Advancing the Leadership Mindset 
Finding Success in the Success of Others  

This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interview questions that were designed to get an up close view of the traits and strengths of the members who provide leadership and inspiration to this organization. 

Membership Spotlight:  Alan Grossman 
Relationships, Service, Value 

Tell me about yourself.  Give me three facts that include information about your family, your career, and your pastimes.   
 
I’m from Syracuse, New York. I’ve spent time in Rochester, Chicago and Columbus among other places.  I have two grown daughters who live in Rochester. My wife, Heather, and I have a small farm in Marengo about 45 minutes outside of Columbus.  We raise animals, train search and rescue dogs and are enthusiastic skiers, bikers and firefighters.  Heather is part of Ohio Task Force One, the Urban Search and Rescue Team, and earned her Ph.D. in toxicology.  I have been involved with emergency services since I was 16 years old and I have been a deputy sheriff, a firefighter and a paramedic. I have been in the financial services industry since 1989 and a financial advisor for Edward Jones since 2012 

How long have you belonged to Rotary?  What’s the best thing about membership? 
 
I joined Rotary in 2013 with an interest in meeting people, networking and community service.  I have found that Rotarians do great things and develop great relationships. 

As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others?  Who was impacted and how? 
 
I’m very proud that as a financial advisor I help clients achieve what they want and need to do.  For me, it’s not about commissions, it’s about what others need and who I can help.  I love helping good people transform something strong into something superb. 
 
As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally?  Why? 
 
My career has been very rewarding.  I’m not driven to be the top producer but rather by helping others.  I have enjoyed serving on a number of boards and being involved in the community. 

Describe the most challenging project you have ever worked on.  What was your role?  What was the result? 

That’s a hard question for me as most of my work is not project based.  Getting through the financial crisis in 2008 and the COVID pandemic in 2020-21 have been challenges.  My belief in the system, the history of markets and financial models have served as my “true north” and have helped me give solid guidance to clients. 

What are some things you are passionate about?  What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing?  What makes your heart sing? 

I am passionate about my wife.  That includes who she is, what she does and what she does for me.  I am also amazed every time the dogs do their job when we say, “Go find it!” 
 
What are you especially skilled at?  What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out?   
 
That’s another hard question.  As somewhat of a jack of all trades, I’m mostly a master of none.  That said, I believe I am an exceptional financial advisor with strengths interacting with others and building strong relationships. 

When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about? What things would you like to do in your life that you haven’t gotten around to yet?  Is there something you would still like to accomplish? 
 
Retirement is still a ways out but that will give me more time at the farm to train dogs.  I would like to be a part of Ohio Task Force One which will require time to hang out, train, and take the coursework needed to qualify. 

If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why?  
 
I’d like to have lunch with Lance Armstrong.  It’s probably related to my own passion for bikes.  Despite the fact that he made some mistakes, he was the very best in the world at what he did.