FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

PUTTING THE NEW KIDS TO THE TEST

Putting the New Kids to the Test has been used as a way to introduce new AMS associates on a quarterly basis. Given the rate that AMS is growing, we want to use this as an opportunity to highlight as many of these associates as possible. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the following associates!

Lee Erhart – AMS Sales

1. Where are you from?
   1. Long Island, NY (Born and raised)
2. Tell me about your role in the department – what is a typical day like for you?
   1. Portfolio Consultant-AMS Sales. Positioning managed products to help advisors outsource investment management. I work closely with RJA and RJFS advisor recruiting, representing AMS and the benefits we provide when transitioning a book of business over to RJ.
3. Top 3 bucket list items?
   1. Gorilla Trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo
   2. See the Northern Lights
   3. Cave diving- Crete, Greece
4. Favorite podcast?
   1. The White Coat Investor podcast

Kellee Dennis – Supervisor, Freedom Trading

1. Where are you from?
   1. “Memphis, Memphis, Memphis, Memphis, Memphis” – True Memphians will understand the reference lol.
2. Where did you go to school?
   1. The University of Memphis
3. Tell me about your role in the department – what is a typical day like for you?
   1. I am the Trading Admin Supervisor for Memphis. A typical day includes me providing support to my team surrounding complex issues and creating strategies and procedures to make the workflow run smoother and more efficiently.
4. What or who has influenced your life the most?
   1. One of the most influential people in my life was my high school Algebra teacher, she greatly contributed to any success I have had in life.
5. What’s your favorite season and why?
   1. Fall is my favorite season because it’s not too hot and not too cold. Spring would be my favorite if it weren’t for my awful allergies.
6. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
   1. My new role in AMS. I worked hard for years to get to this point, so to be here means everything.
7. What was your favorite job?
   1. Freedom Trading, while sometimes stressful, I really enjoyed it.
8. What TV show are you currently binging?
   1. Game of Thrones, while I am admittedly roughly 7 years behind, I have started and cannot stop watching.
9. What three items would you take on a deserted island?
   1. I don’t see limitations here so… electricity, a portable house, and a boat in case I decide I’m ready to go back home.
10. Describe your dream vacation?
    1. 1-2 weeks in the Caribbean relaxing with my husband
11. Top 3 bucket list items?
    1. Travel to the Caribbean Islands, See Adele Live in Concert, Go to the Usher Las Vegas Residency.
12. Favorite sports team?
    1. Lakers – I’m a default Lebron fan by marriage.
13. If you could instantly acquire one talent or ability, what would it be and why?
    1. Singing, I cannot hold a note to save my life, yet I sing all of my favorite songs at the top of my lungs. I also used to pretend to be a choir director as a child, LOL.

Zoe Migliozzi – ADP Analyst

1. Where are you from?
   1. I'm originally from Norfold, Virginia
2. Where did you go to school?
   1. I graduated from the College of Charleston in South Carolina
3. What do you like to do away from work – hobbies or activities?
   1. Away from work I enjoy pickle ball, the beach, hockey, and trying new foods/restaurants

Amanda Phillips – AMS Sales

1. Where are you from?
   1. I am from Tampa, FL
2. Where did you go to school?
   1. I went to Clemson University
3. Tell me about your role in the department – what is a typical day like for you?
   1. I am on AMS sales support and run reports for the sales team.
4. What do you like to do away from work – hobbies or activities?
   1. I like to walk my dog and read books
5. What or who has influenced your life the most?
   1. My dad has influenced my life the most
6. What's your favorite season and why?
   1. Spring because I love when it rains
7. What accomplishment are you most proud?
   1. Graduating college
8. What was your favorite job?
   1. Working at a pottery studio
9. Do you have any side-hustles?
   1. I sell clothes of Depop
10. What's your favorite family tradition?
    1. Is going to the movies on Thanksgiving
11. What TV show are you currently binging?
    1. The Sopranos

Parker Possehl – AMS Sales

1. Where are you from?
   1. Tampa, FL
2. Where did you grow up?
   1. Ocala, FL
3. Where did you go to school?
   1. USF Tampa
4. What's your favorite season and why?
   1. Fall because it rains a lot and is not hot
5. What accomplihsments are you most proud of?
   1. My College Degrees
6. What's your favorite family tradition?
   1. Getting together during the holidays
7. What TV show are you currently binging?
   1. Better Call Saul
8. Describe your dream vacation
   1. Blue Ridge Mountains in the winter
9. Favorite sports team?
   1. Tampa Bay Rays
10. If you could instantly acquire one talent or ability, what would it be and why?
    1. Teleportation, so I wouldn’t have to sit in traffic

Trivia

Want a gift card?

