Investing In The Future

SEBRING -- Those who know Mario Trevino from his younger days remember the "baker boy" who helped in his father's bakery and even sold bread out of a van.

These days Trevino is more likely to be sitting behind the desk as a Merrill Lynch financial advisor, teaching clients how to manage their money better.

But banker or baker, Trevino has been a big believer in hard work.

"I've been through the school of hard knocks and have learned to do all the things other people aren't willing to do."

When his father started a Mexican bakery and grocery store, which grew to three locations before the hurricanes put them out of business, all of the family worked there.

At age 10, Trevino was taught to bake and produced 100 different types of products.

In high school, he opened his own business, selling bread from a van to regular customers, and was known as "the baker boy."

Trevino graduated from Hardee High School in 1993. When he was 21, he moved to Tampa.

In three years, he was the youngest banking center manager for Bank of America. In 2002 he transferred to the Sebring branch.

Wanting to build closer relationships with his clients, Trevino became a financial adviser with Merrill Lynch in 2004.

To better understand the needs of the community, he completed the Highlands Leadership class, is a volunteer for Junior Achievement, and has served on the Board of Children's Services Council.

He is presently a member of the Board of Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, and serves on their subcommittee: Heartland Young Professionals.

Young Professionals was started in 2003 and has about 35 active members.

Promoting social development with social activities, the group offers opportunities to participate and network. Board meetings that are open to the public are held once a month on the first Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Welcome Center. Their general meeting is held at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. They have guest speakers, after-hour mixers, and morning breakfasts where one can make connections and co-market with other members. The annual fee is $60.

Although the minimum age is 21, there is no maximum age for joining Young Professionals. They give scholarships and offer involvement rewards like a trip to Orlando or gift certificates to local restaurants.

Last year Young Professionals was in charge of the Christmas Parade and also organized the Fourth of July festivities.

"These are important traditions for our community. We try to make the events better each year and set a standard for the future," Trevino said.

Divorced, with sons Mario Luis, 8, and Alejandro, 5, Trevino feels his best moments are time spent with them.

"Whether fishing or soccer, it's relaxing for me to watch them enjoy themselves."

At Merrill Lynch, Trevino is part of a four-man team assigned to each client.

"Our approach is unique, in that we really get to know our clients in detail, and are able to give proper advice based on different perspectives."

In addition, he feels this teamwork encourages learning by coaching and mentoring each other.

Besides Trevino's licensed accreditation as a financial advisor, he is also a certified special needs advisor.

He can ensure that a child will be taken care of in a way that will not interfere with other benefits.

"A gift to a child can sometimes eliminate assistance and create a big problem if it is not set up as a special needs gift. It's just one example of the intricacies that makes a knowledgeable financial advisor indispensable."