Our Charm City Adventure

This past weekend the entire Medallion Group Team made the 45-minute trip up I-95 to the grand ole city of Baltimore for a three-day training conference.

We listened to various speakers cover a range of topics related to financial services. Over all, the trip was a smashing success, and we have already started implementing much of what we learned.

As a native to Maryland, I’ve been to Charm City many times, and I have very fond memories of visiting the Baltimore Aquarium with my family. My cousins and I would impatiently race through the maze of exhibits so that we could be first in line for the dolphin show, which we had learned previously was the only way one could guarantee a seat in the “splash zone” (the highlight of every child’s visit to the aquarium).

As we walked around the harbor together chatting about this and that, I couldn’t help but feel a sudden wave of nostalgia. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized how many fond memories I had of this small industrial city.

I remember being enchanted by the paddle boats floating around the Inner Harbor and visiting Fort McHenry when we were studying about Francis Scott Key and The War of 1812. In fact, Baltimore was the first place I learned that submarines would actually go under the water.

I remember those days like they were yesterday, summers spent devouring more cotton candy and hot dogs than any little kid should be allowed to have as I sat next to my Dad at Camden Yards, with my baseball cap and glove, silently praying a foul ball would come my way. I remember cheering so loud I could barely speak the next morning as we watched Cal Ripken and Brady Anderson knock em’ out of the park.

Now that I am all grown up (or so I’m told) I haven’t made it out to Baltimore as much as I would have liked. Ryan, on the other hand, being a diehard Ravens fan makes it his personal mission to make it to every game he possibly can.

Alas, I digress. The conference took place at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. During the day, we spent our time listening to experts in various fields share about new laws and regulations that govern our business, investment strategies, changes in market conditions, current events, technology, and creative ways to further benefit the people we serve.

The speakers were incredible and what we took away was pure gold. In fact, during our team huddle on the last day, the consensus was that we were all calling out of work on Monday because our hands felt like they were going to fall off due to the rigorous pace at which we were all taking notes. Of course, on Monday everyone was present and pushing full steam ahead (we just can’t help ourselves).

Aside from sharpening our minds and the usual “cocktail party” conferencey stuff, we spent the time in between sessions chatting with other agents from all over the country and taking our kids on a few adventures. Most importantly, we had the opportunity to spend some quality time as a team.

In the evenings, we watched fire jugglers, clowns, unicyclists, and street performers. We also happened upon a festival with live music and dancing, face painting, bubble stations, and an impromptu kids’ soccer game.

On Saturday afternoon as the conference was winding down, we decided to take an adult only adventure to the aquarium with the team. My sister drove up and agreed to watch the kids, so off we went.

Although we didn’t get to sit in the splash zone (only because they have since changed the dolphin show to a dolphin exhibit), we had a great time marveling and discovering all the wonderful things the aquarium is doing for these aquatic treasures.

After dinner at Phillips, we topped the night off with silly conversation over cheesecake and coffee, and made it back to the hotel in time to tuck the kids in and read them a quick story. I think we would all agree it was time well spent on many levels. Conversations have already started about plans for our next adventure.

Next time you are in Charm City, let us know! We would love the opportunity to chat over a cup of coffee or give you or give you a tour of the city. Of course you are always welcome to stop by our office in Gaithersburg anytime and say hello.

At Medallion Financial Group, we believe financial planning is about Family. We have been helping families invest in the future since 1987 through a holistic planning approach. We recognize there are a variety of needs when it comes to retirement planning, plan rollovers, annuities, college planning, life insurance options, and investment management. It is easy to get lost in a sea of choices. Our financial advisors help with the basics and beyond to enable our clients to get the education, advice and management they need to retire with confidence.

Our focus is twofold: first and foremost, we are fiduciary advisors. We stand against any violation of laws, values, and ethics. Second, we treat our clients as part of our family, not only those who call Maryland and Georgia home, but clients across the US who have benefited from our reputation of personal service, integrity, and expertise.

We strive to exceed client’s expectations – because we have high expectations of ourselves.