September 11, 2008

Buzzmaker: Charles V. Sursa, Raymond James & Associates

Charles V. Sursa is a certified financial planner and senior vice president investments of the Sursa Griner Lumpkin Group of Raymond James & Associates. The lifelong resident and former banker can be reached at 288-0362.

What's your business or life principle? 

"Integrity is first and foremost. I am proud to be the third generation of our family to help people in our community achieve their financial goals. I believe that success is the result of planning and hard work. Success without a plan is luck. I always have goals and a plan. I also believe in giving back to the community. I learned that value from my parents, Mary Jane and David Sursa. I am currently on the board of directors of Meridian Services Corp., Cardinal Health Ventures, the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and an elder at First Presbyterian Church."

What was your first job and what was it like?

"My first job was drying cars and pumping gas at Clancy's Car Wash on Tillotson Avenue when I was 15 years old. I've worked ever since. The old equipment didn't dry cars like today. In the winter we had to work fast to dry the cars before the water froze. I learned the importance of showing up for work on time and that I didn't want to dry cars the rest of my life."

What's perfect about your office, cubicle or workspace?

"The fact that it is located in downtown Muncie. From 1999 through 2007 my office was in Anderson. Raymond James is located in the new Munseetown Square building and it's great to be back home!"

Deadlines -- love them or hate them?

"Actually, I love deadlines. Deadlines help to provide order to a chaotic world."

Do you check e-mail or voice mail when you're away from work? Even on vacation?

"I rarely check voice mail when I am away from the office. I check e-mail constantly on my Treo; however, I only reply to urgent messages."

How do you balance work life and private or family life?

"My wife Claudia and I have made balance a priority in our lives. If you want balance in your life then you must make it a priority and work at it. We have always made room for our family, work and community. Our oldest son graduated from college two years ago and in two years our other two children will graduate. We now have more time for work, friends, the community and ourselves."

For a longer version of this Buzzmaker, go to the Business page on www.thestarpress.com.