FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Lindsey Beswick Luk

Billing

1. What do you like to do away from work – hobbies or activities?
   1. My hobbies include going to the gym and trying all the local coffee shops.
2. How big is your family?
   1. I have two human kids, a bearded dragon and one very special kitty named Mikayla (pictured).
3. What three items would you take on a deserted island?
   1. Snacks, music and my cat

Derron Ragland

Financial Advisor Discretionary Trading

1. What do you like to do away from work – hobbies or activities?
   1. Playing pool, golfing and working on home improvement projects
2. What or who has influenced your life the most?
   1. The values that my mother instilled in me. Living up to her expectations and the responsibility of putting God first and honoring my wife.
3. What accomplishment are you most proud of? 
   1. I raised my little brother after our mom passed. He was 14, and I was 23 at the time and he now lives in Phoenix. He recently graduated with his master’s degree and is working on becoming a principal. He also travels the country playing the drums for different artists.
      Also, my oldest son just finished high school early and started college this semester on a full football scholarship to play quarterback at Georgia State University.
4. What’s your favorite family tradition?
   1. Having the family over for our annual Christmas Eve party. We play games, watch Christmas movies, bake cookies with a modest amount of drinks … LOL and, also, our Christmas Day brunch!
5. What TV show are you currently binging?
   1. I just finished “Wednesday” on Netflix, which was phenomenal.
6. Favorite podcast?
   1. “Earn Your Leisure”
7. Favorite sports team?
   1. Memphis Grizzlies, Alabama (Roll Tide), New England Patriots and my new soon-to-be favorite is Georgia State

Jasmine Benito

Advisory Consulting

1. Where are you from?
   1. Saint Petersburg, Florida
2. Where did you grow up?
   1. Manatee County, Florida
3. Where did you go to school?
   1. University of South Florida
4. Tell me about your role in the department. What is a typical day like for you?
   1. Advisory consultant; supporting advisors using the ambassador platform and provide portfolio construction assistance
5. What do you like to do away from work – hobbies or activities?
   1. Go shopping, Pilates and hangout with my family
6. What or who has influenced your life the most?
   1. My mom; seeing how much she sacrificed for us makes me work harder to make everything worth it
7. How big is your family?
   1. I have two other siblings (older brother and younger sister)
8. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
   1. Graduating with my bachelor’s degree while working full time
9. What TV show are you currently binging?
   1. “Ginny and Georgia”
10. Describe your dream vacation?
    1. Bora Bora
11. Favorite sports team?
    1. Bucs and Rays
12. If you could instantly acquire one talent or ability, what would it be and why?
    1. I would read peoples mind because I always wonder what people think during certain situations and I’d be able to analyze it to see why

Pet Corner

Juniper and Gatsby

Owner: Chandler Hackbarth

This is our little family. Our Goldendoodle, Juniper, and our Hedgehog, Gatsby. Juniper is about a year and a half and Gatsby is 5 years old. You can typically find Juniper out at a coffee shop or walking around downtown greeting everybody like she’s known them for 30 years. Her favorite thing to do is lay up on the couch while we read or watch TV and eat our couch. Gatsby is more of a night owl (or hog). He spends the majority of his day sleeping and wakes up at the crack of midnight to eat and run on his wheel. The two of them get along very well, and the sight of them together makes our day (and night)!

Bella

Owner: Melissa Foley

Bella is 9 years old and came from the Clearwater ASPCA as a rescue dog in 2019. She’d been severely neglected, and this made her very territorial with other animals. She also had a skin allergy and needed two surgeries on her ears. She was returned to the ASPCA twice as she required a little more attention than a normal adopted dog due to her medical history and inability to live with other animals.

She bonded with us quickly, and she is very needy but worth every moment of stress. Even when she barks incessantly at other dogs and her lifelong nemesis … the duck that stands in front of our back patio door and stares at her for about 20 minutes each day.

Bentley

Owner: Joyce Brandon

Bentley Bartholomew the third (don’t ask me who the first and second is) is my grand-fur-baby. We’ve had Bentley since he was 6 weeks old. He’s SUPER DUPER spoiled. He cannot go to sleep without his blanket, heating pad and his nature sound machine. The sound of rain is his most favorite setting. Getting this type of breed means your space is their space. He loves cuddling and being kissed on. He’s literally a little human. We can’t image not having this little guy in our lives.

