Lou Holtz, Coach Lou Holtz or simply, “Coach”, to many, transcended more aspects of life than can be counted. His values, imparted to football players and athletes at the highest (and all) levels, CEOs of global companies, military men and women, and even panhandlers, may at times have been received with a slight sting. But Coach Holtz managed to make the “sting” worth it and almost always gave pause to those lucky enough to have listened to him — through his famous lisp!
There are parallels in Coach Holtz’ values to investing, global investment portfolios and asset management. C-suite executives at worldwide consulting firms would agree, as loads of them were coached and developed by Lou Holtz. Coach Holtz’ foundational values were three:
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- Trust
- Love
- Commitment
You don’t necessarily need to love your financial adviser or asset manager but you do need to TRUST her or him. LOVE mostly drives an investor’s or client’s goals and objectives, related to those loved ones whose lives may be made better over time from sound decisions, investments, saving and strategy. COMMITMENT applies to the entire process — disciplined saving, thoughtful investing, staying on course while tweaking strategy as needed over time.
Coach Holtz was also famous for his value system based on the three core principles:
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- Always do the right thing.
- Do everything to the best of your ability.
- Let people know how much you genuinely care about them.
These principles apply to advisors, asset managers and clients alike. Especially with regard to the advisor and asset manager this value system defines long-term successful relationships. Notably, there is hardly a person who can recite Coach Holtz’ value system without smiling.
Finally, there is a story told enough times by family and close confidants that even AI says is true:
Coach Holtz was famous for his “vintage Lou Holtz pep talks”, even to the occasional panhandler. Instead of handing over just spare change, he would approach the panhandler, deliver an encouraging message with specific advice about “getting cleaned up” and turning their life around… and then hand them $200 to help make it happen. There were even documented thank-you notes (and an occasional repayment of the $200) after the person getting back on his or her feet.
People — and portfolios — can be made better off for these values. May Coach Holtz’ soul rest in peace*.
*Louis Leo Holtz: January 6, 1937 – March 4, 2026.
Consult with a tax professional on ALL tax matters and tax planning. 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.