Interview with Bonnie Struck, Investment Services Manager and Compliance Officer
/In celebration of Worley Erhart-Graves Financial Advisors’ 20th Anniversary, we asked Bonnie Struck, Investment Services Manager and Compliance Officer, a few questions about her journey as a woman in the financial industry. Bonnie has been with the company since 2000.
Q. Favorite Place Traveled and why?
A. China
I have been so fortunate to have traveled to many wonderful places and without a doubt my trip to China was the most memorable. We had one fabulous experience after another, but one funny event was our visit to the Great Wall. You would think the Great Wall, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, would be the main attraction, but so was I. As a 5’ 9” blonde American I was stopped countless times and asked to have my photo taken while visiting the Wall. For example, grandparents would pose their grandchildren next to me and take a photo, a young man approached me and asked if his girlfriend could sit closely to me while he snapped a photo, etc. I thought that was odd, so I asked our tour guide what will they do with those photos and she said they will blow the photos up and hang them in their homes. She said many Chinese had never seen an American and had definitely not someone that looked like me. I felt like a celebrity and a little bit like a circus freak. The Chinese people were very respectful and welcoming and eager to ask questions about America. China was so fascinating and we were in constant awe of its sights and cultural differences. It was a trip of a lifetime and will be a fond memory forever.
Q. You recently announced your retirement, what are you looking forward to most in retirement?
A. I have always loved travelling, and when I retire, I plan on doing a lot more. I will increase my volunteering for animal welfare causes.
Q. During your tenure, what have you enjoy most about your investment services manager/compliance officer position?
A. It has been very satisfying to work with clients to meet their ultimate goals and be a part of those achievements. Being a part of their journey has rewarding.
Q. Were there any challenges you faced as a woman in the financial industry?
A. Working with an all-female firm has shielded me from the struggles of a predominately male industry. Our firm’s success can be credited to the support of co-workers. We exemplify what a true team can accomplish when faced with obstacles. There is a solution to all struggles and having a voice has been critical to our success.
Q. Do you have any advice for your successor?
A. This a pivotal position to the success of the firm and a fantastic opportunity to participated in growing the business. Your number one priority is to provide the best client experience and to do it consistently.
-Bonnie Struck, Investment Services Manager and Compliance Officer