Susan Howson

In the financial world today, a high level of theoretical knowledge - and appropriate credentials - are critical. As a Portfolio Manager - one of the most responsible designations in the Canadian industry - I hold theory in high respect. I believe, though, that theory is animated and strengthened by my 30 years' experience. Theory gives structure and meaning to financial events, but theory has many voices - only experience tells you when to listen to one voice and when your clients will be better served if you listen to another.

I started work at Wood Gundy in 1976. In 1985 I was able to change companies and career path joining Research Capital as an investment advisor. While continuing to study, I increased the accounts under my administration to over $180 million.

Since 1996, I have been a fully qualified Portfolio Manager. As a Portfolio Manager, I have discretionary responsibility for adjusting clients' holdings to stay on course toward their goals. Always a good option, the managed account has redoubled its worth in a time of volatile and occasionally unpredictable markets.

This background of experience underpins an investment philosophy that guides me through the market's many twists and turns. I look long-term, invest in quality securities that offer value, growth potential and income maximization. It's an approach that has served my clients well, in addition to allowing us all to sleep better at night. My ability to think long-term and strategically, with positive results, was recognized in 2011 with an appointment as Director of Research Capital.

Client service is very important to me. It is vital to be involved with your individual needs and goals. The issue is to develop the right mix of instruments for those goals, always remembering that we are not investing for today but for the future. An article in the Financial Post gives a snapshot of the way I develop a portfolio, then adapt the investment process to the client's individual circumstances - in this case, for a client whose household income varies annually according to the flow of the client's and her husband's respective self-employment income.

Experience has taught me the value of taking an active part in our community - I donate 3% of my commissions to charity. I am also a member in The Rotary Club of Toronto where I donate a significant amount of time to hands-on projects such as helping to prepare a summer camp for underprivileged mothers and children and packing food boxes for the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Since 1990, I have served on and chaired numerous committees, been a director and in 2007-2008, the President of the club. I have been awarded the Paul Harris/William Peace award, the Rotary Club's highest award. I continue to serve on various committees.