Check out the 1Q23 Swag Bag winner, Nicole DeVore!

Are you interested in winning? What about winning a gift card?

Did you read the newsletter? Let's see…

How to win:

• Read the newsletter.
• Click on the link to reply with your answers, and don't forget to find the bonus.
• All entries that answer the questions correctly will be entered into a pool and 10 random winners will be selected for a $15 Target gift card.
• If you answer all the questions and find the bonus correctly, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Target in addition to the other gift cards.

Questions:

1. Where did someone hike that they encountered 3 black bears?
2. Who is absolutely not good at physics?
3. Who’s nickname is baby tiger?
4. Who saved a life by giving them the Hemlich maneuver?

Bonus: So you know the game: Where's Waldo? Where you look in the photo (in this case, the newsletter/sections) and try to spot Waldo (in this case, Jeff Dowdle dressed up as Waldo). Well…can you find Where's Dowdle?

Entries must be emailed by September 8th, 2023. Winners will be notified shortly after.

Extra Credit

$100 Target gift card trivia

Winner of 1Q23 Extra Trivia, Nancy Jaimes! Congratulations!

Now, let's see how many of you can answer these questions. You can use the internet to help you.

Answer all the questions correctly and you could win the grand prize: a $100 gift card to Target!

Send an email with subject line “extra trivia” to AMSNewsletter@raymondjames.com with your answers.

1. What is the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth, and where did it occur?
2. What is graupel?
3. What spot on Earth has never seen rain?
4. What state makes up the Tri-State Tornado?
5. What year did the above happen?

Pawfect Club - Pet Corner

Wilson

Owner: Cecelia Perez

Wilson Perez is a nine-year-old Australian Shephard. He loves to watch over his family, especially his four-year-old human sister. Like all dogs, he loves belly rubs, treats, and long walks.

Nala

Owner: Katherine Japour

Attached is a photo of my cat Nala (yes from The Lion King). Though her nickname is baby tiger because her fur changes colors from brown/silver to orange. I adopted her at just 2 months old and her favorite thing is to “watch tv” on our balcony.

Ginger

Owner: Dan Regner

Ginger loves drinking coffee and stealing socks when she is up to no good. Loves to lay in the sun on lazy days.

Duncan

Owner: Darius Sabbides

I rescued Duncan in March 2023. He’s a big puppy who is full of energy weighing in at 95lbs. He loves every person and dog he meets. In true FL fashion he loves the water, his chew toys and running off those zoomies in the backyard. Be on the lookout for him in DTSP, as he enjoys going on walks, Dog Bar, Ferg’s and Vinoy Park. His heart is as big as his head.

Gia

Owner: Yulia DeArmond

Gia – the Maltipoo. 2 months old. Super energetic and funny.

National Honor Society - Model Citizens

Spotlight: “The AMS Superhero”

A few weeks ago, AJ Lukosavich was on his way to a convention in Atlanta when he pulled up to an intersection and saw a group of people gathered around a boy who was in distress. AJ sprang into action and used his recently completed Red Cross Training to assess the situation. He quickly realized that the boy was choking and administered the Heimlich maneuver. After an initial failed attempt, a plastic bottle cap eventually shot out of the boy’s mouth! Because AJ stopped to help and reacted so quickly, the boy is alive today. AJ has been referred to as a “superhero” for his actions that day, as he swept in to do what was needed to be done – not looking for recognition or cameras – and then continued his drive to Atlanta. Lucky for us, AJ brings those same superhero-esque characteristics every day to the AMS Team!

