You may have heard a story about Henry Ford calling in a famous engineer to fix a broken generator. After days of failed attempts by others, the expert reportedly made a single chalk mark, the problem was fixed, and he later billed mostly for “knowing where to put it.”
The story is almost certainly apocryphal. But its message is timeless.
The real point isn’t about chalk marks or factories. It’s about value.
Expertise isn’t measured by the minutes you see. It’s measured by the years of learning, experience, mistakes, and judgement that make the right decision possible at the right time.
In financial planning, much of our work looks simple on the surface: a recommendation, a strategy, a change to a portfolio. What you’re really paying for is the thinking behind it, the risks avoided, and the costly mistakes you never have to make.
You're not paying an expert for their time. You're paying for all the time you don't have to waste.
You’re also paying for clarity, perspective, and confidence.
Anyone can make a mark.
Not everyone knows where to put it.
With very best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Graham Ponting CFP Chartered MCSI
Managing Partner
