Adaptive and Socratic.
I have clients that are across the spectrum in experience, diligence, brights, and interest. Some clients are emphatically interested in learning as much as possible about, let’s say, finance. Others just want to know ‘the bare bones’ that they need. I adapt. Some clients are a bit lazy. If need be, I’ll adjust my tone to be more assertive. Some clients are stone cold serious—and I’ll be serious right back, while others are jovial and are responsive to a lighter approach. In this way, I am a chameleon. I ask frequent questions about the material that we are working on. In that regard, I am Socratic.
Generally speaking, these approaches tend to work.
Glad you noticed. It’s a 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, call sign, “Justice.” It sports a V-6 4.0 liter gasoline engine, and I relish the fact that it gets a cool 16 miles to the gallon. Don’t laugh, but this took me about 6 months of negotiation.
Sure, I’d point to my street cred (5.0 Google ratings, experience teaching at 5 universities, and a business model that apparently works: I do this full-time). Beyond that, I’d point to many experiences shared by clients who have sought tutors that have zero commitment to not plagiarizing and have difficulty speaking English fluently. Lastly—and this may be the most important point—diligence: you will always get a prompt reply—whether it is your first time contacting me or 30th time. I’ve never missed a scheduled session, and I’ve never missed a client deadline (such as when a paper or project is due). In sum, this expression is very, very true: you get what you pay for.
Yes, but you won’t believe me. Pest control has licensure requirements in various states. A client has asked me to prep her for the exam in her state. I never would have guessed.
Ever since COVID, I meet with my clients 100% on Zoom. Nonetheless, I’ve made some exceptions in California and Vancouver. The Vancouver experience was priceless.
Yes. A client who has become a dear friend went marlin hunting with me and a student from years ago. We traversed to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I know your next question, so I won’t wait for it: we caught nothing!
Absolutely. Thirsty Vulture. Of course.
The fastest approach is to have your daughter text me at 215.205.2551. But, if you’d like to serve as an intermediary right now—to do some reconnaissance work—just text me. I work with many, many parents.
During our first session, when we are 20 or 30 minutes into it, just call a time-out, indicate that this isn’t working for you, and there is no charge. The very last thing that I want is an unsatisfied client. While I’ve never had a client use this clause, I ask you not to be bashful: let me know so that we can both move on with our lives. Disgruntled clients: don’t be one of those.
I’ve spent a lifetime honing my craft which is in the form of constant learning, inside and outside the classroom.
Inside the classroom: Beaver College (classwork in computer applications), Temple University (classwork in Actuarial Science), Community College of Philadelphia (Pascal Programming), Penn State University (B.S. with Honors & Distinction in Accounting), Penn State University (MBA with a focus in finance), Villanova University (classwork in Spanish), Nicaragua (classwork in Spanish), Ixchel Spanish School (Antigua, Guatemala), Spanish Training (via Zoom with Tomas Xon, a linguist in Guatemala City), Princeton University (classwork in politics), Rutgers University (graduate degree in politics and public affairs), Rutgers University (Law School, first year), Ohio State University (law degree). I am a student of life.
Outside the classroom: CPA licensure (Pennsylvania, inactive), daily reader of parts of The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, the Washington Post, CNN, CNBC, and The Economist). I also read extensively in the old-fashioned format of books. A favorite is “Never Split the Difference—Negotiating as if Your Life Depended On It” (Chris Voss) and “On Selling” (Mark McCormack). Finally, I use finance and accounting every day, in my personal life, with respect to evaluating investments.
My wife will tell you different but I am the real deal.
Community College of Philadelphia (management and computer applications), Penn State University Main Campus at University Park (a wide array of accounting courses, from intro to advanced), Rutgers University (Financial and Managerial Accounting), Rider University (MBA coursework in accounting), Villanova University (GMAT prep course), Penn State University Abington Campus (financial and managerial accounting), Villanova University (hired to tutor Executive MBA students), Pennsylvania State University (hired by PSU to tutor student athletes).
I do have some warm connections that may be suitable for you. Feel free to reach out to me. If I can help you, I will. If I can’t, I’ll level with you.