A Personal Mission Inspired by Family

The Rowing to Remember event is part of the Longest Day campaign, a nationwide initiative where thousands of participants engage in activities, they are passionate about to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Chris’s inspiration to start this fundraiser came from a deeply personal place—his father, Dick Heerdegen, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. After his father’s passing in 2018 at age 72, Chris channeled his grief and determination into creating this event to honor his father's memory and to help fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s.

Remarkable Achievements and Community Support

Since its inception in 2019, Rowing to Remember has raised over $135,000, consistently ranking among the top 50 Longest Day campaign initiatives, and within the top 15 for the last two years. Chris is profoundly grateful for the continued support, saying, “I’m beyond humbled people show up to support this event, year after year. It just shows you how blessed I am to have the relationships I have, and how we share a common passion for helping find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Exciting Plans for 2024

As the event continues to grow, Chris ensures it offers something for everyone. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including rowing, bowling, volleyball, inflatables, food, music, and more. This year’s live entertainment features local 80’s and 90s cover band, the Skittle Bots, performing at 7:00 pm, with the classic rock trio band Parallel Universe opening at 4:30 and Perrysburg’s School of Rock youth band also taking the stage. Exciting prize opportunities include the 2nd Annual Duck Drone Drop, where participants can win cash prizes of $1,000, $500, or $250, and a raffle featuring donations from local businesses.

Adding to the excitement, this year introduces the Riding to Remember Poker Run on Saturday, June 22nd. Participants will enjoy a scenic ride with stops at local businesses, concluding with a wrap-up party at Inside the Five Field House, complete with food trucks and festivities.

How to Get Involved

With a fundraising goal of $50,000 for 2024, there are numerous ways to get involved. Whether you join Chris and his team in rowing, make an online donation, buy a duck for the Duck Drop, or spread the word on social media, every bit of support counts. For more information on how to participate, visit www.rowingtoremember.com.

Chris’s tireless efforts and the community’s enthusiastic participation exemplify the power of coming together for a meaningful cause. We wish him all the best for this year’s event and look forward to another successful year in the fight against Alzheimer’s!

Stay updated on event news and announcements by following Rowing to Remember on Facebook and Instagram.

Dylan Mason
Financial Professional | Toledo

Where are you from?
Columbus Grove, Ohio.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
The business industry has always interested me, and I get to work with my father and other family members which is a pretty cool opportunity.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
I like to support small businesses when I can, especially due to my mother being a small business owner.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of work, I like to spend my weekends at the lake hanging with friends and family.

If you absolutely had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick?
When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs.

Where is one of your favorite places to travel and why?
Hilton Head, SC because I like the beach, and the food is very good, too.

Marc Seymour
Financial Planner | Toledo

Where are you from?
Toledo, Ohio.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
Having literally grown up at Seymour & Associates - the former general agency for MassMutual in Toledo - Steadman was always on my short list for firms I would consider. The people here made it the right time to come back and the long-term strength and performance of MassMutual allow me to take care of clients the best I can.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
My family loves supporting the Ronald McDonald House. When we needed care in MN for our sweet daughter - Quinn - the Ronald McDonald House opened its' doors and gave us a home for our then 2-year-old son and all the family who came to support us. We collect can tabs all the time and try to volunteer and serve meals at the local house, too.

What life achievement are you most proud of?
After our daughter passed away in 2012, my wife Mandy and I, with the tremendous support of our families, were able to partner with the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital (who took care of Quinn) to fundraise and build the spiritual space in their new hospital that was desperately needed. In March 2016, the Quinn Seymour Chapel was opened and welcomes families every day for a quiet place to recover and prepare for the challenges of living in a hospital with your child.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of the office, I love spending time with my wife, Mandy, and son, Camden. We love spending time at the lake, are active in church groups, and I try to get to the golf course whenever I can!

Where is one of your favorite places to travel and why?
We love going to the beach, there is just something about the sounds and smells of the ocean rolling in. One of our recent favorites was St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Nolan Neville
Financial Planner | Cincinnati

Where are you from?
Cincinnati, Ohio.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
It felt like the best fit for me to begin my financial career.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
I have a passion for physical health. I have made that an important part of my everyday life and on top of that I have helped others around me lead a healthier lifestyle. I look to continue to be a source of trust for people who may need help with their personal health and nutrition.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing?
I love spending time out on the golf course with my buddies and spending time with my friends and family.

If you could share a beer with any person throughout history, who would it be and why?
Matthew McConaughey because he exudes confidence and is one of the coolest guys of all time.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Gladiator.

