Tuesday, June 11, 2013

AdviCoach - Gerry Gerth


I often tell my clients who are in a career transition and are struggling to find that new job or career path, "When the fish aren't biting, it's time to find a new pond." That might mean moving to another state where the jobs are more plentiful or perhaps changing careers. If you keep "fishing in the same pond" and you're not getting results, chances are you'll be fishing a long time.

Our entrepreneur this month realized that being over 60 was not conducive to finding a job with longevity. So he went "fishing in another pond" and found a new career.

Congratulations Gerry, and welcome to the world of entrepreneurship!
  

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Gerry Gerth
 Gerry Gerth    
      AdviCoach

Gerry Gerth spent most of his career in banking, working for two major banks in southeast Wisconsin. An economics and organizational studies graduate from UW-Milwaukee, Gerry specialized in the payment systems in bank operations.

After 9-11, checks didn't move through normal distribution channels. The government passed legislation that a picture of a check was legal representation as the check itself. Gerry and a friend saw an opportunity and together they formed a check imaging company. Gerry went on to form a consultant agency called Payments Mentor.

Gerry used his years of experience in helping smaller banks improve their payment systems. One of his clients liked his expertise and made him an offer he couldn't refuse. So Gerry went on to work for them for a couple of years. Eventually, there was some re-organization in the bank and Gerry and the bank parted ways. Gerry was 62 at the time and felt he was too young to retire and still wanted to be active and make a contribution to the business world.

Gerry could of course go back to his consulting business, but he also wanted to explore his other options. He joined a group called Gray Hair Management that operated out the greater Chicago area. They specialize in helping professionals in career transition. At one of the Gray Hair meetings, a speaker from The Entrepreneur's Source was featured. That seminar opened Gerry's eyes to the possibility of a franchise as a new career direction.

Gerry engaged with one of my colleagues from The Entrepreneur's Source to learn about his options and possibilities. Although he had a very strong bank background, it was the mentoring that he really liked. His E-Source coach introduced him to AdviCoach, a business coaching franchise, and Gerry was immediately drawn to it.

Gerry liked AdviCoach because he had coached subordinates most of his career and the business model would allow him to work into the so-called retirement years. It provided a lot of flexibility in his work day. He also liked the value proposition of the coaching model. Although he would charge a fee, the cost is ultimately no cost to the client because the results of his coaching should more that offset his fees by improved processes, revenue and profit.

Besides joining Gray Hair Management, Gerry was also active in a couple of job networking groups in the Milwaukee area. I happened to be at one of those group meetings when Gerry stood up to give his 30 second speech informing the group that he had decided to move forward and become an AdviCoach franchise owner. After the meeting I went up to Gerry and introduced myself and congratulated him on his decision. I also mentioned to him that I facilitate a Franchise Owner's Group and I invited him to attend our meetings after he came back from his training and was an official franchise owner.

Gerry has been attending our Owner's Group for several years. We set aside about 15 minutes of this meeting for a "Gerry coaching moment" so he can provide education and inspiration to other members of the group. He also works with his local Chamber of Commerce helping them pro-bono with their strategic plan.

Gerry enjoys what he does but finds the conservative nature of the local area challenging. He told me; "Business owners too often get stuck working in their business rather than on it, and often find it difficult to admit they need help and accept it. Those that are willing to recognize their short comings will benefit from the results of working with a coach. Athletes work with coaches all the time to get them to excel in their field. Smart business owners are learning to do the same."

AdviCoach is part of FSBI International, a multi-branded franchise conglomerate specializing in coaching franchises in various venues. As business development professionals, AdviCoaches specialize in helping small to mid-sized business owners fulfill their dreams, help discover a clear way forward and hold them accountable to meet their short and long-term goals. AdviCoach business coaches have 21 proven strategies specifically designed to improve productivity and drive immediate results. 

Gerry's business in located in Watertown, Wisconsin, and works with clients in all of southeastern Wisconsin. If you are a small to medium size business owner or know of someone who is and would like to take your business to the next level, give Gerry a call at 262-716-7509 for a complimentary coaching session. The experience could be life changing.

Gerry didn't want to stop working at age 62 when he left his last position. He surveyed the marketplace and quickly realized that finding a job with longevity in the current economic environment was a low probability. He decided to explore his options and went "fishing in a different pond" and found his career calling in AdviCoach. His future is now in his own hands and he can set his own schedule and work until he's ready to retire or have a working retirement. The option is his. He is in control of his destiny.