The Essence of Carol Beagle
Authentic ~ Romantic ~ Organized
Minimalist ~ Humorous~ Sensitive
Ten years into my investment career, I needed to give back to the profession that had been so good to me. After earning the Certified Financial Planner designation, I decided to teach one of the courses required for the designation. Sheridan College needed instructors, and I was immediately hired. I loved it, and more importantly, it was a fantastic experience, as I had marvellous students who wanted to be there.
One of those students was a lively woman who, as it happened, worked at the credit union just down the road from our office. I loved her joie de vivre; I opened a new business account there. Within a couple of years, I had an opportunity to buy another business; it would double the size of my practice in one day. That meant I needed to add another assistant who cared for clients and was cheerful, pleasant and personable. One that could work without babysitting. An assistant who would be willing to do all the paperwork that I hated doing. I knew who my perfect assistant would be—Carol. The only problem was that she had been working for eighteen years at the credit union, which would present me with a challenge since I never had all the various benefits available.
An approach to Carol was made, followed by an interview with Carol and her husband, Richard. I promised her a unique freedom to do her job, a roller coaster ride and no two days the same. I promised her a boss who was more like a work colleague and friend.
Here is where we are now. She has been a loyal assistant whom the clients and our entire family love. She is not “just” an assistant; she is part of our extended family. In fact, “As inappropriate as it sounds,” – she is my work wife! A trusted confidant, who I trust with my most sensitive information. She has been a fantastic sounding board who has been aware of the intricacies and magnitude of my difficult decisions in my practice.
Carol also brings a beautiful perspective to any situation. My favourite example was when I complained that things were so bad that I had to withdraw funds from my RSP to help pay for an office renovation. She fixed my attitude immediately with her response. “Don’t complain. At least you had savings to dip into.” It was an instant paradigm shift. Meet my “work wife”
At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.
I had been working at Hepcoe Credit Union for 18 years at various locations. My last post was the Lakeview Branch on Hydro Road in Mississauga. Hepcoe paid for me to take the CFP course at Sheridan. That's where I met Naguib Kerba. He was teaching course three. I won't say I was the teacher's pet; however, we became friends. It's a small world, as they say. Naguib's office was on the Lakeshore at the top of Hydro Road. I persuaded him to become a member. I was not getting along with my manager at this point in my career. I was quite unhappy.
Meanwhile, Naguib had bought a book of business and needed another assistant. He offered me that position, and I jumped at the chance. I was very nervous because it differed from what I did at the branch. All I can say is that I've never looked back, and it's been almost 25 years.
The fun doesn’t stop when these two are in a room.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
I was pregnant with my fourth child while living in the Beaches. I remember the day very well. I had a miscarriage, my close Uncle John died, and I learned we would be losing our house due to circumstances beyond our control and would have to move in with my in-laws in Mississauga. Betty and Dick were wonderful. They finished the basement where we moved in with three kids. The next four years were not easy. With the help of the Beagles and my parents, I was able to go back to work at the Credit Union. We saved enough to buy a semi-detached home in Brampton near my sister Sue. We moved in May of 1986, and Chris was born in July. I shared babysitting duties with Sue and was working part-time in Etobicoke. I have an amazing family, and with their help and the love I shared with my husband Richard, we were able to overcome and move on.
At an AIRBNB waiting for the Tartan Terrors show in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
What is one gem you learned on your journey that you would love to share? Alternatively, what hint would you tell a younger version of yourself?
Everything happens for a reason, although you don't know it now. We all have challenges in life. What I have learned is that most work out for the better.
Picking berries at a berry farm during a client car rally