Jose Rivera
Financial Professional | Cleveland

Where are you from?
Phoenix, Arizona.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
I wanted to work for Keven & Cathy Prather and also David Freno. I believe their team is the best that the financial industry has to offer and they've become great mentors of mine.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
My personal convictions lie with the fact that I strive to bring knowledge and understanding to individuals and families who are hard-working individuals but never had the right resources to learn financial discipline. In doing that, I hope to help many families to either establish a great foundation so that the next generation can elevate, or simply help them elevate from their current situation. Something I hope to start one day is a shelter to help all individuals get off their feet, not a homeless shelter but a place where anyone can learn.

Who is your role model? What do you admire about them?
Jesus Christ is my role model. What I admire most about Jesus is his humility to love on those who hate Him. The understanding he has when it comes to my heart good or bad. The forgiveness and grace he shows me when I try to follow his example and fail.

Any big plans coming up?
I'm having a daughter soon.

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
Wisdom.

Thomas Anderson
Financial Planner | Castalia

Where are you from?
Castalia, Ohio.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
I am joining the practice of my stepdad, Randy Day, as he is preparing for his retirement over the next few years. I chose to work with Steadman because of their commitment to developing advisors and the resources available within the firm to better serve our existing clients.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, Erie County 4-H Camp, and Youth & Young Adult Mental Health Advocacy.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of the office, I am an avid golfer and fisherman. In the warm months, I am either on the course or on Lake Erie. I also have a 1-year-old miniature Australian Shepherd named Murphy who takes up a lot of my spare time with his endless energy!

What is something about you that surprises most people?
Most people are surprised to learn I've already graduated college and started my career. They typically assume that I am around 16 and working to get my drivers license! Everyone tells me I'll appreciate my "youthful" appearance more as I continue to age.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Good Will Hunting, how you like them apples?!

Thank you all for sharing. We are thrilled to have you here with us!

Nate Eberly
Financial Planner | Toledo

Where are you from?
Trick question really...grew up living in no location for more than six years from the time of birth until 2003, when I moved from Southern Maryland to Bowling Green, OH to get out of the big city environment. I do claim Maryland as my home state, despite being born in Athens, OH in '81.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
Flexibility, accessibility, culture, and connection. Flexibility in ability to assist clients in truly their best interest; accessibility to technology, marketing, and other resources and people that can assist me grow my business better than before; culture of what I have witnessed Steadman and MassMutual support; and connection to my local area both in business leaders as well as positive influencers in our community.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
I hold veteran and military related causes close to my heart due to my family's deep military service and ties. Both my parents served in the US Army, my brother and nephew are Marines, and throughout all extended family includes over 100 years of combined military service. Most notably locally I support Little Blessings Veterans and Community Outreach.

I am a member of Exchange Club, as well, having assisted in starting the newest Chapter in the area, the Exchange Club of Sylvania. A National service and networking organization dedicated to the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Americanism and Veterans, Youth Programming, and Community Service.

And I don't think there is an animal cause or group that has asked me for money that I ever denied helping.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of the office, my wife and I enjoy time outdoors during the warmer months, most likely taking in a game at the Mudhens or other teams across the area, golfing at Sylvania Country Club, spending time in the sun next to our or the SCC pool, as well as trying to keep pace of reading two books a month.

What life achievement are you most proud of?
My life's greatest achievement has been to help support my father in his retirement through his recent passing in March of 2023. The ability to make sure he was able to survive massive change in income and lifestyle in a blink of an eye along with assuring he would have financial support and his legacy protected was a proud moment. Hearing him thank me for all I did in his last moments motivates me to help others in their financial lives, helping be a guide towards their life's aspirations and goals.

What would a sandwich named after you have on it?
If there would be a sandwich with my name associated with it, it would be of this design: A deliciously prepared true Maryland Style Crabcake, placed on a toasted kaiser bun with an Old Bay Aioli, with layered freshly sliced ham and turkey, topped with American & cheddar cheeses, with tomato and fresh lettuce. I introduce you to my favorite sandwich, the "Nate Eberly Crabcake Club."

Ron Maxwell
Financial Planner | Medina

Where are you from?
The Cleveland area. I have lived on the near west side of Cleveland most of my life in Brook Park, Parma, Garfield Heights, and Seven Hills.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
I've spent most of my 20-year career in financial services with the same firm, but there has always been something missing. I am hopeful that I have found that something, here at Steadman and am looking forward to building new relationships here.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
Really, I do my best to treat others with kindness and love. I have a passion for music and spent many years singing in bands and on worship teams. Taking a little hiatus from that as I have my hands full between work and raising two young kids (10 and 6). They are my passion, along with my oldest daughter (23).

