EP 59: From the Financial Crisis to Managing Partner: Pain Points of Growing Through Change

August 4th

By: StaffBuffalo Team

Success in wealth management isn't built on market predictions alone. It's built on relationships, trust, and the willingness to serve clients through every stage of life. 

On this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Maggie Shea sits down with Tina Hassler, Partner at Sandhill Investment Management, to discuss her journey from the financial crisis of 2008 to becoming a partner at one of Western New York's premier investment firms. 

Their conversation explores career growth, leadership, client relationships, market volatility, and why great investing is ultimately about helping people make confident decisions. 

Building a Career One Opportunity at a Time

Tina's career began in New York City shortly before the 2008 financial crisis, working in investor relations for a hedge fund. 

When the crisis forced the firm to wind down, she found herself in an unexpected position. As one of the youngest employees, she stayed until the very end, helping manage the firm's orderly closure while learning firsthand how markets, businesses, and people respond during periods of uncertainty. 

After returning to Buffalo, Tina eventually discovered Sandhill Investment Management. Although her first application didn't lead to an immediate opportunity, she stayed connected with the firm's founder. Months later, after experiencing significant personal loss, the timing was finally right. 

That decision changed the course of her career. 

Service Has Always Been the Strategy

Before entering finance, Tina worked in private aviation, where exceptional customer service wasn't optional. It was the foundation of the business. 

That experience shaped how she approaches clients today. 

Whether helping someone roll over their first retirement account, guiding a business owner through succession planning, or supporting families after the loss of a loved one, Tina believes every client deserves personal attention and genuine care. 

At Sandhill, wealth management isn't simply about managing investments. It's about helping people navigate some of life's biggest decisions with confidence. 

Growing Through Hard Work, Not Titles

Tina didn't begin her career at Sandhill in a leadership position. 

She started wherever the business needed help, handling operations, administrative work, client service, and learning every part of the organization from the ground up. 

Over time, she built strong relationships with clients, expanded the firm's client service department, and eventually became an advisor before joining the leadership team. 

Her philosophy has remained consistent throughout her career. 

Work hard. Stay curious. Learn every part of the business. Let your work speak for itself. 

That mindset ultimately led to becoming a partner. 

Helping Clients Stay Calm in Uncertain Markets

Markets rise. Markets fall. 

According to Tina, one of the biggest values an advisor provides isn't simply selecting investments. It's helping clients avoid emotional decisions during uncertain times. 

From the 2008 financial crisis to the volatility surrounding COVID-19 and today's rapidly changing economic landscape, she has seen how headlines often drive fear more than facts. 

Rather than chasing trends or reacting to short-term market swings, Sandhill focuses on identifying strong businesses that can create value over the long term. 

It's a disciplined approach built on patience, research, and perspective. 

Building the Next Generation of Leadership

As Sandhill continues to grow, Tina believes leadership isn't about individual success. It's about preparing the next generation. 

She compares growing a business to raising a child. Every team member has a different responsibility, but everyone shares the same goal of helping the organization become stronger over time. 

She also believes technical skills can be taught, while qualities like work ethic, curiosity, and communication remain essential for long-term success. 

For Tina, leadership means creating an environment where people can grow, contribute, and eventually become the leaders who guide the firm into its next chapter.