Sailing and Business: What it takes to stay afloat

In the mid 1980s at Urbach Kahn & Werlin (now UHY), Eli Werlin used sailing and boat metaphors to describe business and the importance of having employees who support business with a stable base (the hull) and with driving business and supporting growth (the sails).

I had initially assumed I’d always be the hull. Today, I believe I’ve become a bit of both.

We still use many of the same metaphors to describe situations that happen in business today. Mr. Werlin’s words have stuck with me throughout my career.

        “When conditions change, a savvy captain will react accordingly.
          Usually, it means tacking to change the position of the sails.
          And it means risk-taking.
          So, sailing is a great metaphor for business. Entrepreneurs, of course, face turbulence, too.”
        – Biz Coach | Why Sailing Is the Best Metaphor for Business Solutions

Like sailing, businesses need to be prepared for course-correction. In both, staying afloat means keeping an open mind, staying agile, assessing risk and evolving quickly for any changes in the environment.

I only knew Mr. Werlin for a short few years before he passed, but he had an impact on me and my on my family. My dad used to run a hotdog cart for him in Lake George when he was just 16 years old. Even early on, Mr. Werlin was supporting small business and our community.

I wonder if he knew how impactful his words would be to those he mentored early on in their careers?

CEFO Advisors Welcomes Theodore Rydzewski, Jr. as a Client CFO

CEFO Advisors is excited to welcome Theodore (Ted) Rydzewski, Jr. to the team as a Client CFO. Ted joins us with over 30 years of accounting/finance experience, primarily in the manufacturing and construction fields.

“I joined CEFO Advisors to work with different companies in the Capital District area and provide financial leadership to help them meet their goals.”, Ted said.

Ted will be working as a CFO where he will be overseeing the finances of his clients. His goal is to expand his accounting and finance knowledge in areas beyond manufacturing and construction.

In his free time, Ted likes to exercise and cook. He also enjoys running, biking, playing basketball and doing Tai Chi.

Stay updated on CEFO Advisors and follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cefo-advisors/.

CEFO Advisors Welcomes Lisa Mnieckowski to the Team as a Client Controller

CEFO Advisors is excited to announce Lisa Mnieckowski has joined the team as a Client Controller. Lisa brings over 20 years of experience in several industries, including healthcare and technology. She’s worked with large publicly traded companies to small entrepreneurial ones. Her experience has taught her that for a company to be successful, a strong team is needed that will foster a professional work environment with great communication and transparency.

Lisa says, “I was looking to find a company that offers a professional culture and that values and respects its employees. I have found that at CEFO Advisors.”

Lisa will be working as a Client Controller where she will help clients achieve their financial goals while overseeing their daily accounting operations. Her goals include firmly re-establishing her management-level credentials and learning about new industries in which she has not previously worked.

In her free time, Lisa and her family have spent the last 10 years on a quest to visit all 63 US National Parks; a goal they accomplished this summer! She also enjoys genealogy, reading and gardening.

Stay updated on CEFO Advisors and follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cefo-advisors/.

Michael (Mike) Ruhm joins CEFO Advisors as a Client Controller

CEFO Advisors is thrilled welcome Michael (Mike) Ruhm to the team as a Client Controller. Mike joins us with nearly 38 years of experience in accounting, finance, and treasury fields where he learned the importance of being a lifelong learner.

Mike says, “CEFO Advisors is a good fit for me because the company offers many of the things I was looking for – flexibility, challenging work, opportunities to learn and teach, and to be involved in process improvement and system implementation projects.”

Mike will be working as a Client Controller where he will help improve our clients accounting and finance operations. His goals are to continue doing work he enjoys and finds challenging, as well as continuing to learn.

In his free time, Mike enjoys many outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and both cross country and downhill skiing, especially with his family, friends, and dogs. He also enjoys volunteering.

Stay updated on CEFO Advisors and follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cefo-advisors/.

CEFO Advisors Welcomes Patrick (Pat) McGowan as a Client CFO

CEFO Advisors is excited to announce that Patrick (Pat) McGowan has joined the team as a Client CFO. Pat joins us with 20 years of CFO/Senior Finance Executive experience. He’s had the opportunity to work in various industries ranging from Software to Theme Parks.

“I joined CEFO for the opportunity to be able to work in multiple industries.”, Pat said.

Pat is working as a CFO where he is overseeing the finances of five different companies. His goal is to help small businesses achieve better results by improving their financial, planning and analysis functions.

In his free time, Pat enjoys seeing live music. He is a season lawn pass holder at SPAC and has been to over 10 concerts so far this summer.

Stay updated on CEFO Advisors and follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cefo-advisors/.

CEFO Advisors Welcomes Vanessa Farley as a Client Controller

CEFO advisors is thrilled to welcome Vanessa Farley to the team as a Controller. Vanessa joins us with a accounting background in banking, healthcare, insurance, and start-up companies.

“I joined CEFO because the company’s culture aligns with my values.”, Vanessa said.

Vanessa working as a Controller where she will help clients achieve their financial goals while overseeing their daily accounting operations. She hopes to continue expanding her knowledge base while creating and delivering value to CEFO and its clients.

In her free time, Vanessa enjoys traveling with her family, especially to Gloucester/Cape Ann MA, reading, and music.

Stay updated on CEFO Advisors and follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cefo-advisors/.

Janice Palmere Joins CEFO as a Client Controller

CEFO advisors is excited to welcome Janice Palmere to the team as a Controller. Janice started her career as an Accounts Payable clerk and grew into her position now as a Controller. Her background varies in several industries including public accounting and software consulting, but she specializes in Construction Accounting. 

“I joined CEFO because after one conversation with Amy I felt excited about my future and all the opportunities and challenges that this company has to offer me. In addition, I felt as though Amy saw my background and skills as assets that would add value to her company so it would be mutually beneficial.  Just felt like a win/win.”, Janice said.

Janice will be working as a Controller where she will help clients achieve their financial goals and teach them how to maintain those goals through implementation of policies and procedures.

In her free time, Janice enjoys spending time with my children, doing things like ice-skating, bowling, magnet fishing or geocaching, whatever they are into at any given moment. She also enjoys day trips, beaches, boats, and anything by the water.

Stay updated on CEFO Advisors and follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cefo-advisors/.