Chloe

Owner: Melinda Hopfauer

My brother, niece, mother and I went to the SPCA one Saturday and adopted this kitty. She was 7 months old and a great companion for my mom in her last months. She would eat with her, sit on her lap and loved to play. Her favorite treats are the lobster flavor of Temptations. My mother passed away in November, so I now have this sweet baby girl!

Kobi and Kai

Owner: Will Landrum

These are my pups, Kobi (10 years old on the left) and Kai (2 years old on the right). They are the best boys a Raymond James associate could ask for! Kobi was rescued from El Cajon, California, and Kai was rescued from Olive Branch, Mississippi. We just got done with a vacation to New Orleans, and they were able to try some beignets from Cafe Du Monde!

Mikayla

Owner: Lindsey Beswick Luk

This is Mikayla. She was found in a cardboard box outside someone’s house when she was about 2 days old, and her mother was nowhere to be found. I offered to foster and bottle feed her until she reached 8 weeks of age, where she would then be able to be put up for adoption. I had a vacation planned during her first week of life and dropped her off at a friend’s house so they could care for her while I was away. Before I left, she purred for the first time in my arms. After that, I had to keep her! She’s been with me ever since (13 years!). She’s the most loyal, sweetest little kitty ever.

Nicky McFluffers

Owner: Wanda Hansen

We received a new family member on Christmas Day. He is a long-haired, 50 different shades of gray kitten with green eyes. He has so much energy and is fun and loving. His daily routine is to play with his catnip toys, shoelaces, mommy’s hair and especially lick mommy’s ears lobes (that tickles me big time). Another thing he does, which my husband and I find amazing, is he leaps from one space to another with his arms held straight out as if he was Superman. Perhaps I should have named him Marvelous Nicky? Our adult cat, TC, is a 16-year-old Himalayan cat, who currently doesn’t care for Nicky. I am hoping TC will stop his arrogance and teach him how to be a cat that doesn’t scratch mommy’s furniture or floor mats up. Until that day happens, each of them will learn to defend for themselves. Nicky is an awesome addition to our family, and I think we will keep him around for a while! I also took advantage of the Pet Insurance Raymond James offers through Nationwide. Poor little guys first vet visit will be around February 1, 2023. Currently praying he isn’t going to be miserable.

Skylar

Owner: Renee Parkman

Skylar is half yorkie and half Maltese; she is 2 years old. Skylar is very active and loves to play. All bark, no bite … LOL!

Steel

Owner: Maria Miles-Flores

This is Steel. Also known as Steely, Steely Bo Beely, Steely Dan, Squirrel (his tail is SO fluffy!) and Naughty-Naughty. Steel is 8 months old. We adopted him from another Raymond James associate and aren’t sure what breed he is, but possibly tabby/Norwegian forest cat. He is the definition of a sour patch cat, hence the nickname Naughty-Naughty. Steel is extremely curious. He enjoys being carried outside to check the mail, taking rides in the car, will try to eat and drink any and everything, loves licking faces and knocking over everything just to watch it fall. He is also an escape artist. He runs outside whenever the opportunity presents itself just to latch on to the nearest tree. Steel is a vocal cat and always has something to say when you talk to him. He is the craziest cat I’ve ever met, and I love his quirkiness.

Wilson

Owner: Reagan Fricke

Wilson is a 7-month-old golden retriever. Wilson LOVES the beach – making an absolute mess in the sand/water is a favorite hobby of his. He’s also a tennis ball fanatic who will play fetch every minute of the day, if he could.

Model Citizens

Angel Tree

The AMS CIC had another successfully Angel Tree adoption program thanks to your participation. The Salvation Army of St. Petersburg provides holiday assistance to families who need it the most by distributing food to families, toys and clothing to children, and hope to all. In 2021, the Salvation Army assisted 600-plus families through the Angel Tree program and assisted nearly 1,000 families in 2022. This cannot be done without your support!

