Coach. President. Campaign Chair. Financial Advisor. Husband. Father. There are many words one can use to describe Greg Farrall, because it is impossible to sum him up with just one. Not only helping folks in the community make smart investment choices and manage their money wisely, Farrall wholeheartedly makes serving others a priority in his life.
Born and raised in Ohio to a “big football family,” Farrall first came to Indiana when he attended Culver Military Academy, seeking a great education and the chance to play football for a prestigious team. “I learned there’s another world out there,” he said, talking of friendships he fostered with students from all over the globe. “I saw the light!”
His experience at Culver led him to Indiana University, for the continuing opportunity to play football and attend the Kelley School of Business. Farrall’s time in Bloomington ultimately directed him to his mindset of giving back to others. An opportunity arose to volunteer at the local Boys and Girls Club; choosing to serve others was life changing. “I fell in love with it,” he shared. “Even if you can just help one, it makes a world of difference.”
After college, Farrall ended up in Chicago, trading in the pits. While working adamantly at his career, he continued to give back, driving out to Culver to coach football and helping a friend coach baseball in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood. “I just helped out wherever I could,” he stated. “They [the kids] all say thank you- that’s why I do what I do.”
Moving out of the city and starting a family, Farrall knew he wanted a great community to raise his kids, as well as live in a central location to remain close to family while continuing to coach sports. Valparaiso offered the right locale as well as the environment for his family and soon they moved to the city. Farrall opened his own firm, Farrall Wealth, as another way to help others. “Trading was all about me,” he shared. “Wealth management is about other people, helping them to be successful. I love what I do.”
Wanting yet more involvement in the community, Farrall selected to become immersed with the United Way, due to the organization’s reach. “They help 38 agencies and their accountability process is great,” he said, sharing that you are always able to see how the help provided by the organization is impacting those in need.
Farrall has been on the board of the United Way for 6 years, serving as Leadership Chair for 3 of those years, working with donors giving $1,000 or higher. Three years ago Farrall was asked to be the Campaign Chair, but declined as he was at that time serving as President of the Rotary.
Under his leadership of the Rotary, $20,000 was given in grants to organizations throughout the community, including $5,000 to the Orville Redenbacher statue and $5,000 to the Porter County Community Foundation’s plan to end homelessness. “I’m very proud of what happened there,” he said, sharing how he brought the club into 2013 as they now have a Facebook page, Twitter account, and are on LinkedIn.
In 2013, Farrall’s Rotary presidency came to a close and he, along with his wife Liz, became Campaign Chair for the United Way of Porter County’s BE THE ONE. With a goal of raising $1.8 million for the 38 agencies served by the United Way, Farrall and his wife have high hopes that this number will be more than met. “We live in an extremely generous community,” he stated. “It is really nice to be able to be a part of this!”
Throughout this service, running a business, and still coaching football at Culver, and track and girls basketball at St. Paul Catholic School, Farrall still has time to instill a philanthropic spirit in his three kids, through the 1/3 method. “We pay heavy for grades,” he said, talking about how he and his wife choose to reward academic achievement versus providing an allowance. Once the kids earn their money, the earnings are broken into thirds: one third goes into savings, through investing, buying stocks, etc; one third is available for spending; and the last third is given to the charity of their choice. Giving the children the opportunity to choose a charity that is meaningful to them makes the difference, creating excitement to help an organization or cause they are passionate about.
Many (including this author) are amazed at Farrall’s dedication to so many causes and wonder how he is able to keep the motivation to continue. His answer? A personal mission statement to always consider the “6 Farrall F’s”:
1: I value my Family and would do anything to help them and to teach them to be good people.
2. I crave Financial security and envision myself being that way some day.
3. I have Fun in everything I do.
4. My Friends are people I love to see and they love seeing me.
5. I Fulfill my life by listening with my eyes and doing benevolent things for others with no expected return.
6. My Fitness is living my life to the fullest and taking care of myself daily.
“Fulfillment- giving back with no return. That’s what it’s all about.”