Armstrong named 2016 Small Business Person of the Year
Reginald Armstrong of Armstrong Wealth Management Group was honored Wednesday, March 16th as the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce 2016 Small Business Person of the Year.
The 2016 Small Business Person of the Year recognizes a small business owner who exemplifies professionalism, strives to enhance the Florence community, and has made a positive impact on the local economy.
Read the Transcript of Regi Accepting the Award
Jim Ivey Executive Vice President of Dedicated Community Bank In 2002, The Florence Chamber of Commerce created the small business person of the year award. The award is sponsored by Dedicated Community Bank and is presented annually to recognize a small business owner who exemplifies professionalism, strives to enhance our community, and has made a positive impact on the local economy.
Also in 2002, this year's honoree started a business. The move was made on faith that his clients would follow him to his new firm, but he questioned whether he had what it took to start his own business. The first couple of months he paid his employees, not himself, from his retirement savings. Our honoree has stated, “There was a tremendous amount of uncertainty and at the time the market was down 35%. I trusted clients with follow me. I trusted in God that everything will work out and it did.” Reginald Armstrong, president of Armstrong Wealth Management Group, has spent a lifetime serving people. Prior to working in the financial services field, Regi served as an officer in the United States Army and became a decorated combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He was on the committee that established the Florence Veterans Park in 2008. Regi is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association, the Florence Rotary Club, the Mcleod Health Ethics Committee, and is a deacon at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Regi is also a weekly guest on the Ask the Pro’s segment of the Good Morning Pee Dee radio program.
As a business operated on Christian beliefs and principles, the Armstrong Wealth Management Group places a high priority on giving back to the community. They've taken a pledge to contribute 2% of gross revenues to charitable organizations. Being his own boss wasn't originally in Regi's long-range plan, but it has certainly worked best for him and his ideals.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please join Dedicated Community Bank and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce in recognizing the 2016 Small Business Person of the Year, Regi Armstrong.
Regi Armstrong President of the Armstrong Wealth Management Group Thank you, Jim, Thank you, Tim. First of all, they said I could say a few words, those who know me know few is probably not in my vocabulary. Right John? So first and foremost, I want to thank God because he's with us in our triumphs and our trials. Of course, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our clients and even more importantly if it wasn't for my associate's. If I've done anything even semi-okay, it's been being able to find good people and then able to retain them. We've got a great team, and it has been wonderful.
Above and beyond all that, I really have to thank my family. I knew something was up when my bride was here today, as she doesn’t usually come to these things. We will have been married for 32 years this May. She's she's stuck with me during the tough times and whether it was good not. Tough times in the military, starting a business, and all the stuff in between.
I actually feel a little bit embarrassed about being up here, because truthfully this award could just as easily -- in fact it’s 50% hers. Because behind every successful man is... a surprised mother-in-law. Right? I mean, that's the truth. In all honesty, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my wife, Hsin-Yi. She just went through some major health issues and today is actually her birthday. That’s why I am embarrassed to be up here. The light shouldn't be on me, so I want a round of applause to the for my wife, Hsin-Yi.
Lastly, and certainly not least I want to thank Florence community. Those that know me, you know that we are transplants. I’m an Army brat. My father traveled around in the military. My wife comes from a family that was overseas, came over, and did a lot of traveling. We made Florence our home. Florence accepted us pretty quickly because we liked barbecue and grits so fast. I consider Virginia my home originally because I was there a lot as a kid. But Florence has been our home and is what our three kids consider their home. Two of the three were born here.
I thank you for this award. I thank especially the clients here, for your trust. Godspeed and God bless Florence.