"Here's list of some of the reasons I've really appreciated (and enjoyed) working with you.

• Obvious passion and interest in following the markets, economy, politics, etc., paying attention to a variety of levels of information from many resources. It boggles my mind how many tidbits of information you can offer up in our discussions.
• Your attention to my accounts. I feel confident that you are checking on them regularly and probably more frequently when the markets change unexpectedly.
• I really appreciate having a sense of security knowing you have recommended investments which offer stability and security yet still provide a good income and growth level. It's impressive how much my portfolio has grown over the years.
• I enjoy our telephone call updates and the frequency.
• It's been a pleasure to get to know you personally over the years.
• I really appreciate the extra efforts you make to make us feel appreciated as clients.

It's a pleasure working with you and I hope it continues."

- Real Estate, Businesswoman

 

"As a client, the most important opinion I can give, is the fact that during Fiona's regular telephone reviews of my portfolio, I listen to the conversation and learn from her. Any time I do not understand, she will patiently explain and get me back on track, a little more knowledgeable. My investment decisions are made with confidence thanks to this."

- Retired Business Woman

 

"In summary, I enjoyed my professional relationship with Fiona that date back two decades. I like to refer to our relationship as a "balanced and fruitful" – my investment portfolio is pretty much on auto drive with ample guidance, supervision, sanity check by Fiona. Reviews are usually done on quarterly basis which works well with me as I invest, not trade. Having said that, Fiona is also quick to respond to my queries with not just an attached canned analyst's assessment but her views as well. This is what I call value added service that distinguish her from other relationship managers. Fiona doesn't know, no one does, so I also appreciate when she tells me that she doesn't know and hence can't advise. She does propose alternatives. I especially like the fact that Fiona is not pushy. She gave me plenty of room and time and I am sure she can sense when I am unsure or reluctant. Among the stocks that Fiona proposed and I considered and ultimately purchased, there are winners and losers (never expected a crystal ball here). I am happy that winners out-numbered the losers to-date. Fiona helped me achieved a balanced return.

As far as what Fiona can do better, perhaps a better handle on volatility (detect and highlight). This I consider a very stretched goal. Don't know if there are ways that help monitor and report on the trajectory of stocks as they head South concern over daily or weekly fluctuations.

I am very pleased with our professional relationship. What matters most is that I trust and respect her judgment and advice."

- Retired Software Executive

 

"I am happy with you and your communication frequency and style and if I wasn't happy with any of your other attributes or if there was a lack I certainly would let you know. Your knowledge is extensive and when you don't know something you do research and get back to me.

Keep on with the good work…"

- Sales & Service Consultant

 

"I am really enjoying our advisor/client relationship. I find your knowledge and communication skill very impressive and find that I learn a great deal each time we talk. It did take me a couple of meetings to get up to your speed but I now find I can keep up most of the time.

I really appreciate how much time and effort you put into my accounts especially considering they are not huge amounts. Your personal touch makes a huge difference for me and helps me to have great confidence in your decisions. The bottom line for me is that in only a few years you have greatly increased the value of my assets far more than anything I have experienced before. I oversee my Dad's affairs through {another firm} and my assets managed by you consistently out perform his.

I believe you are doing a great job for and I am very grateful. I look forward to your continued success.

Thank you so much."

- Artist/Woodcarver

 

"Fiona, I can't tell you how much {sic} I made the decision to transfer my account to you. Your knowledge and advice has been outstanding and my account is really making progress. Thank you so much."

- Retired

 

"I think you do a first class job. You are well informed and on top of current conditions. You aren't afraid of telling me that things haven't worked out the way that you predicted and it's time to take a loss and move on. I always get a chuckle when you say a stock has "drooped." You keep a close eye on all my holdings and are always looking at a strategy to improve my returns without taking big risks. Sometimes you give me so much information my mind starts to freeze but I do appreciate your enthusiasm. As well as being a great investment advisor I consider you a friend.

Keep up the good work."

- Businessman

 

"I have been more than happy with you as my financial planner and keeper of my three accounts. You keep me up to date on how the markets are doing and what should be sold and what should be bought."

- Retired School Teacher

 

"I am happy with the service. You are always available to call back or email quickly. Frequency of follow ups on the account is perfect. You always seem to have an abundance of information and take the time to explain things.

Very happy. Thanks."

- Medical Researcher

 

"We are happy with all aspects of our relationship with you and your staff. We feel we are getting good value and good returns from your expertise. Neither of us has much experience or knowledge of investing and we feel we are in good hands."

- Retired

 

"Both my mom and I are very happy with the service that you and your team are providing us. My only wish was that I had more money to send you!!! Haha!"

- Commercial Real Estate Executive

 

"I was quite relieved when you agreed to takes us on as clients and I feel confident in your knowledge of the investment world and your investment style. I am just happy that the average value of my portfolio is higher than it would have been sticking the money under my mattress. Some of our previous investment advisors couldn't beat the mattress and that was during the Clinton era when the economy was booming.

I love the fact that you are responsive, that you keep me informed about changes to my portfolio (although a lot of it sounds lie Greek to me) and that you tolerate my warped sense of humour.

Someday I want to reciprocate your professionalism and kindness in the form of a vegetarian and fair trade dinner.

Looking forward to it."

