For Me, Gar Wood Means ‘Family’

Sherry Gouwens, Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Vice President & Partner

I joined Gar Wood Securities in 2006 when it was a relatively new firm. I worked part-time doing accounting work and shortly thereafter went full-time as well as becoming the firm’s Chief Administrative Officer. Fast forward nearly 20 years, I have watched Gar Wood grow, increasing its reach with independent contractors and clients across the country.

It has been an incredible journey all thanks to a culture that leadership has instilled at the firm. We are family-owned – and that support comes through in how we operate. It is easy to talk to everyone and leaders are always willing to listen and help each other out.

My tenure in the financial services industry was not planned. I began working at the American Bar Association as director of its Law Student Division. There I oversaw the division’s financials, programs, and publications in addition to three of its national competitions. After the ABA, I moved from association management to the financial services industry as a human resources manager for Sydan, a trading firm in Chicago. I then joined Turning Point Securities – started by Rick Rosenthal – overseeing that organization’s financials. Rick became an independent contractor for Gar Wood Securities and introduced me to Gar Wood founder Bob Jersey. An opportunity opened at Gar Wood and Bob convinced me to join his firm to help with administration, financial operations and compliance needs.

I believe in Gar Wood, its leadership, and its role in the industry – making it easy to want to be a part of the company. Leadership welcomes collaboration and is supportive of ideas. That is a welcome contrast to what I have previously experienced with a rigid chain of commands and consequences for not following that command.

Our growing involvement in community and civic causes is extremely exciting. We have sponsored a variety of charitable events and have helped support schools. This year, Gar Wood participated in Chicago's legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade and is organizing a charity hockey tournament that supports children diagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD.

The passion and dedication to team members, the industry, and the community make Gar Wood feel like family. I’m honored to be a part of Gar Wood Securities.