What inspired you to join Bernstein?
I am fortunate to work in a field that constantly stretches my intellectual curiosity by helping people demystify their most complex financial decisions. I discovered my calling for financial planning during college when my parents asked me to help pick up the pieces resulting from self-serving advice by a financial salesperson. While the nature of my industry has an undertone of conflict, my experiences prove that sitting on the same side of the table as the client is non-negotiable. Bernstein honors that commitment through an independent structure defined best by the conflicts it avoids. Bernstein is not a bank, has no long-term debt, and does not trade inventory for itself or in competition with clients. Bernstein has pioneered wealth management through research for over 50 years and defined what it means to serve as a fiduciary.
Tell me about the types of clients you work with.
Having watched my family operate a small business, I am passionate about helping business owners and their families thrive financially. Wealth management is a team sport where sound decision-making occurs by engaging in an educational process alongside a diverse team of subject matter experts. My role is like the coach in the box who helps plan for risks and quantify opportunities at various milestones leading up to an exit. And while many business owners are comfortable managing risk germane to their respective industries, deploying personal liquidity in volatile markets can be daunting. Together we build a bespoke investment plan across public and private markets, passive and active strategies, and opportunistic elements such as alternative assets. Most importantly, through our family governance work, I help families discover and integrate their unique values into their planning.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
I enjoy sharing life experiences and new interests with fascinating people who push me to learn and grow. Nobody fits that bill better than my wife Ally and our four kids. Each year we choose a new and interesting hobby to try, which has led to many adventures and a garage full of recreational equipment. Our favorite activities include exploring mountain and desert trails, skiing powder, mountain biking, paddling and golfing as a family. And while our garage is running out of space, the memories we’ve stored are priceless. Above all, I cherish my role as a father in supporting my kids in their various endeavors, each day striving to pursue my vision of making every generation better.