It is not hyperbole or an overstatement to concede that I would not have passed the Series 7 exam without the “divine intervention” of Skype tutor Michael Weiss.  Here’s my story and you be the judge.

During a casual lunch with my longtime friend and Financial Advisor, he made an unsolicited offer that would shake my tranquil existence as I knew it: “Join my team as a Partner in a field you enjoy and understand far better than most of my other clients. You do a lot of your own analysis and trades and this position would just be an extension of your ongoing efforts. You’re not happy with your current profession, this partnership will yield personal financial rewards and you’ll have the support from one of the top financial teams in Florida under the umbrella of one of world’s top financial services company.”

My friend’s generous offer and assessment of my current situation had more than just a semblance of truth. I spent most of my life in business, (managing and owning radio stations), and government, (serving over 10-years as an elected official including 2-terms as Mayor of the city of North Miami), and my current gig as a governmental consultant, (a dignified term for a lobbyist), was not a good match for an entrepreneur. I wanted to control my own destiny.

The price of entry for this new profession included passing, on the first try according to the stringent rules of my company, the series 7 six hour test. This should be no big deal for someone with my background was my initial belief. Knowledge on retirement and pension plans? I served as Chairman of my city’s significant Employee Pension Fund. Knowledge on balance sheets and taxes?  I owned several sub-chapter S corporations working closely with my CFO and accountants to maximize profits and minimize tax events.

Reading a scant few pages of this massive study document showcased my seemingly insurmountable reality: It was over 35-years ago when I last used concentration and focus skills required to pass a difficult test. And the unvarnished truth about my professional background was that I delegated the details to others while concentrating primarily on strategic decisions. I needed help and only the best would suffice given my deficiencies.

After interviewing several local and internet based tutors, I selected Michael Weiss as the one to oversee my studies over the next couple of months. Energetic and enthusiastic yet gently reassuring in a strong but calm voice. “You can do this” was Mike’s frequent admonition when I wanted to walk away on more than one occasion. I embarrassingly confessed I had only used a calculator a few times in my adult years since there was always someone around to do the calculations needed to run a business or a city. Baby step by baby step, Mike’s teaching strategies for success paid dividends.  That bullish spread option could now be identified and the municipal bond definitions and formulas made perfect sense. (I had personally signed millions of dollars in Revenue and General Obligation Bonds as the Issuer but now actually understood what had occurred.)

Mike had numerous homework assignments and frequent attachments to download and study. The night before my test, it was with a touch of irony that the primary final review involved a slew of problems involving convertible securities, parity, conversion ratio and prices. Those problems were given to me by Mike in one of our earlier sessions and they more accurately assessed one’s knowledge than any of the official study material. One lengthy problem after another, I successfully did the equations and arrived at the right answer. “You’re ready. You’ve been ready for a while. Now get a good night’s sleep and remember to take a deep breath during those anxiety attacks, focus on the moment, and most importantly, believe in you because I do,” said my tutor, psychologist and mentor.

I pushed the button and waited those long 10-seconds to see the results. I passed and scored an 82. An 82! The first studying I had attempted in over 35-years and my aged brain was up to the task. And I have Michael Weiss to thank for this accomplishment. Without his intellect, humor, and constant reassurance, I would have most certainly either quit or failed. If I can pass this “monster” of a test, anyone can, especially with a supreme guide some call a “tutor” but I would call a “miracle maker” at your side to assist you through this amazing journey.

Howard – Miami, Florida