1. Accountability

We take great pride in the quality of our work.

We strive for excellence in everything we do, and we do not accept less than the best from ourselves or others.

We accept responsibility for our attitude and actions.

2. Character

Our business is built and sustained on relationships.

We have no higher concern than the integrity of our client relationships and confidentiality in all our client dealings.

We understand the value of discretion and trustworthiness.

3. Conviction

We are all invested in Ayco’s success.

The importance of believing in who we are and how we deliver Ayco Financial Counseling cannot be overstated and must not be compromised.

4. Culture Carrier

Each one of us personifies Ayco and is responsible for protecting and enhancing our culture.

We never take it for granted.

We maintain high standards in everything we do, both in and out of the workplace.

5. Integrity

The quality of our people and the strength of our culture ensure that we exemplify the highest standards and integrity in serving clients.

We are committed to complying fully with the letter and spirit of our ethical principles.

We pride ourselves on providing our clients and their families with a level of service that evokes confidence and trust.

6. Leadership

We recognize the impact and power of personal example. We live our values every day.

We create a healthy and entrepreneurial working environment and foster involvement and personal growth.

We actively listen and consistently articulate our vision and expectations. We recruit, mentor and retain the best talent.

7. Loyalty

Mutual loyalty is the foundation of a positive and productive relationship between Ayco and its associates.

Our commitment is to assure that every associate attains his or her full potential within the context of our dynamic firm.

Likewise, we expect that all associates act thoughtfully in the best interests of Ayco.

8. Passion

Our culture and passion for client service are what make Ayco great, energize us daily and fuel the growth of our firm.

We understand that being a trusted advisor is a privilege that we earn every day.

9. Teamwork

Everything we do at Ayco is driven by teamwork.

It is essential that we are individually and collectively thoughtful, respectful, supportive and responsive to each other and that we work collaboratively in the best interests of our clients, our associates and our firm.

Our willingness to learn, actively share ideas and cross-market our services are key to sustaining our competitive advantage in the marketplace.

10. Work Ethic

The very essence of Ayco’s success has been, and always will be, our people.

Ayco associates are bright, hard-working people who are committed to the success of the firm and their associates.

We approach all business opportunities and respond to the needs of our clients with intense focus and a profound sense of urgency.

Success ... The Ayco Way

Joel Schaller, President & CEOSuccess — a term open to debate, subject to interpretation, intangible, elusive and often ill-defined. If you refer to the dictionary for the definition of success, you will find various descriptions including "a favorable or satisfactory outcome or result."

At Ayco, success is also subject to interpretation. In fact, as CEO, my responsibility is to provide each of our associates with opportunities to achieve success and reach their fullest potential.

While it is difficult to define success, we can outline characteristics that allow a person to be successful. In fact, we know that to be successful both at Ayco and in life, certain qualities are necessary. These qualities are embodied in our culture.

Success ... The Ayco Way is our effort to codify what has been ingrained in our culture for many years. We have identified 10 characteristics of success that distinguish Ayco — and the values expected of each associate — in order to assure that we continue to be successful as a firm and serve the best interests of our clients and associates.

There is nothing more important than the manner in which we treat our clients and our associates. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the 10 key qualities for success focus on traits that allow us to build relationships that last a lifetime.

– Joel L. Schaller, President & CEO