After 36 years of helping clients plan for their financial goals and prepare for retirement, Steve Koch is making a transition of his own. He has sold his financial planning practice, Koch, Sylvia and Associates, 2621 Montega Drive, to Jennifer Sylvia.
“I began working with my business partner 14 years ago in anticipation of this day. … I selected Jennifer to be my successor because she is committed to building upon the foundation we have created together,” he said. Libby Conroy, another financial adviser with the firm, is staying on, along with the staff. “My clients already know both of them very well, so that makes the transition a lot easier,” said Koch.
Koch has spent his career working for the same company, although “the corporate office has had a few name changes over the years.” It was IDS when he first began working as a financial adviser in April 1986, then later American Express Financial Advisers and Ameriprise Financial before franchisees were allowed to use their own names beginning a few years ago.
As for his retirement plans, Koch said he will volunteer more and stay active in the community, in addition to pursuing numerous interests. “My wife, Jodi, and I like to travel, and I enjoy playing sports: basketball, pickleball, swimming. Maybe I’ll take up golf. I have an interest in working on antique autos. I like keeping busy.”
Koch said he plans to follow the same advice he’s given his clients over the years, “I wanted to retire to something, not from something.” A retirement party is planned for Tuesday, June 7, although Koch said he will continue working with Sylvia for several more months to assist with the transition.
