Aaron Tuttle, CFA®, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®
Chief Executive Officer
INTRODUCTION
At Gatewood Wealth Solutions (GWS), our journey is defined by more than just financial success—it's about fostering a culture that inspires growth, integrity, and resilience. At GWS, culture isn't just a buzzword—it's the heartbeat of our organization.
But how did we arrive at this ethos? Let's take a stroll down memory lane to uncover the origins of our distinctive culture and the birth of the GATORS. Our journey towards cultivating a vibrant and values-driven culture began with the passion and dedication of our founder, John Gatewood. He instilled in us a commitment to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement.
ORIGINS OF THE GATORS
Our founder, John Gatewood, had a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence. When he corrected errors or provided guidance, it became known as being "Gatored." This dedication to improvement laid the foundation for our core values, which would later be encapsulated in the acronym GATORS.
CRAFTING THE GATORS
As the firm's ownership changed hands, there was a collective desire to formalize our values. Thus, the GATORS were born—a set of guiding principles that reflect our commitment to excellence, trust, ownership, resilience, and seeking sustainable solutions. These values aren't just words on a page; they're the fabric of our culture, shaping how we interact with each other and serve our clients. From leadership to frontline, every team member is measured by these values.
GROWTH - is on the other side of adversity: Commit to a lifetime of learning and becoming a better version of you, both personally and professionally. Becoming comfortable can lead to complacency, push yourself outside of your comfort zone and embrace change.
ATTITUDE - is an expression of your values, beliefs, and expectations. Make it great: Be quick to admit mistakes and take corrective action. Be willing to give and receive positive and constructive feedback. Be responsible for your words and actions.
TRUST - is earned over 1,000 actions but lost in 1: How consistently do I keep my promises and act with honesty in all situations. Do I demonstrate reliability over time and am I willing to take responsibility for my actions. Am I transparent with my fellow team members?
OWNERSHIP - because you are more than your job title. To the client, you are the company: You are responsible for learning, doing, improving, and advancing your own career. You are responsible to know and follow GWS policies and procedures. No one is above any job, if something needs to be done, do it. Don’t make it someone else’s responsibility.
RESILIENCE - never give up! When you fall 7 times, get up 8 times. How effectively do I handle unexpected challenges and maintain a positive outlook? How determined am I to keep trying despite obstacles and failures?
SOLUTIONS - not answers: When faced with an obstacle, seek the solution to the problem, not just an answer that provides a temporary resolution.
WHY IT MATTERS
Our culture isn't just about us—it's about our clients and our team members. For our clients, it means entrusting their financial futures to a team that embodies integrity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. For our team members, it means being part of a workplace where they feel valued, empowered, and inspired to make a positive impact.
LEARN IT! LIVE IT! DEFEND IT!
At GWS, our culture isn't just a set of guidelines—it's a way of life. We breathe life into our values, defending them fiercely and embodying them in everything we do. By embracing the GATORS, we not only create a better workplace but also deliver superior service to our clients.
As we continue to uphold the legacy of excellence and integrity that defines Gatewood Wealth Solutions, we invite you to join us on this journey. Learn it. Live it. Defend it. GATOR up!
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