Farewell from Ray McNicholas

At the end of 2023 I officially left Everlake and Financial Services. I am keen not to use the word ‘retired’, as I plan to keep working for at least another ten years!

It’s the first time since I was a young lad that I have no job. During the war, my parents and older siblings lived in England. After returning to the West of Ireland, my father started a milk round in our town.

Each Friday I helped to collect money from our customers and unknowingly received my first training in mental arithmetic. As we travelled around the town, my father would ask me to work out in my head how much each customer owed us for their weekly milk. Little did I know that I would use those skills learned as a young lad in my future business.

Later, my father opened a brokerage offering mostly ‘general’ insurance. My father instilled a great work ethic in me. Perhaps an eventual career in financial services was inevitable for me?

Founding Ethical Financial

In 1997 I founded a small financial planning business called Ethical Financial. Seeing friends and colleagues looking for somewhere better to invest their money, I focussed the business on ethical investing.

Back in the 90s ethical/sustainable investing was far from the hot topic that it is now. This approach was somewhat risky but I’m grateful to everyone who believed in me and supported me in my business over the years.

The Progression of the Business

In the mid-2010s my son John joined me at Ethical Financial. My growing concern was what would happen to my clients when I left the business. I wanted to leave them in the hands of someone who would look after them, treat them well and be genuinely interested in their business. That’s why I am delighted that John has replaced me.

I was also delighted when Ethical Financial merged with Global Wealth and rebranded to Everlake. The level of knowledge and experience now within Everlake far outweighs anything that I could offer.

Although I am no longer involved in the business, I am so delighted that my son John is still part of it and will continue to look after my clients.

Friendships

I have made some great friends through my work. Although I have left Everlake, I haven’t left my friends behind. I am planning on having that ‘cup of coffee’ regularly to keep the friendships up.

Thank you very much to everyone who helped me to make a living for my family and for your friendships over the years.

I’m also grateful to Everlake for allowing me to successfully leave the business when the time came, to pursue new learning opportunities and interests.

The Future

I am currently studying a Masters at Trinity in Theology and training as a tour guide in Dublin. My wife Bernadette and I are also kept busy visiting our children and grandchildren scattered all over the world.

I’ve enjoyed working with my clients and the friends I’ve made, and I’m looking forward to what’s in store for me in the future.