Cindi Porter and her dad, Bill Porter, are well-known in the Suwanee community as experts in financial planning and together own Aileron Investment Advisors. They are awesome community-minded people and have supported Suwanee Magazine since the very beginning! When you think about some of the nicest people around, Cindi definitely comes to mind.
Please tell us a little about your family.
I have one brother. I have a son and a daughter, and just inherited three stepchildren! I just got married in March of this year! I have three granddaughters by my daughter. I met my husband six and a half years ago and we both had little kids at home. So, we took our time dating for a few years before marrying. All of the kids are amazing, warm-hearted and wonderful. We are all really happy!
Tell us about your current and past career. What do you love most about it?
I was a special education teacher in Miami and then in Atlanta. After my second child was born, my dad suggested that I get into the world of financial planning. Although I loved teaching, it was difficult to spend time with my kids and attend their practices, events, etc. I decided to study and get my licenses and my dad was someone to whom I could ask anything. He was a great mentor. We have always had a great relationship. His strengths are my weaknesses and vice versa. I think that women, in particular, felt comfortable with a female financial planner from the very beginning. I am incredibly grateful to be doing this business with my dad.
How long have you lived or worked here?
I moved here in 1998 during my second year of teaching. We now live in Alpharetta, but our office is in Suwanee.
What is your favorite restaurant?
We love Cheeky and I oftentimes take clients to Ippolito’s. Sushi Nami is my absolute favorite!
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
It’s a beautiful city with a relaxed feel, with all of the conveniences close by. It feels safe and has a small-town feel.
What current or former business, or place, makes you feel the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
One of my first dates with my husband, Mike, was the Suwanee Wine Fest. We love it! We always meet new people there and enjoy all the different types of wine.
If you could take anyone to lunch, dead or alive, who would that be? Where would you go?
I would take my mom (who has passed) and we would go to our favorite restaurant, Sakura, in Coral Gables, Florida.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I would have to say New Zealand. It’s so diverse and the landscape is breathtaking.
What was the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
I went to see Caddyshack — but was definitely too young to be seeing it!
Tell me something that’s on your bucket list.
I want to take a trip to Maldives in the South Pacific. There are many places that I would like to see, but this would be the top place.
What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
In my 52 years, I have learned to let the little things go!
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met in Suwanee?
My father. He is so interesting and thinks outside the box. He can formulate an original thought rather than just repeating what he reads or hears.
What type of music do you like?
’70s rock ’n’ roll.
Would you rather sing to a crowd of 50 people or speak to a crowd of 500?
Given my singing ability, it would definitely be to speak!
