish.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with family and my five grandkids, playing golf and participating in outdoor activities with my wife, catching up with friends, decluttering the mind,” he said.
“I’d love to continue to be involved in the community. Perhaps I’ll volunteer at the Hospice shop or mow the golf green.”
He wished to thank everyone who has supported him throughout his career.
“It’s been a privilege and honour to be entrusted with people’s savings, and I offer my respect and thanks,’’ he said.
“I’m leaving Craigs in good hands.”
