Ascribing to the theory that if you end a long and fruitful career by simply going home to sit in a rocking chair for the rest of your life you will die, financial gurus Rick Dyer and Maria Kibler are clearly not ready to hang things up completely…electing instead to launch the next chapter in their professional lives as a team. In fact, that’s exactly what they are calling their new joint enterprise – Next Chapter Consulting, LLC.
The two are retiring from United Federal Credit Union to embark on their next adventure as a business, non-profit, and personal coaching and consulting service in Michigan’s Great Southwest. Friday, March 3rd will be their last day with the United Federal team, drawing the curtain on Rick’s 43 years in finance and Maria’s 44th.
I recently sat down with the two well-known dynamic leaders in the local banking industry, to learn more about Next Chapter Consulting where they will provide services “based on real life experiences, common sense, and individualized situations.”
The two will be the first to admit, “There are many coaching and consulting firms and professionals, but what sets Next Chapter Consulting apart is that those providing the coaching and consulting, have been there before.” Additionally, they have experienced a wide range of challenges, wins, frustrations, and successes, and have managed through conditions that felt like both no-win situations and huge home runs.
Dyer and Kibler have worked together for years, first at the former Edgewater Bank and more recently at United Federal Credit Union when the two institutions merged in 2021.
Dyer launched his banking career in 1980 with Old Kent Bank and Trust Company in Grand Rapids, and progressed through increasing levels of responsibility at First Michigan Bank, FMB-Old State Bank, Huntington Bank, FNB Financial Corporation, Southern Michigan Bancorp, and on to Edgewater in 2008 where he reigned as President & CEO until merging with UFCU.
Maria Started with Farmers State Bank of Wyatt, Indiana and advanced to increasing levels of seniority at LaPorte Bank & Trust, Fifth Third Bank, and was hired by Dyer to join the Edgewater team in 2012, before the merger with United Federal.
Asked about the back story to Next Chapter Consulting, the two say, “The first part of the answer is simple — this is the next chapter for us,” and add, “After four decades in the banking industry for each of us, we decided it was time to use those many years of accumulated experiences and knowledge to help others. Our experiences and knowledge include team building, culture building, customer service, strategic planning, problem solving, community advocacy, and organizational leadership.” Dyer says, “We’ve helped turn around failing companies, developed and implemented processes and procedures, addressed regulatory and financial concerns, built service/sales cultures, and developed people,” and Kibler notes, “Our early chapter professional careers energize us to give back and help others during the ‘next chapter’ of our careers.”
Both are quick to point out that the “next chapter” is not about them. “It is about the individuals, companies, and non-profit organizations that we consider our valued clients.”
Next Chapter Consulting will not be a big national or regional firm with a predetermined playbook of solutions. They are two Southwest Michigan-based professionals who believe that there are many ways to accomplish goals and address issues, since all clients and all situations are different. Kibler admits, “Our goals revolve around quality and appropriateness of work for our clients, not quantity or standardization of work,” and punctuates that thought noting, “We are focused on the needs of our clients, and will provide customized services.”
There have been key people in the lives of both Rick and Maria that have mentored and guided them along the way, providing support, encouragement, and advice. Those people have helped the two to create a personal vision and roadmap to achieve both professional and personal goals. Dyer points out, however, that “Those people also asked us the tough questions, challenged us, and made sure we stayed focused,” adding, “So, for individuals looking to move into their own next chapters, we will coach, challenge, and encourage – help them to develop their plans, improve their communication and presentation skills, grow professionally, address challenges and disappointments, and become stronger leaders,” and concludes, “We will be their Executive Coach.”
Next Chapter Consulting is poised to help businesses in the area as well. Businesses of all age, size and complexities, because those enterprises also need a sounding board, and advisor, a coach, and at times, a devil’s advocate. Kibler says, “We know from experience that it is sometimes difficult to see the forest for the trees when you’re busy day-to-day just ‘running the business,’” and adds, “We’ve valued the third-party advisors that have assisted us in our businesses with insight, experiences, expertise and guidance, as they have supported our efforts, but also made us dig deeper and think harder about our own business plans.” Dyer notes, “Having experienced many wins, challenges, frustrations, and unforeseen business events — ranging from mortgage crises to COVID, from recessions to inflation, and even political challenges, regulatory changes, varied rate interest rate environments and the like – in our careers, we are equipped to help businesses reach their own next chapters, no matter who that is defined, and will help as they look to form, change, redesign, resize, improve, grow and reimagine.”
