Sikeston Standard Democrat: Business: Local business advisor strives for steady gain (05/01/05)

Pictured from left are: Mary Wooden, Eric Wooden, Dee Ables, Debby Davis, Dean Wooden and Greg Krokstrom. Dean Wooden celebrated 25 years in business in Sikeston during April.

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SIKESTON - While the stock market has had its ups and downs and the economy has had its highs and lows, Dean Wooden is a constant in the financial lives of many Sikeston area residents for the past 25 plus years.

Wooden, a financial advisor for Raymond James Financial Services Inc., marked a quarter of century in business in Sikeston during April.

"When I came to Sikeston the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 813, today it is over 10,200," said Wooden in noting the changes the 25 years have brought in the business.

The fact that the market has continued to go up despite so many historical moments ranging from the election of presidents to the 1982 economic recession to the bursting of the Internet bubble in 1999, Wooden said is good news for investors. "The fact that the market has continued to climb shows capitalism and our way of life continues to be the best system in the world.

We need to protect that way of life and move forward in the global economy."

Just as the market has grown, so has Wooden's staff and business. A Raymond James financial representative since 1996, the office now includes Wooden, his wife, Mary, their son, Eric Wooden, son-in-law, Greg Krokstrom; and administrative assistants, Dee Ables and Debby Davis.

Wooden said there really is no secret to his business's success. "We pay a lot of attention to where we are economically in the business cycle. We believe in being value-oriented so we are always looking for something of good value at a good price."

He explained he encourages his clients to look for good quality investments and maintain a well-diversified portfolio. This, he said, will help to ensure a good return over the long run.

While the business has given him "a great appreciation for stress," Wooden joked, he added on a more serious note, the success of the company actually relates back to four things. "We are truly blessed with great clients. We have great employees. Then there is Mary and, our very strong-supportive family."

Raymond James Financial Services Inc. is located at 741 N. Main St.