“I learned from a mentor a long time ago that the best plan includes an exit plan, meaning that if it’s not working, you have the flexibility to pivot at low cost, low effort, and so on. I think that’s extremely important to maintain a balanced approach—not just in investments but in the plan as a whole. We really just don’t know what the world is going to look like at the end of the year, and we have to be ready to take in the information that’s being presented and then take appropriate action.”
In the 2024 Q4 edition of the From the President’s Chair quarterly update, John G. Ullman & Associates President & COO, Jason Nickerson, CFP®, EA, discusses a new addition to the Advisor Team, his biggest takeaway from 2024, his message to clients heading into 2025, and more. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Alright, we’ve made it to 2025. What’s your biggest takeaway from 2024?
A: I think 2024, the way I would characterize it, is really around the Presidential Election. Not so much that it shapes everything that we do, but more so how we interact with our clients. We had many clients who were emotional on both sides of the aisle, and our job through that period of time was to be the calm for our clients—to help them understand the potential impact or, in many cases, the lack of impact. We wanted to be that foundational, emotional base that helps them through what has been an emotional time.
Over my time here, I can’t recall a period where a Presidential Election has caused so much emotion, whether you’re really happy about the result or really upset about it. We’ve been able to support people by helping them focus and dial back in on the things they can control with their planning. The best way to handle high emotions and uncertainty is to have a well-balanced approach. We wanted to ensure that everyone understood that, while we didn’t know the outcome, we could create a plan that best fit their needs and was flexible moving forward regardless of the result.
Q: Since the last time we spoke, we added to the Advisor Team with the hiring of Shawn Twigg. Could you tell us a bit about him and what he brings to the team?
A: We are extremely excited to add Shawn. Yes, he has experience in this field, but he also brings extensive life experience as an entrepreneur in a different industry. He transitioned into this field and has proven himself through hard work. He educated himself, obtained credentials, and acquired licenses to make the switch. That dedication will certainly be felt and passed on to our clients.
What stands out about Shawn is that he’s a calming presence in the room. The way he speaks, the way he holds himself—he’s a professional. Clients, once they get to know him, will be very comfortable. He’s intelligent, hardworking, and helps clients stay focused and confident as they move forward in their planning.
Q: After speaking about the addition of an employee, at the end of 2024, we had to say goodbye to two of our longest-tenured employees—Julie Owen and Sharon Peck. Can you speak on the impact that those two have had on the organization as a whole?
A: It’s bittersweet, right? You congratulate people for such long and successful careers, but their departure leaves a hole in the organization. Julie and Sharon each brought unique contributions to the company.
With Sharon, I’d say that if anyone wants to know what hard work and a “get-it-done” attitude look like, that’s Sharon Peck. Over her long career, she’s been wonderful. She’s not someone who seeks the spotlight. Instead, she leads by example. Many things get done quietly, and she’s usually in the middle of it.
Julie was a mentor of mine early on when I joined nearly 30 years ago. She’d already been here for about 40 years. Julie brought professionalism to her role and always focused on achieving the best outcomes for clients. She was diligent, timely, and accurate in her work. Her ability to build and manage relationships with clients and colleagues was exceptional.
While they will both be missed, we have a phenomenal and tremendously talented team. Losing long-term people like Julie and Sharon is challenging, and I’m mindful of maintaining our culture as we grow. It’s up to all of us to take up the mantle, continue what they started, and ensure our culture thrives.
Q: What message would you like to convey to our clients as we head into the New Year?
A: I would go back to the first question about my biggest takeaway from 2024. I believe we’re entering a continuation of high emotion as we move into the next four years with a new administration. It’s important for clients to understand that nobody has a crystal ball. The best thing we can do is focus on what we can control, have a well-developed plan in place, and remain flexible.
I learned from a mentor a long time ago that the best plan includes an exit plan, meaning that if it’s not working, you have the flexibility to pivot at low cost, low effort, and so on. That balanced approach is essential, not just in investments but in the plan as a whole. We don’t know what the world will look like at the end of the year, so we must be ready to act appropriately based on the information we’re presented with.
About John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc.
John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc., was founded in Corning, N.Y., in 1978. The firm is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) registered federally with the Securities & Exchange Commission*. As an independent, fee-based investment management firm, JGUA provides comprehensive wealth management strategies and services to clients. The firm manages over $1 billion in client assets, with a staff of more than 75 employees across four locations: Horseheads, N.Y., Rhinebeck, N.Y., Charlotte, N.C., and Corning, N.Y.
If you are interested in learning more about how JGUA could help you, visit our website here, or call 1 (800) 936-3785. You can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and The JGUA Blog.
*Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