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of the office, I enjoy hanging out with my kids, singing and playing guitar, golfing with my uncle or friends, driving through the Metroparks, going to beaches, and spending time with my girlfriend and her two dogs. I also enjoy watching sports and movies.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only watch one movie for the rest of my life, it would probably be Shawshank Redemption, as it has a full range of emotion in it, from sorrow to grief, as well as hope and joy and faith. One of my all-time favorites, for sure.

If you could snap your and become an expert in something, what would it be?
If I could become an expert at something with the snap of my fingers, I think I'd like to be an expert of the human mind, so that I would be able to understand why people do the things they do and think the way they think. For instance, what triggers each person to take action or not to?

Doug Singer
Sales Director | Cleveland

Where are you from?
Cleveland, Ohio.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
I joined because of the culture of the firm, the firm's commitment to the community and the ability to build a team that is committed to helping our clients achieve their financial goals.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and youth baseball.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family (especially my grandchildren), travelling and playing golf.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Godfather.

Where is one of your favorite places to travel and why?
Aruba is one of my favorite places. The weather is always amazing, the beaches are beautiful and the food is fantastic.

Thank you all for sharing. We are thrilled to have you here with us!

Steve Horsley
Financial Professional | Cincinnati

Where are you from?
I grew up in Norwood, Ohio and now reside in Mason, Ohio.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
The alignment with MassMutual and our business partners allows me to provide my clients with quality solutions and products to work towards their financial goals.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
My father was a firefighter, as well as having Parkinson's disease later in life, so I support many of the Parkinson's events and fundraisers, as well as take part in the Annual Rev It up for Parkinson's bike ride. I also support school programs, as well as volunteer for fundraisers around the city.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending my time cycling, golfing, hiking, going to concerts as well as food festivals. I also enjoy checking out new restaurants and trying new experiences. You only live once, right?

What was your first job ever? What did you like about it?
My first job ever was during High school working at a roller-skating rink. It was fun, as a lot my friends hung out there and sometimes, if it wasn't busy, I could take a break and skate for a few minutes with them. It was good experience.

Where is one of your favorite places to travel and why?
I have several favorite places to travel. I enjoy Nashville, TN, Tampa, Fl, the Smokies in Tennessee, and of course, Las Vegas. I would really like the opportunity to travel to Europe and visit England or Italy. Just to experience the history, the people and the architecture would be amazing.

Dallas Gibson
Financial Professional | Cincinnati

Where are you from?
Miamisburg, Ohio.

Why did you choose to work at Steadman Financial Group?
I had a great opportunity to work with Charles Cooper and Doug Harbaugh that I couldn't pass up. I'm excited to be a servant of the community to the best of my abilities.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for?
I have a passion to help others around me in whatever capacity I can!

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
If I could become an expert in anything, I would be an expert in reading people and understanding what they are thinking.

What was your first job ever? What did you like about it?
My first ever job was in the bag room of NCR Country Club in Dayton, Ohio. I loved the fact that I was surrounded by a lot of wise and successful people and was able to learn from them and share some great conversations!

What is the funniest "dad joke" you know?
My favorite dad joke ever. A priest, a minister and a rabbi walk into a bar......they should have ducked!

Thank you all for sharing. We are thrilled to have you here with us!

Jessie Hansen
Financial Operations Analyst

What does M.O.T.H.E.R. stand for?

This is probably the greatest and most rewarding title I have ever been given! I am not only blessed with an amazing biological daughter Jaime, but I am also a bonus mom to Mitzi and Sherry who live in Pennsylvania.

My bonus girls made me a proud nana of two boys (Bradley & Joshua) and one girl (Emily), and then one step further, the grands made me a great-nana to two girls (Aubree and Madison) and one boy (Liam), and I couldn't feel happier!

M | Is for that word that makes me smile no matter what mood I am in…when I hear "Mom," I just melt!

O | Is for being the “Other” mother in two very precious lives, who love me and make me feel cherished!

T | Is for the "Time" we make memories together and encourage each other to fly high!

H | Is the "Honor" GOD has given me to be someone’s mom, not just to my three daughters, but their friends as well!

E | Is for the "Enjoyment" of being with such awesome people, such loving people and most of all they are my everything!

R | Is for the "Right" to earn the title mom - knowing it’s the best thing I have ever done in my life!

My heart goes out to the many women in my life who have worn this title with grace and pride. You were and still are a huge impact on my knowledge of what it means to be a mom. I am so blessed and thankful beyond words for your belief in me as a mom, and for having such a great example to follow! Life is so good!

Thank you to everyone who shared, and thank you to the mothers who guide and inspire!

[1] Bank of America Study, 2022, https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2022/06/bank-of-america-study-finds-94--of-women-believe-they-ll-be-pers.html