Registered Rep.: The biggest business change you have made as a result of the recent economic swoon?
Pete Bush: Stepped up efforts to communicate to clients that we will set aside extra time to meet with their friends, family members and associates who have been left hanging by other advisors.
RR: Is the current state of affairs in the economy and markets evidence of a paradigm shift, or is this just like other bear markets?
PB: The details are always different, which makes this bear market seem different. History will show it's not different this time.
RR: You are co-founder of Baton Rouge Uncorked. What is the greatest take away from your charity work?
PB: Raising money for worthy causes doesn't have to come in the form of a boring rubber chicken banquet with a painfully predictable agenda and speaker. This is about as much fun as I've ever had and it's making a difference in the community.
RR: Your favorite wine?
PB: 2005 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.
RR: The top three financial needs of professional athletes?
PB: First, a proactive cash-management system to keep money and opportunity from slipping away while they are consumed with their work. Second, a well coordinated and trusted financial team to protect them from themselves and others (sometimes their own family!) Third, a detailed financial plan to keep their lifestyle within their means once they retire.
RR: Your most memorable moment with a client?
PB: I found a $23,000 mistake in a client's favor upon reviewing his tax return. His wife, once skeptical of the value our planning fee, said to him, “I think I now get this ‘Pete Bush thing’.”
RR: What are you bullish about?
PB: Human beings' collective ability to innovate and improve. It's getting better all the time.
RR: Favorite view in Baton Rouge?
PB: Tsunami Sushi, 6th Floor of Shaw Center downtown, overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.