A Time-Tested Investment Approach
Welcome,
LaFleur & Godfrey is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The firm traces its origins to 1987, when James LaFleur and Richard Godfrey began serving individuals and families in the West Michigan area with professional money management services.
While we have grown organically throughout the years, in 2020, L&G acquired the assets of Gimbal Capital Management and in 2021, Investment Counsel, Inc. came on board.
Although both Jim and Rick have since retired, Dan VanTimmeren, John Koczara, and John Dice lead the firm with the same high standard and investment principles set forth 35 years ago.
We invite you to meet the LaFleur & Godfrey team. We believe that you will soon realize why almost $800 million dollars in client assets is entrusted with us. Client centric investing solutions focused on YOU!
How can we help you?
We believe it is a privilege to be your wealth manager. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly. Our dedication to our clients is what sets us apart. We are confident that you will agree.
Get In Touch
One size does not fit all. We believe your portfolio shouldn’t either. We craft your equity portfolio only after a thorough understanding of your unique goals and personal circumstances. As a fiduciary, we put your interests first…Always!
You have worked hard for your money and now you are ready to enjoy your golden years. Our income-producing solutions enable you to get the most out of your nest egg while also giving you the security and peace-of-mind that you deserve.
We believe there is some truth to the saying ‘jack-of-all-trades, master of none’. As such, we have developed an expansive network of local professionals to assist us with coordinated planning solutions.
Our Market Updates
Read or watch our latest insights on the economy and financial markets by our team.
Fall 2024 Commentary
The much-anticipated Fed interest rate cut finally happened! At its September 18th meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee lowered the federal funds rate by 50 basis points as expected. It was the Fed’s first interest rate cut in over four years – suggesting the current economic slowdown we are experiencing required action and a change in monetary policy. The economic boost will certainly be dependent on the magnitude and frequency of future rate cuts. Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggested more cuts are on the way but the committee will remain data dependent & decide the future rate path on a meeting-by-meeting basis. Our investment committee favors this approach as Powell has been quite vocal about not repeating the mistakes of the past (persistent inflation throughout the 1970s). We are encouraged that lower, more appropriate interest rate levels in 2024/25 will be welcomed by American consumers and businesses & that economic activity will in turn pick up.
Summer 2024 Commentary
In Michigan, summer is a time to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful, warm weather. Trips to the beach and even vacations abroad are plentiful. Consumers are happy and therefore likely to spend quite a bit of their discretionary income. With brighter days ahead, one would expect the economic outlook to be optimistic. Unfortunately, we have recently seen several important economic data points rolling over – suggesting caution may be warranted. Several blue chip consumer brands reported lackluster Q1 earnings – especially Starbucks, Kohl’s, McDonald’s and Nike. Their respective management teams threw water on bullish economic forecasts with very conservative second half outlooks. This negatively compares to the improving, stronger-than-expected economic growth experienced last year. So, what gives?