What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
When I entered the financial services field, I envisioned that my role would be highly analytical. Bernstein, as a firm, enticed me for two specific reasons: the global research engine that fuels everything we do and the different divisions at the firm that I felt might, potentially, allow me to take on a different role within the same company. This flexibility was important to me. Since joining, I’ve stayed at Bernstein for many years because of our unique platform that seeks to eliminate the conflicts of interests that have plagued other firms for decades. The finance industry doesn’t always have the greatest reputation, and for good reason. There have been a lot of bad apples! In contrast, Bernstein has always gone the extra mile to put our clients’ interests first, which is unique and important to me. I will only work for companies that align with my uncompromising moral compass, and I feel fortunate that Bernstein does on every level.
What’s the best way for people to put their wealth in perspective?
I believe the best way for people to put their wealth into perspective is through goals, rather than a specific dollar figure. Everything becomes relative at a certain point and this is especially true in terms of money. What was once the ceiling can quickly become the floor. That’s just the way the world works and how human beings operate. Some questions I ask my clients in order to understand their specific goals are: “Do you want to make the most money you can every year? Or is it more important for you to be able to pay for your grandchildren’s college education? Is there a charitable cause that is important to you and your family that you would like to donate to?” Maximizing investment returns is par for the course, however, it is the peace that we offer clients that makes my job satisfying. I help clients think outside the dollar box and instead, view their wealth through a healthier lens, which is, “What can it help you to achieve in life?”
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
As a father of two young, active boys, my passion is my family. Both of my kids are actively involved in gymnastics and swimming and have more activities on the horizon. It’s a joy to watch them mature through their adolescence. I am also an avid football and basketball fan both at the professional and the collegiate level. I have quickly learned it is much easier being a Philadelphia Eagles fan in Dallas than a Dallas Cowboys fan in Philadelphia! I also enjoy traveling, although I did this much more prior to becoming a parent! My favorite travel memories are the honeymoon my wife and I took to Southeast Asia when we visited Bali and Thailand, and when we visited Santorini and Athens in Greece. Lastly, I do enjoy reading and in particular historical fiction, specifically, novels based in the following eras: post World War I through the 1960s.