There’s something about early mornings at the beach—calm waves, a soft breeze, and sand beneath your feet—that brings clarity. As I walked the shore this morning here in Naples, Florida, I was reminded of the early days of building our business. Back then, visiting the beach wasn’t just a luxury—it felt imperative.

In those uncertain times, when everything needed to be put in place for the future health of the company, I often felt the weight of it all. Like many entrepreneurs, I internalized that volatility. And the beach? That was my therapy. It helped me process, breathe, and reset.

Even now, with a growing team of incredibly smart people working on behalf of our clients and a more stable business, I still find value in starting my day at the water’s edge. It gives me space to think and reflect—because in this line of work, perspective is everything.

Navigating Market Uncertainty

This morning, my thoughts drifted to recent events. One of our large portfolio holdings took a significant hit after announcing uncertain news about a key production asset. The markets responded the way they typically do to unexpected news: with volatility. It reminded me of another time when uncertainty dominated the headlines—September 11, 2001.

At that time, I was just months into my career. My oldest son had just been born. And then the unthinkable happened. The markets closed for nearly two weeks—the longest closure in modern history. Fear was everywhere. When trading resumed, the markets dropped sharply. And they kept falling.

As a young analyst, I remember walking through the office, feeling the weight of the moment, wondering how investors were supposed to make rational decisions amid so much fear. That’s when I passed the office of Brian Rogers, our Chief Investment Officer at the time. Brian wasn’t pacing. He wasn’t glued to the headlines. He was calmly sitting at his desk, humming to himself, and writing down a list of stocks he planned to buy.

That image is seared into my memory.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

Watching Brian in that moment taught me something vital: the true value of a steady, professional hand during times of turmoil. When fear takes over and markets move on emotion, the best investors stay focused on the long term. They lean on discipline, not impulse.

In times of volatility—whether it’s 2001 or this week—investors face real emotional pressure. Asset values can decline quickly. The future feels uncertain. But having someone in your corner with perspective, experience, and a disciplined process can make all the difference.

That’s what long-term investing is really about. It’s not reacting emotionally to the news of the day. It’s about making rational, forward-looking decisions that allow your money to serve its intended purpose—supporting your goals and future.

Staying the Course

Today’s market challenges, like the ones we’ve just faced with that one holding, are part of a broader journey. They reinforce the importance of process, discipline, and long-term thinking. And they remind me of the responsibility we carry on behalf of the clients we serve.

Walking the beach this morning brought me back to those core truths. The value of perspective. The power of discipline. And the importance of staying calm—even when the world feels anything but.

Thanks for taking a moment to reflect with me today. I hope you find your own version of peace and clarity, wherever you are.

Key Takeaways

• Long-term investing requires discipline, especially during volatile times.
• Emotional decision-making could lead to poor outcomes; professional guidance could help mitigate that risk.

Let’s Connect:
Have questions about investing in uncertain times? Contact us to speak with one of our advisors.