Who's Who Women in Business

who's who women in business 19 Brooks Financial's Tesia Brooks and Genesis Tuazon b rooks Financial partners Tesia Brooks and Genesis Tuazon believe effective financial planning requires empathy and expertise. "It's not black-and-white or just numbers. We bring empathy and life experience to the table," says Brooks, who founded the company 20 years ago. Brooks began her career at 17, working as a bank teller. A former Certified General Accountant (CGA) and income tax specialist, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CFDA), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), she now customizes financial plans that are tailored to clients' lifestyles and hopes for the future. "I create a plan with my client, then we fit investments to that plan. No plan works unless you put it into action. We manage your wealth as part of a holistic lifestyle plan to meet your goals." Tuazon, a Certified Cash Flow Specialist (CCS), joined the company last September and has life experience far beyond her years. In 2006, she lost her mother to leukemia. As the eldest of five children, a lot of responsibility suddenly rested on her shoulders. "I realized we weren't prepared and had lost almost everything," she says. "I had to mature very quickly." Experience helps her identify with clients, many of whom are struggling with the new realities of divorce or other major life changes. "Many women aren't experienced in finance and future planning," she says. "We've helped many women (and men) find solutions. Our clients can be present and engaged in the planning process. Understanding the whole picture dissipates fear; it's important to understand your financial plan and future." Brooks Financial holds workshops for women, men and couples on topics such as divorce financial planning, retirement-income planning and private equity investing. The sessions, for clients and non-clients, are designed to empower participants' personal knowledge and confidence. Brooks and Tuazon feel that the more everyone understands how financial plans can work for them — or how not planning won't work — the more secure they feel going forward. "We attract a lot of women, we speak the same language," Brooks says. "It's about compassion." The detailed planning she and Tuazon offer sets Brooks Financial apart from its competition. "I know how the wealthy invest, and I know ways clients can invest using many of the same strategies" Brooks says. The holistic approach, including tax, estate, insurance and investment planning attracted Tuazon to the company. "I'd been in the financial industry for seven years, I was providing investments and insurance without this comprehensive level of planning. There's more moving parts to consider," she says of her epiphany. "We have a lot of empathy for our clients," she adds. "Brooks Financial offers a personal holistic plan not often found with banks or mutual-fund advisors." To learn more about Brooks Financial, call 204-594-1020, email info@brooksfinancial.ca or visit www.brooksfinancial.ca. • Brooks Financial partners Tesia Brooks and Genesis Tuazon inspire confidence with knowledge and planning. Empathy & Expertise { brooks financial sPecializes in holistic Planning } By Holli Moncrieff PHOTO By PHIL HOSSACK

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