Roaring Our Way
One of the world’s largest vintage car shows was held right outside Baird Birmingham offices, and our clients were on hand to enjoy and experience vintage cars and truck cruising the 16-mile route down Woodward Avenue. Travelling through Ferndale north to Pontiac, Michigan, the route passes through nine distinct host communities in Southeastern Oakland County. The event started in 1995, as a small local fundraiser for a soccer field and has grown now to include an approximate 1 million visitors with over 40,000 classic, muscle, and custom cars. Making the evening special for our guests and families are Vassel's Main Street Catering in Canton and The Cake Pop Shoppe in Ferndale.
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Baird Gives Back
It wasn't all fun and TOYS as Baird Birmingham branch employees took part in Baird Gives Back week. First stop was the Bottomless Toy Chest in Troy where team members wrapped some 150 gifts to be delivered to regional hospitals, lifting the spirits of young cancer patients while they are undergoing treatment. Next up was Lighthouse in Pontiac where our folks packed and delivered food to the hungry. For more than 80 years, Lighthouse has been a pillar in the community, providing not only essential food but also shelter to those in need. What an inspiration both non profits are to all of us. Baird Gives Back is an extension of our firm’s commitment to the communities in which we live and work, core to our company’s culture. Many thanks to the people of Bottomless Toy Chest and Lighthouse for the impact they make on our community each and every day.
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Watch Out For This Elf On The Shelf
Baird Birmingham celebrated the holidays with a potluck luncheon and very popular white elephant gift exchange. Helping to expediate the game and make sure the rules were followed was Senior Financial Advisor, Mike Welch. Ever the holiday enthusiast Mike takes this day very seriously. Winner of the best gift, FA Andrew Mullins with a dinosaur toilet paper holder and snail soup dispenser. Let's not forget, FA Dan Paulson who chose the preferably fruit cake.
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2nd Annual Baird Birmingham Chili Party
Rivalry defined our offices recently as Birmingham celebrated the annual University of Michigan verses Michigan State football game while at the same time we held our 2nd annual Chili Cook Off. Team members had an opportunity to taste test three various chili recipes and cast a vote for the winner. Once again, Financial Advisor and now Defending Champ Al Hassinger earned the rights to the winning recipe.
Congrats, Al Hassinger!!!
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Special Guest Baird Strategas Nick Bohnsack
Baird Birmingham was excited to treat our clients to a special investment dinner event featuring Nick Bohnsack, President and Head of Portfolio Strategy at Baird Strategas. Nick discussed our current political climate as it relates to policy and what it means for the markets. It was fantastic to offer clients the opportunity to ask questions and get them answered by a prominent economist from our prestigious partner, Baird Strategas.
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Cheers to Baird Birmingham
Baird Birmingham, Michigan, opened it's doors 26 years ago. It's been a wonderful location to meet and serve our clients. We celebrate the hard work, expertise and dedication to excellence that has occurred here. Team members marked the occasion learning how to create a delicious new drink under the guidance of a local mixologist. We raise our glass to serving our clients for more than two decades.
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30th Woodward Dream Cruise
Detroit is the "Motor City" and this moniker is easily earned in mid-August during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise. It's estimated more than 1 million car enthusiasts lined Detroit's most iconic thoroughfare (Woodward Avenue) to get a glimpse of muscle cars, cars with fins and modern day sports cars. Baird Birmingham is situated perfectly to give our clients a close up view and a chance to refuel.
Happy 30th year to this wonderful event.
Special thanks to these team members who got the tent back into the bag!!
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Birmingham 1st Annual Cornhole Tournament
It's a summer ritual, graduation parties and cornhole. Well, Baird Birmingham decided to create a new ritual, it's 1st annual Cornhole Tournament. Team members took a turn at tossing the bag to earn the title of Cornstar. That dubious title goes to Client Specialist Cameron Peel, who amazingly threw 5 Hole In Ones. Branch Manager John Melick awarded Cam the top price, a cornholer tee shirt.
Other notable mentions are Financial Advisor Dan Paulson who threw two sliders, hitting the board and dropping in the hole. Client Assistant Ana Jacobs followed with one slider, along with Financial Advisor Troy Yaldoo. Associate Financial Advisor Gabby Maniaci earned a hole in one along with Client Assistant Jennifer Sizeland who followed with a Nice Try, a bag hanging between the board and the hole.
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Recognizing Accomplishments!
Client Specialist Cameron Peel is now fully registered as an IAR Investment Representative. Cam has successfully passed the SIE, Series 7 and Series 66 exams, each demanding, rigorous and challenging. Currently, Cam is a Client Specialist, processing financial planning strategies for The Paulson Group.
Congratulations
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Baird Re:Union
Baird Re:Union isn’t just an event. It’s a bridge that connects associates around the world, a spark that brings us together, and a reminder of what makes our culture strong. More than 8,000 employees gathered in Milwaukee in June to celebrate the people and values that bring our firm to life. Baird Birmingham was on hand to learn, deepen friendships and enjoy.
