What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
I have chosen to build my career at Bernstein for several decades because we always place our clients’ interests first. By helping clients achieve their goals and attain their chosen definition of success, Bernstein will naturally continue to be successful. Of course, by always doing the right thing, we also attract the highest quality people. Ethical humans want to be around those who also have the utmost integrity.
It’s a positive cycle that keeps on giving, which makes it a joy to work at Bernstein because, in the end, everyone wins. Lastly, from my three-plus decades at Bernstein, I truly believe that families who are self-made and have achieved wealth by their own volition want to be with a firm that has a proven track record.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My father, a clever, industrious and resilient man, was a critical force in terms of how I conduct myself as an advisor. While my father did not receive much formal education beyond elementary school, he taught me the most about life. He was the first person to talk to me about the importance of proper money management. The value of hard work is also something he demonstrated by example. While formal education is important to me, and always has been, the practical education I received from my father was more important than any degree. Through his informal teachings, he truly prepared me for my current role as an advisor, as it requires fortitude, common sense and patience. My father understood the power of compounding, opportunity costs and the benefits of having a balanced approach.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of being an advisor to your clients?
The greatest pleasure of my advising career has been helping families enjoy the fruits of their labor. When you have worked hard for your money, you want it to go to the right places, people and causes. There is nothing better than helping my clients have control over how their wealth is distributed. My job, as their chosen advisor, is to make sure these avenues align with their moral compass, dreams and desires to improve their surroundings. I particularly enjoy increasing the amount of wealth my clients will eventually pass onto their heirs, so they will be taken care of and enjoy a good life. My clients and I bond when we chat about what charities and causes they want to donate to, and the best way to achieve their charitable goals. I love learning about what matters to them. My duty as an advisor is to provide families with a sound mind, stability and a clean conscience that they are doing right by others.