Red Cross Training in Florida

The American Red Cross is proud to offer training classes in Florida that are designed to suit your needs and learning style. You can choose to learn from our expert trainers in person or take online courses. It is our goal to teach the skills and knowledge we have developed in our programs to ensure that our students act with confidence when moments matter. You can go to redcross.org to find a class near you.

RJ Cares Month Recap

St. Pete

• Humane Society of Pinellas - 31 items donated, and $150 items donated online
• Metropolitan Ministries - 100 business clothing items donated
• Pete Beach Cleanup - 25 volunteers collected approx. 100 pounds of trash

Memphis

• University of Memphis - 32 business clothing items donated
• 2023 Mid-South Heart Walk & Run in Red 4/22/23
  • Inaugural year for an AMS team in Memphis doing the walk
  • AMS Grind House team made of 10 AMS associates
  • $1,211.09 donated to beat initial $1,000 goal

The AMS CIC is always looking to add new members on the committee! If anyone has any interest, please talk to your supervisor about joining, and then reach out to Jeff Hartnett, Mike Meleen, Ross Klaskow, Derron Ragland, or Michael Grande. The committee meets for 30-60 minutes twice a month to plan future events.

ADULT LEARNERS OF THE YEAR

Joyce Brandon, Client Service Representative, Memphis and her twin siter Loyce have taken steps to achieve higher learning. They received the 2022 “Adult Learners of the Year” award from the Council for Adult and Experimental Learning (CAEL). Loyce completed her bachelor’s degree in May 2022. Her journey has inspired the woman who began the journey with her more than three decades prior. Joyce enrolled at the University of Memphis in the Spring of 2022 and will be starting her senior year August 7^th. The completed degrees will likely change the trajectory of their family’s legacy, said Tracy Robinson, the UofM’s director of innovative academic initiatives.

Excerpt from University of Memphis Magazine Spring 2023 issue.

Tom Thornton's Back to School - Then vs. Now

Some of us “more experienced” folks remember our preparation for the new school year when we were younger. And yes, some things are the same, but some have evolved for sure:

Clothes – back in the day – Toughskins, overalls, legg warmers, shoulder pads, butterfly hair clips, neon dayglo, denim on denim, high waisted jeans, parachute pants, acid washed jeans, jams shorts, cutoff jeans shorts, Garanimals, Underroos, Kmart, Montgomery Ward, JCPenney, Sears, Steinmart.

Clothes – now – Amazon, Etsy, Stitchfix, Hollister, AE, H&M, Urban Outfitters

Then Vs. Now

Lunch – back in the day – lunch box, metal thermos, snack packs, cheese sandwich, PB&J, milk cartons, frozen OJ

Now – Lunchables, pizza rolls, pizza pockets, roll-ups, mac and cheese, Nutella, Go-Gurt, hummus, granola bar, money for Taco Bell, credit cards for vending machines

Then vs. Now

Supplies – back in the day - Trapper Keeper, Lisa Frank folders etc., books with paper bag covers, white out, pencil sharpener, latch key for your neck, mechanical pencils, cigar box for supplies, triangle rubber pencil grips, paste, rubber cement, floppy disks, multi-color pens, crayons with sharpeners, compass and protractor, paper for cursive writing, rounded scissors, puffy stickers

Now – iPad, Kindle, AirPods, Apple Pencil, erasable markers, dry eraser, Post-it notes, highlighters, sharpies, pencil sharpeners, water bottle, sticky notes, supplies for teacher like tissues, Clorox wipes

Trapper Keeper vs. iPad

Pop Quiz! - AMS Answers

What was your favorite school lunch?

I grew up in Romania where schools don’t have cafeterias, so lunches were not provided. Perhaps lunches weren’t necessary since the school day ended at noon for most students. Basically, during morning recesses we snacked on puffed corn, cookie sandwiches or apples. I liked them all! – Sandrina Riddell (AMS Research/St. Petersburg)

From 2004-2008, I think I ate Papa Johns pizza at school five days a week, and a chocolate chip cookie of course. – Carlos Panatex (Manager Research/St. Petersburg)

On Fridays we had pizza (at least that’s what they called it). The pairing with a carton of milk wasn’t ideal though. – Tammy Mercier (AMS Trading/St. Petersburg)

Looking back, were you nervous or excited for the first day of school?

