My parents grew up during the depression and, like
others of their generation faced dismal financial conditions. They
were both determined to rise above those conditions and be
successful. While working for C.E. Dean at a cotton gin in Lubbock,
Texas, my father recognized there was a problem in providing the
needed parts and supplies to the cotton gins that Mr. Dean owned.
He suggested that Mr. Dean open a central supply warehouse. Mr.
Dean liked the idea and put my father in charge.
Within a few short years, my father had grown that warehouse into a
store that supplied not only Mr. Dean's gins, but cotton gins
throughout the state of Texas. Later a second store was opened and
then another related business that built the processing machinery
itself.
I spent my formative years working for my dad and learning the
business from the ground up. After attending Trinity Evangelical
Divinity School, I returned and helped run the family business for
six years. I was then called to serve as the Youth Pastor at New
Covenant Church in Jacksonville, Illinois.
After serving in several Youth Pastor and Administrative Pastor
positions, I found myself in California. I resigned the Youth
Pastor position I held at that time, feeling it was time to move on
to other things.
I was involved in a couple of different positions during that
transition period, working as the Marketing Director of a restaurant
and working as a salesman in a furniture store.
After much deliberation and prayer, I decided to combine my love for
helping people and my interest in investments (I've been investing for myself
since I was 16).
I started my career as a financial advisor in 1996. In January of
2004, having worked for a couple of different firms, I launched my
own company, Cornerstone Financial Consultants. The firms I had
worked for were great
firms, but I had inherited my father's entrepreneurial spirit.
I founded Cornerstone on the principle of I Peter 2:6 "Therefore it
is also contained in the Scripture , Behold I lay in Zion, a chief
cornerstone, elect, precious, And He who believes in Him will by no
means be put to shame." Jesus is the cornerstone of my life and
business. I recognize there are a diversity of beliefs and that not
everyone will believe as I do, nor do I expect them to. Nevertheless,
the foundation on which I operate is guided by what I believe to be
principles based on the person of Jesus and the word of God.
Whether you share my beliefs, the principles make me a better
person and a better advisor.
I founded it on the principles of integrity, honesty and
accountability.
I founded it on the principle of helping others regardless of their
income level or the size of their portfolio.
I founded it on the principle that it is more blessed to give than
to receive. I believe that it is important that we give back to the
community, whether that is through church and other charitable
organizations, civic groups, foundations or the giving of our time
and talents to those less fortunate in our sphere of influence.
While reaching out to everyone, there are five groups of people that
I would consider to be my ideal clients, those that I feel I could
benefit the most. The first are attorneys, doctors and other
professionals in similar fields. Second would be professional
athletes Third would be churches and ministers, fourth, small
business owners, fifth, churches and ministers.
Each of these groups has its own unique needs, but they have four
things in common.
They need someone who is going to act for them with the highest
degree of integrity, honesty and accountability.
They need someone who can relate to them as individuals, not just
numbers.
They need someone who will look out for their best interest, so they
can concentrate on what they do best, whether that is running a
business, playing sports at the professional level, or just enjoying
their golden years. This should be someone who will place their interests above a
commission or trying to make a profit.
They need someone who will help them build their wealth, protect
their assets and create legacies. That mission statement is not
just some cute phrase that I dreamed up, but it is the foundation on
which Cornerstone was founded and will continue to operate as
long as I am at the helm.
- Chris Taylor
