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Young Professionals Find Business Success in City Center
12/5/2011
Two young professionals decided to make City Center the home of their new business, and they’re growing their client base in the heart of Hagerstown. Sentinel Capital Solutions opened in July, and the owners are helping people make the best moves with their finances in this unpredictable economy.
Co-owner Cort Meinelschmidt is from the Hagerstown area and he attended St. Maria Goretti High School. He serves as the financial advisor for the business while co-owner Chelsea Miller serves as the office manager. Miller is a graduate of Shepherd University. The two worked together at an area bank before deciding to make a move on their own.
Sentinel Capital Solutions offers financial advice for clients looking to plan for their children’s higher education, retirement or business ventures. Meinelschmidt says he always strives for consistency. “We’re never going to be your number one investor and I realize that. I’m not going to be the best stock picker and get you that 60% return,” he explains. “But on the downside is when the market tanks, I want to lose you less. My goal is to consistently beat zero, and when the markets go up, I want to be able to participate in the markets. I can’t stand losing somebody money.”
As a small company, Miller and Meinelschmidt hope to make the financial advising process more personal. Miller says, “The independence of having our own office and our own firm is really nice because decisions get made in a split second. Whatever our customers need, we can take care of it for them.”
The duo was able to get their business up in running thanks in part to the Partners in Economic Progress grant offered by the City of Hagerstown. The money will help pay half their rent for two years.
The business is easy to find just above the Bulls & Bears restaurant. Meinelschmidt and Miller say that location was a major reason behind their decision to operate out of City Center. They also chose the Tri-State building because of its aesthetic qualities and its convenience to the parking decks. Meinelschmidt adds, “There’s a lot more activity downtown than most people realize. We go out and eat lunch and you’re always seeing different people, you’re always meeting people out throughout town.”
Sentinel Capital Solutions broker/dealers through Williams Financial Group Investments, Inc. Their office can be reached at (301) 665-9038.