Habitat for Humanity

For the 13th consecutive year, Raymond James will sponsor a full home build with Habitat for Humanity – this year, benefitting the Brown family in St. Petersburg. The AMS CIC will be hosting two dates, March 17 and 18, for AMS associates to participate. Be on the lookout for a signup sheet in the next few weeks.

“My house will be my refuge and where I go when my heart is overwhelmed and I need to be led to the rock that is higher than I.” – Elizabeth Brown

“With my forever home, I now can provide more stability and structure for my daughter.” – Elizabeth Brown

CALLING ALL CYCLISTS!

Raymond James is seeking cyclists of all levels to join its Bike MS team and participate in the annual Bike MS Citrus Tour the weekend of March 18-19, 2023. The ride benefits the National MS Society and serves as a major funding source for this national nonprofit that works to support those battling with multiple sclerosis as it seeks a cure to this debilitating disease. Raymond James had fielded a team for many years for this noncompetitive touring ride that takes place over to two days in Central Florida. 

With ride routes ranging from 23-100 miles each day, whether you’re just a recreational rider or a more seasoned saddler, there is an option for you. Also if you are interested in participating in group rides with other Raymond James associates we post rides on the team channel link: Cycling RJ Group Link. For more information on the group rides or Bike MS Event, please contact DJ McElroy or Matt Maddux, this year’s co-captains.

Tom Thornton Idioms

Have you ever wondered about the origin of certain well-known phrases?

The date

Hands down, this was the most nervous each of them had been. They were having cold feet for this first date, so they both dressed to the nines, aiming to impress. Unsure who would break the ice, they considered they might just chew the fat rather than let the cat out of the bag with any of their uncomfortable baggage or – worse yet – spill the beans and show their true colors. Cutting to the chase, the date went well. Both focused on buttering each other up with compliments. Not a cold shoulder in sight. The pair ended up pleased as punch, so they went Dutch and planned a second date!

Hands down – Easily and decisively; without question. Origin: Hands down is an idiom born from the world of horse racing. If a jockey is way ahead of the pack, they can sit back, relax and still win the race even without their hands on the reins.

Cold feet – Loss of nerve or confidence. Origin: A few historical theories here, but one originates from a military term, warriors who had frozen feet were not able to rush into battle.

Dressed to the nines – Dapper. Origin: Custom men’s suits took nine yards of fabric to make and were much more expensive than a suit that might not have matching pants or a vest. Dressing to the nines means looking like you purchased “the best,” or the suit that took a full nine yards to make.

Break the ice – To start a conversation or commence a friendship. Origin: Back when road transportation was not developed, ships would be the only transportation and means of trade. At times, the ships would get stuck during the winter because of ice formation. The receiving country would send small ships to “break the ice” to clear a way for the trade ships. This gesture showed affiliation and understanding between two territories.

Chew the fat – Casually talk, or gossip. Origin: A sailor’s term, this phrase refers to the days before refrigeration when ships carried food that would not spoil. One of them was salted pork skin, which consisted largely of fat. Sailors would only eat it if all other food was gone and literally chew the fat while they talked about the news of the day they heard.

Let the cat out of the bag – Expose a little known fact to many. Origin: In medieval markets, people used to sell piglets tied in bags for farmers to carry home. A shady dealer might swap the piglet in the sack with a less expensive animal, such as a cat. So, when the cat was out of the bag, the con was exposed to everyone.

Baggage – In this case, emotional burdens from the past. An issue regarding a person’s past that can affect their current disposition: addictions, debt, diseases, bad habits, past relationships (significant other or family), or kids. We all know the origin.

Spill the beans – Reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly. Origin: This saying comes from Ancient Greece, where voting was done using beans. Citizens would put a white bean into the jar of a candidate they support, and a black one for a candidate that they do not approve of. However, on a few occasions clumsy people would spill the jars, revealing classified information.

Show your true colors – Reveal one’s real character or intentions, especially when these may be dishonorable. Origin: To confuse their enemies, warships (and sometimes pirates) would use multiple flags. However, warfare rules dictated that the ships must show their actual flag before firing and hence, the ships would then display their true colors.

Cutting to the chase – Important things that need to be done or said. Origin: A film often cuts (changes) from a slow scene to a more exciting one, such as a car chase, to keep the audience interested.

