Articles

What It Has Meant To Me To Be A Silver Fox Advisor - July 2026

What It Has Meant To Me To Be a Silver Fox Advisor

Jim Griffing
A Silver Fox Advisor

Being a Silver Fox Advisor has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. Although I became aware of the organization when it was founded in 1986 through Joe Bond, one of its founding members, I officially joined in 1987 after starting my own CPA firm. At the time, the organization was seeking younger, active business professionals to complement its distinguished group of seasoned business leaders.

Over the years, my involvement has only deepened my appreciation for the value of the membership. Early on, I was entrusted with the finances and tax reporting responsibilities of the organization, a role I have proudly maintained ever since. As I became more involved, I served on many committees, including a term as Chairman of the Education Committee. I also had the privilege of serving the organization in a variety of leadership positions, including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and ultimately Chairman. These opportunities allowed me to become more engaged with the Board and to contribute to the continued success of the organization.

In the mid-1990s, I joined my first CEO Roundtable and have participated in several Roundtables over the years. One of the greatest benefits of my membership has been the opportunity to meet and get to know so many outstanding people. The friendships, business relationships, and shared experiences have enriched both my professional and personal life. Silver Fox Advisors has also been a trusted resource for my clients, providing a network of highly accomplished professionals to whom I can confidently make referrals.

Looking back, it has been a wonderful 39 years with the organization. I am grateful for all that I have gained through my involvement and, God willing, I look forward to many more years of friendship, learning, service, and fellowship as a Silver Fox Advisor.

Business Tips from the Editor - June 2026

BUSINESS TIPS FROM THE EDITOR

June 2026

Richard T. Hendee, Editor
The Silver Fox Advisor

                          “My Own Backyard"

Over my career of advising, consulting, coaching, and mentoring small business owners I have seen numerous small business owners looking over the fences in their marketplace and thinking they can expand their market penetration and want to jump into an expanded market space (some even have their set their sights on a national market place) with limited knowledge, limited time, limited resources, and no formal plan. That great idea keeps resurfacing, and images of grandeur take over, the anchor is pulled up, and the ship sets sail!

Frequently, the results are the same. Focus, time, and money are spent on the shiny new marketplace, and in time (usually a short time frame), the business experiences a loss of revenue, loss of customers, and a loss of market share from the market that made the business what it is (or was). 

Conversely, I know the owner of a very successful business for many years, where customers wait in line to enjoy the business’s products and services (that are pricey, but very good with service that is tremendous); he tells people who ask why he doesn’t open more locations in other cities, to which he replies, “Why would I want to do that? I can’t spend the money I am making now!”

If you are a small business owner struggling with images of grandeur and the desire to take over the world, but something is telling you not to jump off the cliff without backup and a parachute, seek advice from one of our professional Silver Fox Advisors, who can provide guidance as you chart that course into uncharted waters. We encourage you to visit our website at www.silverfox.org.  There, you can learn more about our great programs and community outreach endeavors, or about selecting a Silver Fox Advisor whom you can engage, or perhaps about even becoming a member yourself.