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Baird Birmingham Serving the Community
Since Baird's founding in 1919, Baird associates and their family members and friends have come together and donated their time to volunteer in communities across our global footprint. Every year, Baird Gives Back Week celebrates this commitment to our communities—an integral part of The Baird Way and our culture—by giving back together. Team members headed to The Bottomless Toy Chest in Troy, Oakland County Animal Rescue in Pontiac and The Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Volunteers at The Bottomless Toy Chest wrapped 227 gifts to be delivered to sick children in local hospitals.
Volunteering at the Oakland County Animal Rescue, team members helped make snack packs for dogs and cuddled kittens.
And at The Friendship Circle we helped challenged children experience everyday life and skills.
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Baird Birmingham Honors Employee
Client Assistant Kelly Gostek celebrates her 15th anniversary with Baird this year. Kelly began her career in the financial industry as an 18 year old wire operator. Throughout her 41 year career she has held various roles including wire operator, stock transfers, new accounts, cashier, and sales assistant landing in her current role as client assistant. She currently supports FA's Mike Thorstad, Jeff Forche and Troy Yaldoo, handling client needs.
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Which Wine?
Team members toasted each other while at the same time guessed the best. Our Birmingham Baird branch tested their taste buds to determine which wine was the most expensive along with which wine they enjoyed the most. Three employees had the discerning ability to determine the most expensive and one received a gift card to restock their own wine cellar.
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Chili Cook Off
When it comes to chilly weather, chili recipes come to mind and here at the Baird Birmingham branch it meant a chili cook off. We had three employees who offered up their expertise allowing all employees to taste and more importantly enter a ballot deciding on who had the best recipe. It was a three-way tie, Branch Manager Jay Godfrey chose the winner out of the Baird jar.
Congratulations to our Financial Advisor Al Hassinger for winning our 1st annual chili cook off.
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Adult Back to School Snack Time
It's Back to School time and our Baird Birmingham branch celebrated with a throw back to snack time. Employees enjoyed a mid-afternoon treat of Capri Sun, apple juice, chocolate milk, variety of chips, gogurts, popcorn, uncrustable peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and of course some sweets. For those with small children we added a bit of help in the form of small bottles. All had the opportunity to enter a raffle for a $50 Krogers gift card to purchase their own snacks for home.
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We had Another One!
Here at the Baird Birmingham, branch we celebrated another 25th anniversary. Client Assistant, Vicki Bannon, celebrated the milestone this week and what is amazing is she's had the same boss the entire time. Vicki started her career in the financial services industry as a receptionist and worked her way up to her current position. This longevity says something about Baird, how we value our employees, the working environment we create and the support we provide. This year, Vicki is the 3rd person in our branch to celebrate this milestone anniversary joining Financial Advisor Jay Godfrey and Branch Office Manager Candace Meister.
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Roaring into Birmingham
The Woodward Dream Cruise roared thru Birmingham this weekend and Baird clients had a front row seat to all the action. Our clients enjoyed dinner, drinks, dessert and fabulous cars and trucks from years gone by. Baird loves sharing what Detroit does best: innovation, design, and teamwork. The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing over 1-million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe—from as far away as Australia and Japan. Cruisers from all across North America, including Canada and Mexico, caravan to Metro Detroit to participate in what has become, for many, an annual rite of summer.
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Holidays in July
Why wait six months when you can celebrate in July? Baird's Birmingham branch celebrated the holidays in July at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers rallied against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The game drew 42,060 fans, the first sellout at Comerica Park since a crowd of 44,711 for the home opener against the Oakland Athletics on April 5. Shohei Ohtani, of the LA Dodgers, created a two-out RBI double giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a ninth-inning lead and they held on to beat the Detroit Tigers 4-3, ending a four-game losing streak. Baird team members enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the Tiger's Cub restaurant and seats with a close-up view of all the action. The evening concluded with an end of the game fireworks display.
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Baird Gives Back Hits 15 Years
Baird associates and their family members came together to donate their time to volunteer in communities throughout South Eastern, Michigan. 2024 is a significant milestone for Baird Gives Back, marking 15 years of this corporate wide community service initiative. This year the Birmingham branch spent time with Oakland County Animal Rescue in Pontiac, The Bottomless Toy Chest in Troy, and The Friendship Circle's Life Lessons Village in West Bloomfield.
Team members nurtured 2 week old kittens, created dog treats and provided exercise to various dogs.
Toys being prepared to create joy and smiles for children at local hospitals at The Bottomless Toy Chest.
Helping disadvantaged children practice life skills at The Friendship Circle.
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Decades of Expertise
Baird Birmingham has a wealth of financial knowledge, experience and expertise.
In fact, two of our financial advisors are celebrating 15 years with Baird.
Joe Maye-Financial Advisor
The spring marks Joe Maye’s 15th year as a financial advisor with Baird and more than three decades in the financial service industry. Throughout his career Joe assists clients in creating and securing their retirement goals along with a look toward leaving a legacy to future generations. His expertise, experience and in-depth approach leaves his clients feeling listened to and like family. Joe is very active in his community both as Prince of Peace Church in West Bloomfield and the Living and Learning Center in Northville, Michigan, with a mission is to enhance the lives of those with disabilities.
