GA!: Chris, tell us a little about you; family, school, etc.
Chris: I have been married to my wife, Nancy, for 17 years, and we have an 11 year old son named Connor. I am originally from Michigan, and graduated from Central Michigan University with a major in Statistics. After college, I opened an office for Edward Jones, and over time I moved into some management positions for them in St. Louis and Canada, and eventually was able to take over an office in Gastonia in 1996.
GA!: Tell us about what you do at Raymond James.
Chris: We help people with all of their investment needs, whether saving for college, saving for retirement, living in retirement, or planning for their estate. On the investment side, we are more worried about limiting the downside than taking a lot of risk and trying to make the most money possible. We are more interested in handling people’s serious money than their play money.
GA!: What is the best part about doing what you do?
Chris: That I am able to make a difference in people’s lives. I have clients that I started to work with at the birth of their first child. Now that child has graduated from college, and I was able to help them save for a college education. I have helped many people when they were in the middle of their working careers, and now they are enjoying retirement. It is fun for me to see them progress through their lives and to know that I helped them achieve their financial goals.
GA!: What would your clients say about you?
Chris: They would mainly say that I care. I care about their investment needs and do my best for them given their situation, but mainly I care about them.
GA!: Who is your typical client?
Chris: I would say the majority of our clients are within a few years of retirement or are currently retired. But we do have clients of all ages, some saving for college, etc.
GA!: What if I know pretty much zero about investments-or maybe I’m used to managing some of my own investments?
Chris: That’s what we’re here for. It’s our job to know about investments and how to manage themwe’re here to simplify people’s lives. Everyone is so busy these days; most folks would like to make their lives a little easier or less stressful. We are here to do just that. Whether it’s consolidating all their accounts so they are receiving less paperwork every month and at tax time, or letting us worry about the markets and the economy so they don’t have to- that’s what we’re here for.
GA!: Tell us about your team…
Chris: We now have five financial advisers in the office, each having at least 12 years of financial experience. In addition to these five, we have our office manager that has been with me for over 16 years. Personally, last month I celebrated 25 years of being a financial adviser.
GA!: What do you do when you are not being an investment guru?
Chris: I enjoy playing tennis. My wife plays a lot of tennis, and seven years ago, when I was 40, they needed another male for their mixed team. I told her I would play, but I didn’t want it to take away from my golf. Since then, I have really developed a passion for tennis, and I haven’t played much golf, which is pretty obvious when you look at my golf game!
GA!: What is the main thing you would like folks to know about you professionally?
Chris: I think the main thing is, as I mentioned before, we are here to help simplify people’s lives. If you would like some help in organizing and managing your investments, then come on in and sit down with one of us and we will discuss things with you. There is no fee or obligation to come in and have us review your portfolio, so give us a call!
Chris Pridnia, CFP
3270A Robinwood Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
Tel: 704-869-8828 Fax: 704-869-8886
[email protected] • www.raymondjames.com/Gastonia
