On the Edge of Guiding Change

Phil and Babs Strom’s life reads like a fairy tale. Phil first met Babs in Germany while serving in the military after being drafted during the Vietnam War. In 1967, Phil returned to the States with Babs at his side. Together, they began building a life from the ground-up.

“I have seen poverty at its worst,” explains Babs, who grew up in Germany during World War II. Phil, who was raised on a share crop farm, knows firsthand the value of hard work. This history plays a vital role in what they are today. After returning stateside, Phil began a long career as a successful financial planner while Babs raised two children and taught. Now retired, the two are focused on giving back to a community that has been so generous. “We have more than we could possibly ever need,” explains Phil. “It is our time to give something back.”

For the Stroms, giving back doesn’t just come in the form of writing a check. The two are active in the community, both as volunteers and board members at numerous regional organizations. In addition, the couple established the Philip H. and Barbara Strom Family Charitable Fund at the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. The donor advised fund allows them to support causes they care about while playing an active role in the grant making process.

Phil says this distinction is important because, “we know we can’t support everything. We want to research where the greatest need is and where we feel we can make the most positive impact in the organizations we support.” In addition to the involvement allowed by a donor advised fund, Phil and Babs appreciate the strong leadership and efficiency of partnering with a Community Foundation. The money is invested with assets from more than 300 additional funds, creating a $50+ million investment pool managed by some of the best financial leaders.

The couple has no plans of slowing this involvement down anytime soon. When asked why they choose to play such an active role in this community versus enjoying a well-deserved retirement of leisure, Babs says “I’m grateful that I’m healthy. I want to show gratitude for everything I’ve been granted in life.”

Likewise, we extend our gratitude to a generous couple that is always on the edge of guiding change through
their involvement in and passion toward this community.