This list, while perhaps having a whimsical title, is in fact an important document to us at Sunflower. We believe firmly that a successful long-term relationship requires both the Client and the Investment Advisor to share a common philosophy toward investments. This list certainly defines our "Ideal Client", but if you read it carefully, you will find that it also describes OUR posture and philosophy regarding successful investing.

The ideal client...

1. Has an optimistic attitude toward the future and of financial markets. Sunflower believes it is difficult for a pessimist to be a successful investor.
2. Is an unemotional investor who is willing to let Sunflower "worry" about the investments.
3. Has realistic expectations. The ideal client does not expect Sunflower to "time" the market, or to predict future Dow Jones Industrial Average levels.
4. Accepts losses on some individual stocks as inevitable and a cost of participating in markets. The ideal client realizes that every stock selection will not go up but focuses on the overall rate of return within reasonable time horizons.
5. Believes discussions on "the market", interest rates, the economy, etc. do not add value to the investment selection process. SAM's investment approach is not dependent on guesstimates of macro-economic trends (top-down approach). Our bottoms-up approach invests in individual companies with good business prospects. Investing your money is a serious, time-consuming and noble endeavor, however it is not a social outlet. Of course, this does not prohibit any client from contacting us with any legitimate concern. If there is a change in client objectives, SAM not only welcomes, but strongly encourages prompt written notification.
6. Defers to SAM's judgment, which is contractually agreed upon (discretionary authority) This is absolutely imperative for improving the odds of investment success for the client. If SAM is to be fairly judged on performance, it is imperative for the client to give us the latitude to make these decisions without "input" on strategies. Of course updated input on client objectives is always welcome, encouraged and expected.
7. Recognizes he/she can still be a "conservative" investor, yet still accept some risk. Sunflower is not in the guarantee business.
8. Views advice from non-investment professionals with skepticism.
9. Appreciates Sunflower's "tell it like it is" approach, and is not offended by it. Sunflower prides itself in its straightforward style.
10. "Stays on course" and does not arbitrarily deviate from sound, mutually agreed upon objectives. In other words, does not suddenly claim to be a "conservative" investor if the market temporarily moves down.
11. Accepts responsibility for results, and does not blame Sunflower if the markets temporarily turn against them. Is willing to stick to the written time horizon given to Sunflower even when markets temporarily decline.
12. Focuses on the overall return since inception, not the occasional down year. If he/she feels a stock is unsuitable in any way, or is not compatible with their objectives, accepts the responsibility to notify Sunflower in writing within 30 days of the purchase
13. Exhibits the same high level of integrity that SAM personnel exhibit. Business investment relationships are a two way street.