College of Business Alumni
Meet Jane YoungBS 1982 MBA 1989
Interviewed by Michelle Sikorsky BS 2007
MS: Thank you so much for taking the time to be interviewed for our alumni profile. I am very excited to learn more about you and your path to success. Starting with college, what prompted you to choose UCCS for your degree?
JY: I went to UCCS for two reasons. The first reason was because I had to pay for college myself and UCCS was affordable and close. The second reason I decided to go to UCCS was because of the smaller class sizes. I really like the personal attention that the teachers give the students.
MS: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at UCCS?
JY: I was president of student government as well as a member of the business club.
MS: Is there someone from UCCS you would like to mention as a contributor to your education/professional path?
JY: There are so many teachers and other students that contributed to my development. In my undergrad program, Warren Schubert and Fred McFadden were two teachers who influenced my career. Fred McFadden inspired me to pursue a career in Production and Operations Management. Warren helped me network with Digital Equipment Corporation. I was able to work as an intern for Digital because of Warren and later on, I had a full time job with them. While I was completing my MBA, Tom Zwirlein helped guide me to where I am today. Tom brought out my love for investing because his class was so interactive. He would bring in professionals from the field. There are some things that I’ll never forget.
MS: That is a great story. There are so many good professors at UCCS. Speaking of your professional path, could you briefly describe your professional history?
JY: Sure. As you know I was an intern at Digital Equipment Corporation. After college I held many different management positions with Digital. I worked there for 14 years. I studied for two years to complete the Certified Financial Planner Educational Program with the College for Financial Planning. In 1996 I became a financial planner.
MS: What is your current position, and what do you enjoy most about it?
JY: I am the co-owner of Pinnacle Financial Concepts, Inc. and a co-owner of Divorce Solutions. I am a Certified Financial Planner and an EA; an EA is an enrolled agent with the IRS. This means that I have passed the IRS testing process and comply with their continuing education and ethical requirements. I am able represent my clients before the IRS.
I love helping people organize their finances. Most people feel overwhelmed and don’t have a lot of time to handle all the components. I am able to separate the components and address each area with my clients. We are able to create a plan and I help implement the plan. I love this because I can see the relief on my client’s faces and the peace of mind I have brought to their lives. They know that they have control over their finances.
MS: What is your vision for your current role? What would you most like to accomplish?
JY: Professionally, I would like to continue to grow my business at a steady pace and to be recognized as Colorado Springs premier financial planning service. Personally, I have done a lot of work with widows. I am currently doing research for a book. I am going to write a book for widows and preparing for the possibility of becoming a widow.
MS: What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome?
JY: The most challenging part of my professional career was building my practice during the first five years. I am not an aggressive sales person and I would not push someone into something they weren't sure about. My first five years were a little lean as I built my practice. I can honestly say I have never made a cold call. Today almost all of my clients come to me through referrals so I don't need to be a superstar salesperson. I just need to take good care of my clients.
MS: What sort of influence did UCCS have on your current professional position?
JY: The best thing I learned was the value of networking. Networking can open opportunities for you personally and professionally. I still have friends from college, mainly while going through my MBA, and consider them family.
MS: What professional and/or personal accomplishment are you most proud of since your graduation?
JY: I am very proud of establishing a successful business, as well as my involvement in the community. Everyone should give back to the community. I went though Leadership Pikes Peak and was president of the organization. I am in my fifth year on the board. I have also been a member of the Colorado Springs Rotary Club for 12 years and am now the president-elect. Lastly, I am on the UCCS College of Business alumni leadership board. My community evolvement is my passion, I just love doing it.
MS: Do you have any insights to investing or the financial markets that you could share?
JY: People keep saying that this time (2008 -2009) is different from all the other times the market has gone down. In some ways they are right, but don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. First, an emergency fund should be established, then establish goal(s) for your money and invest the money based off of the goal, your risk level, and the amount of time before you are going to use the money. Once you have your plan established stick with it and don’t make changes based off of your emotions. Make changes based off of your plan. We don’t know the future, so don’t try to time the market.
MS: Do you have any suggestions for the UCCS College of Business Alumni Committee? Are there any programs or initiatives that might be especially helpful to you professionally?
JY: Continue to reach out to the business community. The committee needs to find out what businesses need in future employees and train the students to meet those needs. Also continue building and developing the alumni program and working with the alumni in the community.
MS: What suggestions do you have for our new UCCS graduates?
JY: Stay connected with your classmates and with UCCS. New graduates should also become involved with the community and non-profit organizations. It all goes back to networking and making a difference. The more people you know, the more opportunities you will have.
MS: What are some personal accomplishments you are.
JY: One of my passions is traveling and experiencing different cultures and foods. I am lucky enough to have traveled all over the world. I’m not sure if it’s an accomplishment, but I have been to Paris six times, Europe twelve times, and out of the country 27 times. I can’t wait for my next trip.
I have been learning French and taking golf lessons for three years and I am not sure if I am any good at either one.
MS: Wow, you really have a diverse background and you have accomplished so much. After talking with you I can see how important community involvement and networking is. I also appreciate your insight to investing. I know that the downturn in 2008 sure scared me. Thank you for taking the time to share so much about yourself today.