We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Ming and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
There are three types of people in the world. Givers/Takers and those that for one reason or another sit in between these two depending on their circumstances which change from time to time. That said everyone can provide value. It’s critical to understand a persons desire’s and intentions and ensure they align with your business objectives and goals. Of critical importance is ensuring open and honest communication among the team while ensuring discernment to ensure every action continues to keep the ship upright and moving forward positively.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have two businesses:

Alexander Fitzgerald & Associates LLC, an Atlanta based boutique CPA Firm specializing in the provision of accounting services, tax advisory and preparation services, IRS resolution, management consulting services and business funding. I serve as Managing Director of this entity. We are focused on providing value to our clients and addressing their needs in a manner that sets us apart from our competition. We are not the lowest cost option available but if you need something done right we are your Firm.

The Seraphim Group, which includes Seraphim Wealth Advisors Inc and Seraphim Wealth Family Office Inc among others. This is an Atlanta based fully licensed and regulated Investment Advisory, Wealth Management, and Financial Services Group which focusses on serving individuals and institutions with wealth management and investment advisory services. I serve as the Director of Finance for the Group and I oversee the daily operations of Seraphim Wealth Family Office Inc. We are a black owned and operated wealth management Firm that prides itself on providing financial literacy education to its clients to ensure the wealth we help to create is sustained within the Family as a whole over time. Our investment strategies are tailored to the needs and objectives of each client in alignment with their risk tolerance scores. Our fees are fixed and we don’t sell products or earn commission on products we provide our clients save insurance products. What sets us apart is our focus on helping our clients grow and in turn benefiting alongside them in their increased prosperity.

I am proud of my journey for the most part. Obviously, looking back there are certain things I wish I would have approached or done differently. There are also a few people and occurrences I wish I had avoided altogether. But that’s “water under the bridge.” I’m here, where I am, I am healthy, above ground, I survived, I’m thriving, my Team is thriving, and there remains much work to do. I love my life and I hope most everyone out there loves theirs as well. Idealism or Perfection is a Journey – not a Destination. Keep pushing along that journey and enjoy or celebrate the victories or accomplishments as they occur!

How did I get here? By taking chances, by overcoming many failures, many hurdles, many roadblocks, many sleepless nights. By laughing at myself and at others around me. I am always amazed when someone says something is impossible or impractical or unattainable. These types of statements drive me to do better to think deeper, to research more, to discern more, and to ask myself “what do they see that I am not seeing or vise versa”. Perspective is important to understand another persons views in comparison to my own. It was not easy getting here and its not easy staying here. It take energy, drive, time commitment, patience, tenacity, and money.

The key message I would leave here is that everyone’s approach to overcoming challenges differs. Mine has included surrounding myself with stellar council, great friends, solid Family, and then having my Church and Faith to support me. i am not perfect and I am no one’s angel. However I don’t seek to harm or damage. i aim to uplift and grow those around me and those associated with me. I am opinionated and will express my views. I love great conversation and I am open to learning from anyone and everyone. Challenges result from misunderstandings and misalignments. Every challenge can be overcome, some quicker than others. Sometimes a challenges forces one doors to close while preparing us for another doors that’s about to open. Observation, discernment, patience, council, and a few good stiff drinks have helped me overcome much. That is how I have survived and thrived.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fist stop – from the airport would be either Acere Cigar or Stanleys Cigar Bar for a good cigar, a great scotch, some bites and good comradery among friends – both new and old. From there, after getting them settled and cleaned up we would head to Poor Calvin’s for the best meal ever. Poor Calvin’s is by far the best restaurant in Atlanta in my opinion! After the meal and settling the bill we would head to Montecello to check out the sights and sounds while enjoying another cigar or two.

Day two we would likely start up in Avalon for some light shopping and the scenes. We would eat at Rumi’s Kitchen before heading to Pont’s City Market to hang out, drink and check the sights out there. That evening we would head to Sea Salt for some authentic Caribbean infused fresh seafood and great drinks within a great atmosphere. We would cap the night off by going to Red Phone Booth in Buckhead for drinks and cigars before calling it a night.

The following day we would drive to New Orleans to get some of their famous grilled oysters and to take in all that New Orleans has to offer from food, to music, to more food, to more music and drinks with friend who live there. We would spend three or more days there taking in the sights and sounds before returning to Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dr Chapitus! He was my History of Western Civilization Lecturer at University. He saw something in me and pushed me to challenge myself and challenge the goals I set for myself. He was the one that pushed me into the Businessworld. He was the one that opened my mind up to all the possibilities that existed in the world for me and everyone around me! The present day me definitely started with his influence and direction.

Mr. David Dodwell, owner of the Reefs Hotel. He was an early mentor who steered me through my early career. He gave me my recommendation for Cornell University. He opened many, many doors for me during my early career to the extent that up until today i have never had to apply for a job. I have always been Head Hunted. Mr. Dodwell introduced me to the finer things in life.

Mr. David Lines, former Managing Partner of Coopers and Lybrand. He was a mentor that educated me on the value of money, the value of relationships, the value and benefits of real estate investing, and the benefits of working hard to achieve things no one before you had achieved.

Mr. Walter Sumner, former owner of Four Ways Inn and former Chairman of Intercontinental Hotels. He was a mentor that opened many doors and initiated many relationships for me. He taught me the value of strategic relationships and the value of information. He also taught me about the finer things in life.

In real terms many people have impacted my life and my accomplishments. I was truly raised by a Village. From my Uncle Penny to my Father, my Grandmother, my Mother, my Uncles and Aunts, etc. I have mad respect for them all. Each one of them touched me and impacted me positively in one way or another. From imparting knowledge of life, exposure to food, drinks, music, travel destinations, books, etc. My life has been a journey full of experiences that have shaped me into the man I am today.

Website: www.seraphimwealth.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afming/

Other: www.afallc.co

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