Butter someone up – To impress someone with flattery. Origin: This was a customary religious act in ancient India. The devout would throw handfuls of butter at the statues of their gods to seek favor and forgiveness.

Cold shoulder – Hinting strongly it is time for someone to leave. Origin: At medieval feasts, hosts would subtly signal that the meal was over (and it was time for guests to leave) by politely serving a cold slice of pork, mutton or beef shoulder.

Pleased as Punch – Extremely happy and/or proud. Origin: A puppet show in the 17th century called “Punch and Judy” featured a puppet named Punch, who killed people with a club and took great joy in doing so. He would feel pleased with himself afterwards, from which the saying “pleased as Punch” was born. 

Going Dutch – Splitting the dinner bill evenly. Origin: In the 17th century (when Holland and Great Britain weren’t the best of friends), the Dutch were mocked for being stingy or ungenerous, or at least not chivalrous. The phrase was also used for Germans and the Swiss.

MEMPHIS MEMOS

Happy New Year, team!

What you did for New Year’s and your New Year’s resolutions for this year and last

• What did you do for New Year’s Eve 2022?! Did you travel? Go to a New Year’s party? Get dressed up and go to a nice dinner? Or, did you take it easy and relax on the couch while watching the New York City ball-drop countdown?
• Did you complete any of your New Year’s resolutions for 2022?
• What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2023?

Jordan Domin

• I watched my favorite college football team shank a game winning field goal as the clock struck midnight EST.
• I couldn’t remember my 2022 New Year’s resolutions, which not only significantly reduced the pressure of accomplishing them but also even pursing them.
• My resolution for 2023 is to write down my 2023 New Year’s resolutions.

Rowland Brothers

• I spent New Year’s Eve in Nashville with some old friends for the Tin Roof New Year’s Eve/CFP party – absolutely great place for the night, especially for single people.
• In 2022, I didn’t have any New Year’s resolutions.
• For 2023, my resolutions are to start better practicing meditation and to get back in the gym for strength training (your boy has a bad back and neck, so I really need to build my strength up). Thanks, Lauren!

Kenyata Howard

• For New Year’s Eve, my fiance and I went to Sekisui for a sushi dinner, and we ended the night at horseshoe tunica. We were sleep before midnight!
• I completed my New Year’s resolution of losing 10 pounds.
• This year I would like to invest back into myself financially, mentally and physically.

Derron Ragland

Me and family took it easy for New Year’s this particular year since we were buying a new home that we just closed on today. But I did something that was pretty interesting that I got off Instagram. So, if you start the Avengers End Game movie at 9:29:30 p.m., Tony Stark snaps his fingers at midnight to bring half of the population back that had been missing for five years. It was awesome for those that haven’t seen this clip.

AMS ACTIVITIES

AMS holiday party

AMS hosted the 2022 holiday party at Raymond James Stadium this year. Food, fun, dancing and prizes!

Annual Cookie Exchange

On Tuesday, December 13, AMS held its 24th Annual Cookie Exchange. We had 12 participants and delicious cookies!

Giving thanks

In the month of November, we asked the billing associates to fill out leaves with items they are thankful for and put them on our “tree.”

Trivia

Want a gift card?

Check out the 3Q22 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. 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 gift card to Target.
• 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. What stands in front of the back patio door and stares for 20 minutes a day?
2. What was served in medieval times to indicate it was time for guests to leave?
3. Who has a bearded dragon?
4. Who’s favorite team shanked the winning field goal?

Bonus:

Do you know the game Where's Waldo? You look at an image (in this case, the newsletter) 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 February 24, 2023. Winners will be notified shortly after.

Extra Trivia

$100 Target gift card trivia

Winner of 3Q22 Extra Trivia, Kaitlin Patterson! 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. Which Disney Princess talks to the most animals?
2. Which is the only American Football team to go a whole season undefeated, including the Super Bowl?
3. How many hearts does an octopus have?
4. Which of Newton’s Laws states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction?
5. What country has the most natural lakes?

New Hires and Transfers

Anniversaries (September – November)

If you would like to submit content for the next AMS newsletter, please email AMSNewsletter@raymondjames.com.