This quarter, we’re spotlighting CIO Emeritus Don Scholz who will be celebrating 25 years with Marshall Financial Group this year.
Outside the Office
Don’s biggest hobby is wine-making, which he started with his father-in-law. Together, they would visit The Italian market in Philadelphia for grapes and supplies, then journey back to his in-law’s house where they would crush and press the grapes and eventually barrel the wine. Don’s father-in-law passed away at the early age of 57 and, since his passing, Don has continued making wine in his memory. Don’s patient disposition comes in handy, as it can take anywhere from three months to a full year until the wine is ready to drink. He, with help from his wife Joanna, even made wine for their daughter Hilary’s wedding!
Along with his fruitful hobby, Don spends a considerable amount of time working with his local church. He and his wife Joanna perform together – Joanna on the organ and Don on the guitar/vocals – for Sundays, Christmas Eve and Easter services.
In fact, all of their children are musically inclined and for years also participated in numerous church services. A priest once called them the “Von Scholz Family” as a play on the Von Trapp’s. Their daughter Mary chose a career as a singer/songwriter and has released multiple albums and recently performed at World Café Live in Philadelphia before Christmas. “Being able to share music with my whole family has been very special,” says Don. “It’s a great reason to get together, especially around the holidays.”
In the Office
Don remains active within the Investment Department by providing a planning perspective as Chief Investment Officer Emeritus. He believes this gives the investment department a unique edge, “When investment recommendations are made, I’m able to bring up the impact on a client’s plan, which you wouldn’t normally consider if you were solely focused on investments. That’s the great thing about comprehensive planning – you’re considering the effects of a decision from multiple angles.”
When working with clients, Don loves to watch a financial plan come full circle. This is where Don’s expertise in facilitating Family Meetings comes into action. He skillfully brings family members together, and helps them communicate and understand the things that are important about their personal plan, which could include personal values, health and wellness, their financial situation, legal matters or end of life concerns. “I love my job the most when I get to see the whole picture come into focus,” he says.