John McCallum-Senior Vice President
Baird’s Senior Vice President, John McCallum, is celebrating his 15th year at Baird and close to four decades working within the financial services industry. John has expertise in technical analysis and follows the market cycles intently allowing him to effectively manage portfolios and associated market risks while at the same time building close, long-term relationships with his clients. In building his practice at Baird, John’s son Ryan joined his team in 2018, furthering financial service offerings and the ability to connect with the next generation of clients.
Thank you both for your commitment to Baird!
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Toast of Baird
Baird celebrated the best in our business...employees who exemplify outstanding client service. The Birmingham Branch is excited to announce that Client Assistant Jennifer Sizeland of, The Paulson Group, was recognized for her hard work, dedication, and experience earning the Branch All Star Award. Jennifer is a model of excellence in her role demonstrating a high level of professionalism, depth of knowledge and excellent client service. A 17-year Baird veteran, she continually goes above and beyond what is asked of her from her clients and team members. Baird Managing Director and Birmingham Branch Manager, Jay Godfrey says, “Jennifer is a true All Star, her depth of knowledge over almost two decades in the financial service industry has served the branch and her clients extremely well and she is truly is one of the best in our business.” Congratulations Jennifer.
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The Ally Challenge
The Senior PGA tour made it's way to Grand Blanc, Michigan, for the Ally Challenge and Baird-Birmingham was there on the 17th hole for the up-close action. The tournament, a 54 hole stroke play event, is part of the PGA Tour Champions featuring 78 PGA Tour professionals competing for a $2 million purse. This year's tour featured golf legend Jack Nicklaus, John Daly and four-time Stanley Cup winner, former Detroit Red Wing Right Winger, Darren McCarty. The 17th hole was where the final nail biting action occurred. Pro Paul Goydos was leading by one and had an 18-foot birdie putt he left 3 feet short. He rammed the par putt by the hole then missed the 3-foot bogey putt, then missed again from about 4 feet and tapped in for a triple bogey. His five-putt bogey allowed Vijay Singh to win with a 14-hold under par.
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Reviving It Up for Our Clients
Vintage cars and trucks roared by the Baird-Birmingham office for the 28th Woodward Dream Cruise. This one-day automotive event brings car enthusiasts from across the country to Michigan to experience the golden era of car design. Along with car design, clients experienced our newly designed and remodeled office, many for the first time due to the pandemic. Clients enjoyed a dinner of sliders, drinks and a new gourmet take on classic cotton candy. This year's raffle included a chance to win 3 Speedway gas gift cards for clients to "gas up" their own favorite vehicle.
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Helping Our Community
Baird Gives Back 2023
Baird-Birmingham choose three local non-profit organizations this year to donate their time and skills. Baird Gives Back is a global wide company initiative encouraging employees to celebrate their commitment to their community. Team members first headed to Oakland County Animal Rescue where they created treat packets and walked dogs.
The Friendship Circle saw Baird employees for the 6th consecutive year helping special needs children navigate everyday skills such as visiting a dentist and café as well as learning safety rules while riding their bikes:
And The Bottomless Toy Chest had employees wrapping gifts to be given to children's cancer departments at local hospitals.
Firmwide we had a very successful year, setting records with close to 50% of all associated taking part to create these numbers:
· Over 2,500 Baird volunteers (up from 1,800 in 2022)
· More than 7,700 hours of service donated (up from 5,866 in 2022)
· 223 charitable organizations supported (up from 120 in 2022)
· 103 participating Baird locations (up from 91 in 2022)
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Surpassing goals for a good cause
Jordan Rosenberg, of The Rosenberg Group, and his children, laced up their athletic shoes and hit the streets of West Bloomfield for this year's Walk4Friendship. The walk raises vital funds for The Friendship Circle, which serves special needs children and families by providing life skills training. More than 2,000 walkers took part in the walk this year, raising more than $715,000. The Rosenberg Group awarded trophies to two teams that raised the most funds and had the most contributors. The Exceptional Friendship trophy was awarded to the Menuck family and the Exceptional Contributor award to the Snyder family. To deepen their commitment to The Friendship Circle, this year's one-of-a-kind trophies were created by artists from the Soul Studio in West Bloomfield.
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Taking Part in Our Community
Baird Gives Back 2022
Giving back to our community, isn’t just the right thing to do it’s at the core of what Baird believes…caring for the communities where its employees live and work. Baird Gives Back week is a global employee initiative where employees volunteer in their communities. Baird Gives Back has been held annually since 2009, encouraging associates to get involved and make a difference in their community. Baird Birmingham associates took their time and talents to four organizations this year.
At Lighthouse, team members sorted and packed food for hungry families.
At Oakland County Animal Rescue employees walked dogs and created nutritious pet food.
At the Friendship Circle, associates helped special needs kids practice life skills at the Lessons for Life village including visiting the doctor, ordering a smoothie while observing traffic laws.
And at the Shades of Pink nonprofit organization, team members helped prepare participants for the organization's walk at the Detroit Zoo.
