What inspired you to join Bernstein?
I was inspired to join Bernstein because it is a firm with a long history of excellence in investment management, aligning perfectly with my values by consistently prioritizing clients’ interests. My parents always emphasized the importance of building strong relationships in both personal and professional settings. After having multiple conversations with people at Bernstein, I quickly realized that they shared this belief. Our discussions centered around the relationships we build with our clients and the impact we have on their lives through investment management. This focus ultimately leads us to become trusted advisors to them and their families, extending well beyond just providing investment advice. I knew Bernstein was the place where I could truly be myself and achieve everything I aspired to on behalf of my clients.
How have your values and personal background specifically positioned you to work with your clients?
My background in professional baseball distinctly positions me to work with clients, as it exposed me to a diverse range of people and cultures. Traveling extensively and interacting with teammates from various backgrounds and countries provided me with a realistic view of the professional world. As a catcher, I played a pivotal role on the team, akin to a quarterback, and I relished the challenge of connecting with a diverse group of teammates on a personal level, even when language barriers existed. This experience has served me well, helping me grow and mature at a young age.
In my early professional career, I was fortunate to gain insight into the complexities and demands of running a privately owned business by being around many business owners. I witnessed firsthand the immense time and effort required to run a successful business and realized that many owners lacked the time to focus on planning for their future. This was surprising to me, as I had assumed that very successful people had everything planned out. However, I learned that many business owners had not planned for life after retiring or selling their company. These experiences allow me to relate to and understand my clients better, as I can empathize with their challenges and needs.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
Outside of work, my passions revolve around spending quality time with family and friends. My wife, Carly, and I have two wonderful children, Dawson and Banks. We are passionate about spending as much time as possible with them, nurturing our family bonds and building relationships within our amazing community. Our kids keep us busy with neighborhood playdates, soccer, T-ball and volunteering at their school, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Carly and I also enjoy cooking, entertaining families at our home, and cheering for the Astros and TCU Horned Frogs!