What's with the name?

Keel Vang Advisors is more than just a name—it's a tribute to a family tradition and the transformative power of inspiration. We will let one of the founders, Frances Honeycutt, tell her story:

It all began when my aunt offered to include my 8-year-old son in a 5-day summer sailing camp with her grandchildren on the banks of the Virginia shore. Residing in the central United States, it was a chance to have a unique experience while connecting with family. Since I was so close with my aunt’s boys (my cousins) as we grew up, I was hopeful my son could have a similar bond with his 2nd cousins. We established a daily routine for sail camp week, striking a balance of intentional structure and relaxed reflection. This unforgettable adventure on the water became a beloved annual family tradition. In the early days, there were only three kids, but our family grew so much that- at one point- we had so many kids we had to caravan 2 vehicles of campers each day. These powerful memories and the anticipation of our annual trip remind me to keep moving forward every day.

As I embarked on the journey of starting my own business, I drew inspiration from these sailing memories. The keel, the stabilizing force beneath a sailboat, mirrors the support and encouragement I aim to provide as a business coach. Meanwhile, the vang, the line that creates tension on the main sail which controls the sail's direction, represents the strong strategy and gentle nudges that keep clients moving in the right direction. From there, Keel Vang Advisors was born. When I partnered with the other founders of Grow Forth, it was natural to include Keel Vang Advisors in the suite of coaching and consulting offerings provided by Simplified.Help and YourBalanced. Life.

Keel Vang Advisors embodies the essence of sailing— tenacity, intentionality, and hard work lead to progress. It's more than a name; it's a reminder of where we've come from and where we’re headed, helping clients navigate their entrepreneurial journeys with purpose and confidence.