I grew up in East Texas during a time when high tech meant an A/C window unit and electromechanical telephone central switching offices AT&T used to route calls. My dad supervised the wiring of those empty buildings until their completion with dial tone. It was then that my generation entered a world of technology and a culture of rapid changes.
I didn’t know at the time that my father’s job and the generation in which I grew up would impact my career decades later.
The Start of My Career
In college, I didn’t know I would become a financial advisor. I studied business and marketing at Lamar University before graduating from Louisiana State University in 1979 with an MBA in finance. After graduating, I worked in finance and treasury management at multiple companies.
While working in the oil and gas industry, I focused on domestic and international corporate finance, 401(k) plan management, cash management, bank relations, and planning. I realized that many organizations, including successful businesses, struggled to implement and maintain a competitive 401(k) plan.
Switching to the Other Side
After more than a decade in the corporate world, I decided to switch sides of the table and work as an advisor who helped businesses with their planning needs. I believed I could utilize my experience and education to advise private business owners and help them make informed financial decisions.
In 1988, I officially made the switch, becoming an independent advisor and starting my practice, Signal Business Group, in Atlanta. Specializing in helping independent businesses, professional practices, and their employees with their financial concerns, I worked extensively in designing plans that addressed their retirement goals, the disposition of their business interests, and their other cash management objectives.
Over the next 28 years, I grew my business and worked closely with hundreds of professionals and businesses. Some companies, like my dad’s, had to pivot to keep up with the changing times, while others were just starting their engines. Over time, I wanted to challenge myself further and expand my services and offering.
A New Opportunity
I met two other independent financial advisors along the way and found a great respect for their unbiased honesty and experience as I got to know them better. Kevin Myers, Tom Stark, and I decided to consolidate our separate practices into one firm: ATL Global Advisors. Combining our experience, knowledge, focus, and passion, we determined that we can best serve transportation and logistics employees throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
As we launch our new firm, we are excited to help these employees tackle their greatest financial concerns, from maximizing their retirement plan to creating a protection plan for their family. Our mission is to provide customized solutions that are frequently “outside of the circle” of conventional solution sets.
My Career-Long Passion
I’ve been in the industry now for nearly three decades and I can’t imagine having any other job. While it can be difficult drawing out the true motivation and concerns from what my clients think they should project, there’s nothing more fulfilling than getting to know these people on a deep level. I’ve had clients call me first when they experience a family tragedy or emergency because they know I’m here to lend an ear and help. My clients rely on me for trusted advice and guidance, and I don’t take this responsibility lightly.
If you’re an employee in the transportation and logistics industries and feel confused about your finances or uncertain about your future, I encourage you to reach out to me and learn more about how I may be able to help you. You can reach me by email at gary@sbgweb.com or call (404) 303-9994.
About Gary
Gary Lutrick, MBA, RFC is a financial advisor and partner at ATL Global Advisors, an independently managed financial services firm serving transportation and logistics employees in the greater Atlanta area. Along with nearly 30 years of industry experience, he holds a MBA in finance and the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) certification. He focuses on helping his clients plan for retirement, manage risk, and define financial objectives that integrate their family values. Learn more by connecting with Gary on LinkedIn.