My Story
My life story shaped who I am as an Advisor. These are my experiences.
I started in 1997 and saw the best of the markets of the 90s then the worst in the 2000s.
I failed a client for the first time in 2001 and swore I would never let that happen again. I believe I have not failed a client since.
My father died and had a last talk with me asking me to take over the family's and my Mother's finances.
We welcomed a new family member when my son Jacob was born and I began stewarding his financial future and learning he was special needs (ASD).
I survived endocarditis and open-heart surgery at age 46.
During the Coronavirus pandemic I lead my clients, office, and family, all who have at risk members.
These experiences taught me what my clients go through from losing loved ones, celebrating births and milestones, and all the trials and tribulations in between.
My father was an Engineer with multiple patents and pioneered the microchip (silicon wafers) back in the 70's with Western Electric, Bell Labs, AT&T, and Lucent. I was the (annoying) kid who given a toy would pull it apart to see how it works.
Growing up with ADHD, finally as an adult, I read the book Driven to Distraction by Ed Hallowell and my life made more sense. I never took medication, instead controlling it with coping strategies. Then I discovered this condition was not a curse but a blessing. I had the ability to do what the book described as "hyper-focus". I used the ability to excel and climb in my career. Finding strength in weaknesses and learning to cope were life changing break throughs.
I passed the CFP boards in 2007 while soaking up every bit of knowledge of financial planning along the way. I became obsessed with how markets work, and like that child with a toy, had to know what made them tick. I started with a simple question "If I am going to work in my client's best interest how do I know what the best is?" Until one day after countless hours and years of research and reading I felt I got to the top of the mountain, it all made sense.
I use these abilities for my clients. I love solving puzzles and challenges, figuring out how to "crack the code". I see each new client's financial picture as a new puzzle to solve. Drawing on all these experiences, knowledge, and ability to hyper-focus, I want to "crack that code" for you.
I have a simple principle that guides me, I treat my clients’ money as if it were my own.
Personal Life
My wife Jewel attended the University of AZ attaining MCB, Bio-Chemistry and Spanish degrees. She worked in early childhood education before retiring to care for our special needs son.
I am involved in my neighborhood, attend CCV on weekends, and volunteer for Hustle PHX providing biz mentorships for underserved communities. I teach Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at CCV. I am a past President of my industry group NTSA of the American Retirement Association located in Washington, DC. In my spare time I enjoy golf, reading, cooking, running, cycling, traveling and the outdoors.
Professional Qualifications
- 2014 - 2017 Member of The Legend Group’s Advisors' Council
- Passed the comprehensive board exams, background check and experience requirements to earn the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in April of 2010
- College for Financial Planning, 2007
- Graduated from Indiana University of PA, 1997
- 30 years of experience, specializing in retirement plans since 1997
Specialty Services
- Retirement Assessments for ages 50+ who are within five years of retiring
- Succession Planning for business owners
- Investing with index funds
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