July 2025 – Newsletter
Independence Day
Fun Facts
The Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776, but the Declaration of Independence wasn’t officially adopted until July 4—which is why we celebrate then.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE:
- INDEPENDENCE DAY
- CALENDAR
- CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
- BOOK SIGNING
- AI IN DIGITAL ADVERTISING
Only two people signed the document on July 4, 1776—John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the delegates (50) signed it on August 3.
The names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers from British retaliation. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have resulted in their deaths.
Calendar
July 4 – Paramount office and financial markets closed for Independence Day.
Client Spotlight – John Crist
John Crist lives by a simple but powerful belief: “People don’t care what you know until they know you care.” It’s a philosophy that has guided him through a distinguished career and a lifetime of service—one marked not only by professional success, but by his unwavering commitment to helping others.
In May, John was honored with the 2025 Jackson College Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his lasting impact on both the college and the broader Jackson community. But for John, the award wasn’t about accolades. “It’s not about what I did to earn it,” he says. “It’s about the people I’ve been able to help.”
A Jackson College alum, John spent 29 years at Consumers Energy before serving nearly two decades as President and CEO of CP Federal Credit Union, retiring in 2017. Throughout his career, John remained focused on people—co-workers, clients, even waitstaff at restaurants he frequented—always asking, “How can I help? What can I do?”
That genuine care has fueled deep, meaningful connections. Whether mentoring business leaders, guiding students, or supporting someone through a hard time, John’s goal has always been the same: to make a difference in someone’s life and to inspire them to do the same for others. His only request in return? “Pay it forward.”
John’s influence stretches far beyond individual acts of kindness. He served nearly 20 years on the Jackson College Board of Trustees, helping lead the development of new academic programs, expanded student housing, and key campus facilities like the Health Laboratory Center and the astronomical observatory. In 2017, he established the Crist Family Scholarship, ensuring his commitment to education would extend to future generations.
He has been an active force in numerous organizations, including the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, the Poling Center at Spring Arbor University, and the Michigan Community College Association Board. He’s also served on the boards of the United Way, March of Dimes, Western Schools, and was chairman of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.
Despite his many achievements, John is most proud of the relationships he’s built along the way. John Crist’s story is one of quiet impact, deep compassion, and a life well-lived in service to others.
Retirement by Design Book Signing
We were thrilled to host a special book signing at our office to celebrate the release of Retirement by Design, authored by Paramount Wealth’s Founder and President, Don Hershberger, with contributing chapters by Donald Hershberger III, Brennan Clark, and Candace Hackborn.
The event was well attended, with a steady stream of clients joining us to receive a signed copy of the new Amazon #1 Best Seller. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, catch up, and personally thank those who have supported us through the years.
If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, we hope you do—and that it inspires you to think more deeply about what an intentional and fulfilling retirement could look like for you and your family.
Retirement by Design is available on Amazon or you can download a pdf for free on our website.
AI In Digital Advertising
Imagine you’re browsing the web and see an ad for an espresso machine – the very one you just mentioned in an online conversation.
The thought can be unsettling…Are your devices really spying on you? Well…sort of.
Advertisers are skilled at figuring out who you are and what you might want. Sometimes, their accuracy can make it feel like they’re right there in the room with you. The truth is, they’re using sophisticated algorithms to analyze your online behavior and predict your interests.
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