When their contact with a large bank left, John and Cheryl Leenders seized the opportunity to seek a more personalized relationship.

“We felt like a little player who didn’t matter,” says John, who runs a large farming operation with his wife Cheryl. “We wanted someone new who would listen more and give advice that fits us.” They met several financial advisors and found a connection with Mike Hryn of the Mactaggart Hryn Team.

“We clicked. He’s not arrogant or flashy. The service is there, and it feels genuine. I like that they’re smaller and that’s it’s a friendship. Mike always has good suggestions while making sure we’re still in control. I feel like that sets them apart,” he says.

The Leenders appreciate the Mactaggart Hryn Team’s regular reports, though they prefer a quick discussion about their portfolio over a ton of mail and paperwork. “Mike explains things well”, John says, and the discussions allow them to ask questions – even tough ones.

“They stand on principle, and I know we can have honest and open conversations that are simple and don’t feel salesy.”

John and Cheryl also appreciate that Mike and their team take a wide view of their life goals and future, nothing that Mike is in frequent communication with his accountant and together they provide a long-term projection that considers things like succession planning for their business, and insurance policies.

“He is great at making sure it all fits together. They deal directly with our other advisors, and I know it’s all dealt with.”

John laughs that his irregular farming hours don’t phase Mike, who welcomes a phone call at any time day or night if the situation requires quick attention. The tricky part is keeping the calls short. “We tend to start talking about things that we both are interested in, like cars, so we can go on!” says John.