What inspired you to join Bernstein?
I take the greatest satisfaction in helping successful people develop their future plans. Over the last decade, I have worked with a mix of institutional clients and noticed the disparity in their resources. Bernstein not only has a staff that can focus on their investments but also has excellent processes and governance. Many incredibly successful families, businesses, and nonprofits don’t have those same resources. Our team can take the time to ensure our clients are up to date on the changing landscape that will impact their wealth. While I loved everything I learned from these large, well-resourced institutions, I have found my greatest joy in working with business owners, business leaders, and nonprofit clients and their families. This is where my advice and experience can be the most impactful. Fortunately, I was able to join a partnership at Bernstein with Dale Vernon and Steve West. We recognize that our role is much more than just managing a portfolio. We invest our time and expertise to help people succeed.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of being an advisor to your clients?
Helping create confidence in a client is what I find most fulfilling. My role is to help put their unique puzzle together. Some of the pieces of the puzzle are easy to put in place; other pieces might be stuck under the couch somewhere. By having meaningful conversations, developing well-thought-out financial plans, and ensuring my team brings together the right resources, I can help clients chart their path more clearly. Today, my job is even more fulfilling because I work alongside a team of true experts with backgrounds ranging from estate planning to business transition. Together, Dale, Steve, and I bring a lifetime of experience we use to help families, businesses, and nonprofits work through their unique challenges. It’s a joy helping our clients find clarity and realize their hopes for the future.
If you didn’t work for Bernstein, what else would you be doing?
Since I was in my teens, I have always wanted to work in the capital markets, so it’s hard to imagine doing something outside this industry. I do have various interests fueled by my curiosity and desire for education. I’m a history buff, and having worked on a farm, I really enjoy gardening. You can always find something fresh in my garden, from lettuce in the spring to tomatoes all summer long. I could imagine being a high school history teacher with a small farm and woodworking shop to keep me occupied in the summer. I would use the winter to tend to my bourbon collection!