believe that a strong culture is more than just words on a wall; it’s a tangible feeling
you can experience. With strong culture, you should be able to identify the shared
values within 5-10 minutes of interacting with those like-minded individuals. We
believe that a strong culture has the magnetic effect of attracting the right people
while repelling those that not a fit for our culture.
What is Culture?
At Beratung, we believe culture encompasses beliefs, values, and practices that
collectively define a group. They are not only imparted through instruction but are
also ingrained through shared experiences, carried across generations of
employees.
Few Good Men,” where Lt. Kaffee played by Tom Cruise.
Lt. Kaffee : Corporal, would you turn to the page in this book that says
where the mess hall is, please?
Cpl. Barnes : Well,
Lt. Kaffee, that’s not in the book, sir.
Lt. Kaffee : You mean to say in all your time at Gitmo, you’ve never had
a meal?
Cpl. Barnes : No, sir. Three squares a day, sir.
Kaffee : I don’t understand. How did you know where the mess hall was
if it’s not in this book?
establish shared practices and terminology. A big part of our culture is that we have
a vision to be the premier financial planning team in Western Pennsylvania. Our
vision of what this looks like is the “412 Vision” after the common nickname based
on the area code that serviced much of this area in the past. We want to be for our
team, for our clients and for our community which means we are for the 412. As we
work to find ways to deepen our culture through constant reminders of who we are
for and shared values we decided to name the rooms of our offices after local sports
figures.
We choose sports figures because a big part of the 412 culture is around our shared
love of sports. We also did this so we stopped taking ownership of space as our own instead of the team. Instead of saying I am working in “Greg’s office” or “Greg’s old
office” and names that have no meaning like someone that left our firm years ago lets have shared names that are evergreen.
When picking out the sports figures it was important not only to pick ones that had
excellence just like we want to the premier team but also had an impact so great
the community wept when they died or will week when they are no longer here.
They left an impact on the 412 and were for the 412.
These allows us to have shared vernacular in names, be reminded we are for the
412 and serve as a reminder being more than an great planner to have an impact
on the community but also a fun way for our clients to experience our culture.
Here is a list of the Western Pennsylvania sports figures we chose to honor because
they were for the 412.
Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1972. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest outfielders in the history of the sport, winning twelve Gold Gloves, four National League batting titles, was selected to the All-Star team fifteen times, and won two World Series championships in 1960 and 1971. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. Due to his passion for humanitarian service, MLB established the Roberto Clemente Award to honor players who demonstrate a commitment to charitable work and community service.
We chose Roberto Clemente because he was not only a gifted athlete, but he also used his status to have an impact on his sport, his community, and the world. When he passed, the 412 wept. We hope to have such an impact if we closed our doors, the community would weep.
Andrew McCutchen
Andrew McCutchen was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft. He was considered the spark that led the team to breaking a 21-season losing streak and returning the Pirates to the playoffs. He was a five-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger award winner, a Gold Glove winner, and the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2013. Off the field, McCutchen has been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts.
We chose Andrew McCutchen for not only being a generational athlete that helped us win championships, the way he treated others, and his commitment to the community but also his commitment to his faith.
Andy Van Slyke
Andy Van Slyke played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1987-1994, where he became a key player in the team’s success during the late 1980s and early 1990s and was part of the “Bucco Brigade” outfield, along with Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla. Van Slyke’s contributions helped the Pirates reach three consecutive National League Championship Series (NLCS) from 1990 to 1992. During his career, Van Slyke was a three-time All-Star (1988, 1992, 1993), finished in the top 10 of the National League MVP voting twice (1992, 1993), won the Silver Slugger Award in 1992 as the best-hitting outfielder in the league, and won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1988 to 1992. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and his ability to inspire and mentor younger players. He remains a respected figure in the baseball community. We chose Andy Van Slyke for his passion for the game and mentorship to others. He stayed involved helping others long after his retirement. We have a passion for the profession and mentoring others.
Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer was one of the most successful and beloved figures in the history of golf. He is often referred to as “The King” and played a significant role in popularizing golf around the world. Palmer had a remarkable career that spanned several decades, beginning in the 1950s which includes winning 62 PGA Tour events, including seven major championships, four Masters Tournament titles (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964), two Open Championships (British Open) (1961, 1962), and one U.S. Open (1960). He was a dominant force in the sport during the 1960s and played a pivotal role in popularizing televised golf. He was known for his generosity and philanthropic endeavors. He established the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, which supported numerous charitable causes, including healthcare, education, and children’s charities. Palmer’s influence on the game of golf and his contributions to society earned him numerous awards and honors. We chose Arnie because he was passionate about his sport and became an ambassador for golf, just like we are passionate about our profession and strive to be ambassadors for our profession.
Art Rooney Sr.
Art Rooney Sr., often referred to as “The Chief,” was the founder and original owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1933, he founded the Pittsburgh Steelers, originally known as the Pittsburgh Pirates, after purchasing the franchise for $2,500. Under his ownership, the Steelers gradually became a staple of the Pittsburgh sports scene. He was known for his commitment to the team and his love for the game. He was a hands-on owner who was actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the franchise. He served as the Steelers’ owner until his death in 1988, making him one of the longest-tenured owners in NFL history. The Chief was known for his integrity, humility, and strong moral character. He was highly respected within the football community and was instrumental in various league initiatives. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Rooney Sr. was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor in 1964. His legacy extends beyond football. Rooney Sr. was actively involved in charitable endeavors and made significant contributions to the Pittsburgh community. He believed in using sports as a means to bring people together and enhance the quality of life for others. We chose The Chief because of how he represented our core value of honor in how he treated others, how he lived his values daily, and how he finished well.
Clint Hurdle
Clint Hurdle played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1977 to 1987. He was considered a generational talent and highly sought after prospect. The pressure of those expectations lead to a battle with alcoholism and drugs and ultimately impacted his playing career to the point he was considered a flop. At his bottom he found faith in God and through him turned his life around. He became the manager of the Colorado Rockies in 2002, leading the team to its first World Series appearance in 2007 and was named the National League (NL) Manager of the Year that season. He managed the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2011 to 2019, where he helped lead the team to three playoff appearances in 2013, 2014, and 2015 and guided the team to breaking a 21-season losing streak. He is known for his daily emails that he signs Love, Clint. We chose Clint Hurdle for not only breaking the Pirates losing streak, but for the way he treated others, his leadership lessons, his vulnerability, his commitment to the community, and his commitment to his faith.
Dan Marino
Dan Marino played college football at the University of Pittsburgh from 1979 to 1982. He was the starting quarterback for the Panthers for three seasons and set numerous school and NCAA records during his career. He is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history where he set numerous NFL records and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. We chose Dan Marino because as a highly sought-after college recruit, he chose to stay home and play for PITT. He was for Pittsburgh, and we are for the 412.
Franco Harris
Franco Harris is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1972 to 1983 and missed only a single game throughout his entire 13-year NFL career. Among his accomplishments on the field are 4 Super Bowl championships in a span of six years (Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XIV), retiring as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, nine Pro Bowls, First-team All-Pro twice, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Off the field, Harris was an advocate for charitable causes and the Pittsburgh community. We chose Franco Harris because he was for Pittsburgh and when he passed the whole community wept. We want to be for the 412 and have an impact so great others would weep if we closed our doors.
Jack Lambert
Jack Lambert is widely regarded as one of the greatest middle linebackers in the history of the National Football League (NFL). He played his entire professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1974 to 1984. He was known for his intensity, toughness, and relentless pursuit of opposing players as the anchor of the team’s legendary “Steel Curtain” defense. He was known for his exceptional instincts, athleticism, and leadership qualities. Lambert’s intense demeanor and iconic toothless snarl became his trademarks on the football field. Among his accomplishments are winning four Super Bowl championships (Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XIV), nine Pro Bowls, six-time First-Team All-Pro selections, NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice (1976, 1979) and MVP of Super Bowl X, and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We chose Jack Lambert for his passion for the game and how he led by example.
Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. He helped lead the Steelers to a victory in Super Bowl XL in 2006 and retired after the game as the NFL’s fifth all-time leading rusher. Throughout his career, Bettis was known for his durability and consistency, earning six Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors. He was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly through his Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in the Pittsburgh area. We chose Jerome Bettis for his work ethic, how he treated others, and for his commitment to giving back to the 412.
Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett played quarterback for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers from 2017 to 2021. He became one of the most successful quarterbacks in the programs history. In his freshman season in 2017, he made his debut as a starter in the final game of the regular season and led the Panthers to an upset victory over the second-ranked Miami Hurricanes and finished his collegiate career guiding PITT to its first Atlantic Coast Conference Championship and best record in over 30 years. He set numerous records at Pittsburgh, including career passing yards, passing touchdowns, single game passing yards and completions. He was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year, finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, and received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is presented to the top senior quarterback in college football. In addition to being known for his leadership, knowledge, and passion on the field, Kenny was also known for leading off the field, spending time at Children’s hospital. After winning the ACC championship, Kenny spent time checking in on the children he met, including one of Greg’s nephews. We chose Kenny because he lives all our core values.
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Lemieux won numerous individual awards throughout his career, including three Hart Trophies as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player and six Art Ross Trophies as the league’s leading scorer. He also helped lead the Penguins to two consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. Off the ice, Lemieux has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which supports research into cancer and other medical conditions. Not only did Lemieux change the Penguins from an underachieving franchise before his arrival, but he also helped save the franchise from bankruptcy and relocation by purchasing the Penguins. As an owner, he has helped lead the team to three more Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017. We chose Mario Lemieux because twice he turned the Penguins into a world-class organization and has given everything he could back to the city that has adopted him as their own, reminding us, it’s not enough to just serve our clients but we need to give back as well.
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of his generation. Crosby’s accomplishments include winning two Hart Trophies as the NHL’s most valuable player, two Art Ross Trophies as the league’s leading scorer, two Conn Smythe Trophies as the most valuable player of the NHL playoffs, three Stanley Cup championships with the Penguins, serving as the team’s captain for each title, two Olympic gold medals, and two World Championships for Team Canada. He scored the gold medal winning goal for Canada in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Off the ice, Crosby is known for his philanthropic work and has established the Sidney Crosby Foundation to support charities and organizations in his hometown of Halifax and throughout Canada. We chose Sidney Crosby because not only is he considered the best player of his generation, but he has also been the face of the Penguins and the NHL for how he treats others, gives back, and his work ethic.
Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history and remains a beloved figure among Pittsburgh Steelers fans. He earned eight Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships with the Steelers. He won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2010 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. Off the field, Polamalu was known for his philanthropic work, particularly through the Troy and Theodora Polamalu Foundation, which supports various charitable causes, including education and health care. He was also known for his deep commitment to his family and his Christian faith. We chose Troy Polamalu not only for being a generational athlete that helped us win championships, the way he treated others, and his commitment to the community, but also his commitment to his faith.
Willie Stargell
Willie Stargell played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, from 1962 to 1982. During his career, Stargell was a seven-time All-Star, won two World Series championships with the Pirates (in 1971 and 1979), was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National League and World Series MVP in 1979, and was selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. Stargell was known as “Pops” due to his role as a mentor and father figure to younger players on the team. He was known for his leadership qualities, both on and off the field, and his positive attitude and encouragement were highly valued by his teammates. We chose Willie Stargell because his mantra “We are Family” is representative to how we view our core value of “Teamwork” and how he was passionate about mentoring others.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.The opinions expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of LPL Financial.
13 Lessons I Learned From My Dad
My father was called home to be with God 13 years ago on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th, 2011. Today would have been his 76th birthday. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of my dad. In his memory, I wanted to share the 13 most important lessons he taught me, one for each year he has not been with me.
