Synchron Director and highly-valued industry contributor, Paul Riegelhuth, passed away on Friday, following an accident that occurred on the previous weekend.
News of Mr Riegelhuth’s tragic death was announced by Association of Financial Advisers’ President, Michael Nowak. In his release, Mr Nowak detailed the significant contributions made by Mr Riegelhuth to the AFA, which spanned many years.
Mr Riegelhuth, who was 64, entered the industry as an insurance agent in 1965 and after what was already a long career, established Synchron in 1998. He was to have celebrated the 30th anniversary of working together with fellow Synchron Director, Don Trapnell, on 5th May.
In paying tribute to his friend and colleague, Mr Trapnell said “Paul loved AC/DC and Jimmy Barnes and was an enthusiastic supporter of all the madness that is Synchron’s NextGen conferences. He had a crazy sense of humour and loved to lead the aerobics sessions at NextGen. I have lost not only my business partner but a mate and a lifelong friend.”
Mr Riegelhuth’s professional legacy will be judged not just by his own contribution to the industry, but by the quality of the contributions of so many of the next generation of financial advisers for whom he has played such an important and integral role. This is no better evidenced than by the exemplary contribution to the industry that has already been made by Paul’s daughter, Sarah, who jointly owns and operates a high quality and highly successful financial advice practice. Paul’s stepson, Shane Dreier, has also made his mark in the financial services industry as a passionate risk specialist adviser and advocate.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and loved ones, and also to his Synchron family – fellow Directors, Don Trapnell and John Prossor, Chairman, Michael Harrison, and all other Synchron staff and associates.
Paul, you will be deeply missed. You made a positive difference to the lives of many – a wonderful legacy.
Agree with your fine tribute, Peter. Paul was a heavyweight in our industry and his legacy from that is Synchron, of which I’m an authorised representative. The culture there reflects Paul’s fair-mindedness and this has resulted in a fair go for the adviser.
He will be missed by us at Synchron, by his colleagues oin the AFA and the industry in general and most of all by his family.
The term “icon of the industry” readily comes to mind when I think of Paul Riegelhuth. Like Don Trapnell, I too go back some 30 years with Paul, who as my first “BDM” when I made the transition from manager to advisor, not only gave me tremendous support, but taught me a great deal, much of which I still use and attribute to Paul to this day. In what Paul has readily and selflessly given to the industry, I put him in the same category as Russell Collins and I can think of no greater tribute. Rest in peace Paul.
I hadn’t known Paul for very long but feel a great sadness at his loss.
Wishing his family and the whole Synchron group comfort and the very best.
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