- Doctor

 

"I have really appreciated your professionalism, breadth of knowledge, kindness and humour. As we all know, I have not embraced investment management as one of my skills and I appreciate your patience as you navigate the crossroads between moving to action and trying to inform me o the strategy and reasons for your decisions. I really trust your work and insights and appreciate you reaching out to me, even though we both well know, I‘m likely not going to be able to offer you educated feedback to your suggestions and recommendations.

I especially appreciate how you always keep the eye on my goals (I don't want to have to rely on cat food for nutrition as I can't really think of anything that I would consider negative at all. I do appreciate you!"

- Philanthropy Executive

 

"I started dealing with you after my brother passed away and left this account to me. Though I live in Toronto it has never stopped you from being in constant and frequent communication with me. Even being persistent in reaching me when I'm frequently away. If feel very comfortable with your in depth knowledge of the market and ability to communicate that to me as someone who has little skill or experience with investments. Thank you for that."

- Retired

 

"I have been enjoying retirement for almost eight years. The key word here is "enjoying" because without Fiona and her team, that word very well may not be a part of the sentence. She talked with us about our hopes, goals and expectations right at the beginning; talks with us on the phone frequently and sits down with us at least once a year. She has consistently provided an excellent return on investment – even in tough economic times. The key to enjoying what Fiona does is:

1.    Listen to her advice. She's not right every time, but she certainly is right more than she's wrong.

2.    Don't panic in tough times; let her do what she's paid to do; you'll be ahead in the end."

- Barbara & Larry, Burnaby BC

 

"Fiona always explains the reason for any changes to my portfolio in a manner that I can understand, she picks investments that suit my tolerance for risk and yet manages to find investments that generally perform well and does not seem to make changes unless something more advantageous comes along. She keeps in touch on a regular basis to let me know how things are working out. I would recommend her services to anybody looking for an advisor, which I have done in the past"

- Architect

 

"Ms. Brodie is an excellent advisor whom I have followed from one company to her present firm, Wood Gundy. Communications with Ms. Brodie is exemplary and she's always providing me with up to date investment advice that totally meets my needs."

- Doctor

 

"Fiona has managed our RRSP account for over 15 years. Even during downturns she keeps a level head and as a result we recovered very quickly after the recent meltdown. She is attentive without being intrusive, and is a straight arrow. We have no hesitation in recommending her services."

- Designer

 

"Fiona has consistently shown an excellent ability to help me reach my income and investment goals. She has anticipated many of future income needs and, in the face of so much market insecurity, she's been a voice of calm and reason. I depend on her advice and value it."

- Stay-at-home mother

 

"I have been very pleased with Fiona's service and performance. I can't think of anything to suggest in the way of improvements. Just keep doing what you're doing."

- Engineer

 

"We have been with Fiona for about 18 years. We moved our accounts with her when she changed firms. With her guidance and excellent advice, we have watched our portfolios grow."

- Retired, Forestry CFO

 

"Fiona is a knowledgeable straight shooter who does not gild the lily when it comes to investing. Her service is personal and timely. I would recommend her to friends without concern that her actions would come back to bite me."

- Retired, Real Estate specialist

 

"Fiona has managed my portfolio for over 20 years and I am fortunate to have such a competent and professional advisor. She has consistently managed growth with my funds and rode the market lows successfully with quick returns. I am now retired and have a comfortable monthly income. Fiona keeps in touch and regularly reviews the portfolio, often recommending an adjustment or a new investment. She is passionate about her work, has helped and advised me on related issues, and is a pleasure to deal with!"

- Retire, professional

 

"An extremely knowledgeable financial advisor - Fiona listens and then acts accordingly, always having the clients interest at the forefront."

- Health professional

 

"Fiona is dedicated to her profession & is very hard working. She has a real feel for the business & is an excellent communicator. I would highly recommend her. She's a very nice person as well."

- Independent businessman

 

"My portfolio's growth continues to amaze me – I am grateful for the work you do managing and growing my retirement fund..."

- Peggy G, Communications Specialist

 

"First of all I have to say that we are extremely happy to have you taking care of our investments and future financial position; we have no complaints. You have a very friendly disposition and we appreciate the way you keep track of our financial instruments, and recommend changes when you see a possibility to do better. We also appreciate you being regularly in touch with us as well as providing market updates with explanations on potential impact on our portfolios to avoid panic at our end.

Keep up the good work."

- Retired Architect & Interior Designers

 

"Let me make it simple – the job you are doing for us is great!

Your communication with us is good, you only need to give us the general intent of your strategies, you look after the specifics. We are confident in your financial knowledge and experience and these results confirm our confidence is well placed.

Your staff have always responded quickly and efficiently to our account activities. I appreciate your thorough introductions of your new staff. I'm sure that those staff that have moved on have benefitted from your tutelage, their advancement is likely an indication of the learning they have gained from you.

Finally, I hope our relationship is financially beneficial for you. There have been numerous advertisements on TV and in the newspapers, where other financial companies/individuals question the amount of compensation one pays to their financial advisor. Certainly it makes one think – my review of our statements indicates that you/CIBC receive $xxx annually for your services to us. When I consider the time invested by you and your staff, I don't consider that service fee to be unreasonable. Like any/all professional service, it is not just the time involved, but the wealth of knowledge and experience that you apply to your decisions. Bottom line, we are happy, and very pleased with your service. And we look forward to a long continuation of same."

- Retired couple