Thomas Pablo said it best.
And Mike Minter described beautifully the relationship between “D for Dawn” and Brett and the family that Brett and Dawn’s relationship and businesses have created. For those reading today, that means the MSFS Family.
Maybe there are advisers or leaders within the MSFS & BDLLC corporate umbrellas who were not aware of how strong a family they had joined, or how wise it might be to “dive in” to the MSFS Family (families can be stressful sometimes). But by now I am thinking it is apparent to All, not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Leave it to say that from Brett’s teaching I had thought of Dawn D’Orlando as “larger than life.” With most advisers who are part of the 
MSFS “enterprise,” we met Brett through a CFP® program, class or Live Review. Especially back in 2006-2008 the “D for Dawn” expression was a real means by which to pass the CFP® exam! Brett told us stories upon stories (to keep us awake?) about the strength and intelligence of his wife, Dawn – who had three advanced degrees to his mere two. But I never thought I would actually MEET Dawn. And then, at an outdoor pizza lunch in 2008, there she was – the famous “D for Dawn.” Dawn was there as the wife and business partner of Brett to meet and perhaps welcome me to the MSFS Family when the time was right. Dawn could not have been kinder or easier to talk to.
In July 2012 when the day came that I joined the small but burgeoning MSFS, I experienced several heartwarming – even funny, looking back – episodes that proved Dawn was a pillar of strength and a born leader.
- Dawn was an incoming advisor’s “Swat Team” unto herself. The Merrill Lynch’s and UBS’s of the world had 3- and 4-member “swat teams” to handle incoming advisors. Main Street had Dawn. Steady, efficient and organized as heck, Dawn handled all.
- One day in particular, I had the inevitable meltdown from the pressure and what seemed (to me) enormity of the incoming ACAT accounts process. I kind of panicked and called Brett on the phone for him to step in and calm me down. After about one sentence from me, Brett said kindly and directly that he was going to hand off the phone to Dawn because “this type of situation was in Dawn’s wheelhouse and not [Brett’s] ‘expertise’.” Truer words were never spoken. And I literally heard Brett yell across the office, “DAAAWN!!”
- And all of a sudden Dawn was on the phone describing to me that all was collated, organized and under control. No fuss, no muss – just keep my head up and keep going. It was utterly simple.
- Finally for this set of remembrances, Dawn in those times literally was our firm’s Chief Compliance Officer, COO and day-to-day co-CEO. Dawn was also “head of client service associates” of which there was ONE: Dawn. And head of transitioning advisers of which there had now been four.
Does it get any better than Dawn? No. Through Brett we get to keep some of the best of Dawn. Because together Brett and Dawn started the MSFS Family. And the MSFS Family is there for you when you need it most, even if we don’t realize it until that “panic moment”.
Thank you, God, for Dawn. Thank you, Dawn, and Peace to you.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, tax, legal or accounting advice.