Beyond industry, Dyer and Kibler have been committed throughout their entire professional careers to working with non-profit organizations with the shared belief that non-profits are a vital part of any community. They have served on committees, boards, and in board leadership roles. In fact, both remain very active on that front. Maria is Board Chair of the Children’s Advocacy Center, a Board Member and former President & Treasurer for the Curious Kids’ Museum Board, and a member and Treasurer of the Women’s Service League. Rick is a Trustee for the St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education, a member of the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation, a Board Member and Vice Chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, Board Member and Treasurer for both St. Joseph Today and Kinexus Group, a Berrien Community Foundation Member, and an Audit Committee Member of the Avenue Family Network, Inc. Both are members of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Club, and each has a long history of service to other boards, committees and non-profits in the region.
Both know that non-profit organizations need an “outside view” as they look to improve their organizations, develop strategic plans, develop and educate board members, improve board effectiveness and financial awareness, improve awareness, enhance cultures, and consider acquisitions. Kibler notes, “With much experience, we will serve as that ‘outside view.’”
On a personal note, Rick is a native of St. Joseph, having graduated from the St. Joseph Public School system where he is very proud to be a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame and has been named as a Distinguished Alumni. He lives in Royalton Township with his wife, Pam and they have two married children and one grandchild. When not working or assisting non-profits, he enjoys anything outside, including yard work and camping along with DIY and remodeling projects for his home and investment properties. You will often find him running or hiking, many times through local and state parks. He and Pam ascribe to the John Muir quote, “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
Maria was born in Santiago, Chile and immigrated to LaPorte, Indiana with her parents at a young age. The original plan was for her father to learn more of his trade and take those skills back to Chile. That plan changed, and the family became citizens some 13-years later. That family experience taught Maria the importance of pursuing a dream, adjusting to change, and embracing her bilingual and bi-cultural heritage. She married her husband, Tom, and moved to St. Joseph 32 years ago, and raised two children. Those 30+ years in the region have afforded Maria the opportunity to serve on various non-profit boards and help make a difference, especially for the youth of our area. Her leadership and involvement were recognized when Maria was named one of the inaugural class members of the Moody on the Market 20 Bold Women of Business in 2021. She lives her daily life through the advice of her father who encouraged her to utilize her personal talents to help others, and to always “reach for the unreachable.” A sign on her desk asking, “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” is her constant reminder of her early family experience.
The bottom line for the new Next Chapter Consulting team is simply, “We believe in people. We believe that much can be accomplished with clear direction, clear expectations, proper resources, and a team approach.” In fact, they believe that communication is critical and good listening is essential. Dyer and Kibler value relationships, honor individual differences and viewpoints, and believe in respect and civility…in giving back…in helping others…and in serving.
Next Chapter Consulting is a bilingual organization, fluent in Spanish, both written and verbal. They are capable of working with individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations wherein Spanish is the primary language, or they can assist with translation services on an as-needed basis.
The two are “Connectors” and “Communicators.” Having met and worked with many other professionals throughout their lives, Rick and Maria have discovered skill sets that are different or more developed in certain areas than their own. Having relied on that expertise in the past, they very much plan to incorporate those connectors through the work of Next Chapter Consulting. They recognize that connecting their clients to other professionals may be necessary to accomplish goals, so – when needed – they will make referrals and introductions. Specifically (but not limited to) areas like payroll services, QuickBooks, employee benefit plans, network configuration, legal services, accounting services, business insurance services, and marketing and website services, can be addressed. Setting up connections can help meet a specific need identified through work with clients, or it could simply service to introduce individuals. It’s something they’ve done throughout their careers.
Client communications can be achieved face-to-face, via telephone, text, email or even through virtual channels. Whatever method or manner is desired by those being served will rule the day, as Next Chapter Consulting listens, asks questions, discusses ideas and thoughts, and provides advice. Additionally, they will also simply offer observations, quotes, and experiences that could spark a thought for clients whether it be in their business, organization, or their personal lives.
For those interested in tapping into the resources brought to the table by Next Chapter Consulting, the approach will come from an ongoing “partnership” perspective, although it is understood that some interactions may simply be one-time services. Fees for services provided will be developed on a case-by-case basis, in a reasonable manner, depending on the services provided and the on-going nature of the relationship. Options range from a monthly retainer to project specific, from hourly rates to non-profit pricing, including a written engagement letter and fee structures outlined.
Both Rick and Maria say they are at a point where they want to explore the next chapter in their professional lives, while still working to make a difference every day throughout the region, by being the connected communicators who can help others to succeed in the careers that they want to thrive in. It’s the Next Chapter.
Those interested in services from Next Chapter Consulting can reach out to Rick Dyer at rick@nxtchapter.net or Maria Kibler at maria@nxtchapter.net or either of them by phone at 269-281-3831.
This content was originally published here.
