My Story

Bill serves as Vice President of Thought Leadership for the Lyon Group. He focuses on the strategic vision of the firm and thought leadership to transform our industry and our community. He is the creator of The Financial Navigation SystemSM and the Holistic Balance SheetTM and speaks nationally on financial and non-financial topics. Bill also still enjoys working directly with a select group of clients to develop retirement and estate plans that transcend financial issues.

"I’ve never actually had a real job," Bill says. "When you love what you do, when you feel like you’re making a difference in the lives of people, and when it brings you joy to do it … it’s hard to call it work." Bill has been "not working" in the career for over thirty-five years -- dedicated to the idea that resources and financial decisions should be aligned with what matters most.

Bill is among the most respected and credentialed financial professionals in the region. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from The Ohio State University and a Master of Science in Financial Services degree from The American College. He also holds five professional designations: CFP^®, CLU^®, ChFC^®, RICP^® and CAP^®.

Bill is probably known as much for his community service as for his "day job." He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards and chaired most of them over the years at one time or another.

My Bio

Bill took over the reins of the firm in 1985 upon the unexpected death of our founder, Bob Lyon. "I was in college at the time – not sure how or where my life’s work would play out." He gained a healthy respect for the work of his father who helped clients prepare for the "what-ifs" of life. That experience inspires our work as we help other business owners and professionals prepare for the future. His late mother, Elinor, also worked alongside his father (and later Bill) in service to The Lyon Group’s clients.

Growing up in the small town of Georgetown, Ohio, Bill learned how to take ownership of his own actions and be of service to others. He had a fully booked calendar even back then. He played varsity baseball, sang in the church choir, performed in community theater productions, worked as a lifeguard, and became an Eagle Scout. Through all those activities, he caught the "servant-leader" bug. Community leadership became his preferred "hobby."

"Many of the coolest people I know are fellow board members and volunteers," Bill concedes. Whether as Cubmaster, Board Chair, or church lay leader, he considers "paying it forward" a sacred duty and a privilege.

Bill and his wife, Barb, are the parents of two terrific adult sons. They reside in Anderson Township.

Meet Bill