It has been a long time, I am sure I was a bit scared, but I have always been very excited about starting new chapters in my life. – Ivan Carrero (UMA Trading/St. Petersburg)

I was always nervous and excited for the first day of school – excited to see my friends and nervous to make new ones. – Rikki Fletcher (Risk Management/St. Petersburg)

My emotions evolved throughout the years, from excitement early on to anxiety in the 12th grade. Eligibility for high school graduation involved taking a few exams at the end of the 12th grade. It was a review of the last 4 years of studying, a few written and oral exams happening within a couple of days. Failure meant postponing high school graduation for one entire academic year! – Sandrina Riddell (AMS Research/St. Petersburg)

What was your favorite and least favorite school subject?

I will avoid the easy “to cool for school” answers of PE and lunch. I was in TV Production for three years in high school and helped produce the morning show every day. That was a fun way to start the day. As far as real subjects go, I was always better at math so I didn’t mind it and I was absolutely not good at physics so that can be my least favorite. – Carlos Panatex (Manager Research/St. Petersburg)

My favorite subject was math, and the least favorite was physics. Although my mom is a physics teacher, that gene skipped a generation lol. – Sandrina Riddell (AMS Research/St. Petersburg)

My favorite subject was Math, my least favorite was History, which is ironic since I love history now. I just didn’t like memorizing dates. – Jeanne Myers (MF/ETF Trading/St. Petersburg)

How do you escape the summer heat?

Water balloon fights and water guns with my sons – Derron Ragland (Advisor Services/Memphis)

Staying inside or having a cold, sweet treat – Jeanne Myers (MF/ETF Trading/St. Petersburg)

I escape the summer heat by taking my daughter to the ice skating rink haha! – Rikki Fletcher (Risk Management/St. Petersburg)

If we met you in high school, what would you have been into?

If we met in high school, I would have been into volleyball, rap music, and of course, my sweet, gold Mercury Cougar with the sunroof lol. – Rikki Fletcher (Risk Management/St. Petersburg)

Working at Burger King, hanging out with friends, playing recreational softball. – Tammy Mercier (AMS Trading/St. Petersburg)

Playing basketball and training. Plus I was a social person, so I was at all the events. – Derron Ragland (Advisor Services/Memphis)

I was into sports. I was a member of a speleology club and we used to go to explore caves and do other outdoor activities, like trekking and canoe. – Ivan Carrero (UMA Trading/St. Petersburg)

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

“Why be a star when you can make a constellation?”
–George DEI, Professor at University of Toronto

Celebrating differences with Iris Wang

Iris joined AMS Manager Research in January 2022. She grew up in the southeastern city of Changzhou, China. After graduating summa cum laude from one of the top political science universities in Beijing, China, Iris made the decision to move to the United States over a decade ago to pursue a master’s degree in Finance. Due to her love of basketball and also the incentive of a decent scholarship, she landed at Case Western Reserve University, hometown of the Cavaliers in Cleveland, Ohio. Iris currently resides in Lutz, Florida, with her two adorable children. Outside of work, she enjoys playing sports, watching movies, yoga, kickboxing as well as volunteering.

Iris was impressed by the drive and passion of AMS’ Diversity and Inclusion committee members. With her diverse background and understanding of how diversity adds value and fun to an entire organization, she did not hesitate to accept an invitation to join the committee.

Iris believes that empathy is a core aspect of diversity and inclusion. While she may not agree with what is being said, she will defend to the best of her ability everyone’s right to voice those beliefs. When discussing D&I with her kids, she uses the analogy of trees, plants and animals in the rainforest. Each is unique in its own way but serves as a critical part of the vibrancy of the entire ecosystem.

Understanding and appreciating each other’s differences while seeing how they resonate and complement each other, makes the rainforest the beautiful ecosystem that it is. 

She is honored to be a part of the AMS D&I Committee and looks forward to dedicating her insights into driving the efforts of the committee forward.

Please join us and let your voice be heard!