We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike McCann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Service to others. It provides meaning and connection. It motivates and inspires. I get the greatest satisfaction in life when I’m helping others. This is true within my business, as well as my volunteer work. Throughout my lifetime, I’ve gravitated to various service opportunities – from hands-on activities like painting and trail clean up, to providing guidance to young people through Scouts BSA and church groups, to behind-the-scenes organizational support as a board member for nonprofits. Volunteering with and alongside others is further rewarding.

What should our readers know about your business?
About my career:

I’ve worked in the financial services industry since 1991, as a financial planner and investment advisor, as well as behind-the-scenes in high-level trading and managerial positions. In 2003, I founded Perspective Financial Services in Phoenix.

Developing long-term relationships with my clients through the years has been the most significant professional achievement. My knowledge of investments and financial planning fundamentals is a vital piece of that, but I feel my greatest strength is my ability to listen. Understanding each person’s unique needs and developing an investment strategy that meets those needs is what builds lasting relationships. I’ve walked alongside clients through the many ups and downs of life – celebrated their marriages, promotions, dream vacations, home purchases, and births of children. And grieved with them through layoffs, illnesses, divorces, loss of loved ones.

It’s immensely rewarding work. But it can also be intense and emotionally taxing. I get out and hike as much as I can, whether it’s just around town or when I travel to explore new places. I find the harder I push myself physically, the more likely I am to free my mind and clear myself of worries. So that’s another important piece of my career success.

About my company:

I established Perspective Financial Services a s sole proprietorship in 2003, less than two years after the 9/11 attacks. The financial markets had had three consecutive years of losses. The nation was headed into the uncertainty of the Iraq war. Investor confidence couldn’t have been much lower. And yet, somehow, the timing felt right to create an investment advisory firm that would help people plan for whatever the future might hold.

In the past 20 years, Perspective has grown from a one-man shop to a company of eight. We’ve been together a long time and have grown together as a family as much as we have as colleagues. The same goes for the relationships we’ve built with our many clients. It’s truly a special company and place to work. I’m grateful for the many opportunities and people it has brought into my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m proud to be from Arizona and show off our home. No trip to our state is complete without a couple of hikes. In Phoenix, when the weather is mild, there’s no better place to see the beauty of Arizona than in the McDowell Mountains. Start at the Gateway trailhead, and just pick a trail. It’s pristine and breathtaking. Follow up the hike with stop at Arizona’s own Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers.

If guests are coming from east of the Mississippi, they often don’t grasp how big Arizona is and that you can’t possibly see it all in a week. But a road trip is definitely in order. The biggest bang is to go to Sedona, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon (allow three days).

In Sedona, you can check out the Church in the Rocks and take a short hike from the Bell Rock Trailhead. There are several options here to see the amazing red rocks and get some spectacular photos. If you time it right, you can get lunch at Oaxaca Restaurant, then head north on 89A through Oak Creek canyon.

Driving further north takes you to Flagstaff. You’ll want to catch dinner at Black Bart’s Steakhouse, Saloon and Musical Revue (established 1979), where you’ll be treated to outstanding food and an equally good show performed by your wait staff. Walnut Creek Canyon, followed by the Homolovi Ruins are your next day’s must-see. Then, the Grand Canyon is your next destination. Depending on your guests’ sense of adventure, you could enjoy a couple hours of sightseeing or spend a day or two hiking the area. Passing back through Flagstaff, stop for lunch or dinner at the Lumberyard Brewery and stroll through downtown to check out the local shops.

In Phoenix, the Musical Instrument Museum is a truly unique experience. It’s a memorable way to spend a few hours, for those who appreciate music of all kinds, as well as those who enjoy learning about other cultures.

The city also has so many great originals when it comes to dining out. My personal favorite has always been Spinato’s for pizza, and Oregano’s is a close second. If you like spicy food, Los Dos Molino’s is a must. Most visitors refer to this as “Mexican” food, but it’s actually New Mexico cuisine. It may sound weird sending an Arizona visitor to eat food from New Mexico, but it is phenomenal (and is another Arizona original dating back the 1970s in Springerville). For true Mexican cuisine, it’s hard to go wrong here. President Bush’s favorite is the iconic Tee Pee restaurant (founded in 1958) on Indian School Road, but I’m also partial to Valle Luna (established in 1983) which has several locations around town.

As an Arizona Diamondbacks season ticket holder, I love cheering for the D-backs and it’s even more fun to go to the games when I can share that experience with friends and family.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to do a shout out to my wife, Jessica! She provided the necessary income to keep our household going at the start of my business and has been my guide and sounding board all along the way – not to mention working behind-the-scenes as marketing director.

Website: www.moneyaz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perspectivefinancialservices/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mccann-az/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerspectiveFS

Image Credits
Professional images by Jose Cureno

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