What passions do you pursue outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My wife, Nichole, and two sons, Blake and Morgan, are the sources of my motivation. I relish the time we can go diving, fishing, shooting sport clays, and travel. One of our most memorable trips was on a recent Father’s Day. For one, it was a change of command. Instead of me taking my boys fishing, they took me. Catching world-class fish and spending the night on bean bag chairs was incredible. In addition, I am passionate about cooking and finding new restaurants to share with my family, friends, and clients. I enjoy shopping and planning for each meal just as much as I like the actual cooking. Growing up in an Italian family, cooking is a way of life. It was in my blood from a young age, from helping my grandmother in the kitchen to baking cheesecakes with my mom (A&S first-place cheesecake winner). I was cooking Sunday gravy before I could read.
What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
Once you are a part of the Bernstein family, like any family, you just don’t leave. The glue that bonds us together is the responsibility we have for our clients and their families. As I close in on almost two decades at the firm, I cannot think of another place I would like to “hang my hat” every day. It’s nice to wake up in the morning knowing I have a research powerhouse behind me; it gives me peace of mind and time to focus on my clients’ needs.
How have your values and personal background uniquely positioned you to work with your clients?
My family guided me in my early years. I was surrounded by wonderful role models. My mother and father made sure I did the right thing and expected nothing less from me. My father was a doctor; growing up, I would listen to how my he cared for his patients and provided advice. I aspired to be like him and give people solid advice. He would say: “Don’t sugarcoat it. People need the facts”. I will let you in on a little secret: I am interviewing new clients just as much as they are interviewing me. This is important and I owe it to my existing clients to choose the right ones.