What are your areas of expertise in solving problems for clients?
I am often engaged in anticipation of the sale of a private business or some other significant financial event. For many, this period can be as exciting as it is anxiety-producing. The complexity of these new circumstances can feel overwhelming with the knowledge that they are “missing something” related to this once-in-a-lifetime event (for most). My expertise in these situations focuses on asking the right questions and knowing the answers to the ones that matter most.
With the help of my team, and all the resources Bernstein brings to bear, our collective expertise in solving problems for clients goes beyond investments and into important areas of tax, estate planning, philanthropy, and family engagement, just to name a few.
What kind of experience do you offer to your clients?
To paraphrase a famous quote, “Successful investing should be like watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Vegas.” This sage advice sounds simple but without proper guidance and discipline, many investors abandon rational thought in the hopes of a fast dollar. My experience is rooted in years of advising on personal capital allocation, educating clients on investment trade-offs and, perhaps most importantly, helping them navigate the most difficult times.
I have led and participated in dozens of business sale transactions and counseled founders and owners on appropriately managing the shift in their net worth from the equity in their private business to investments in all major asset classes. This requires years of experience in capital allocation, market-entry strategies, and careful coordination with other professional advisors.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
The oldest of my three children has a rare genetic disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Since his birth, my wife and I have been passionate about helping him—and all kids with PWS—by raising awareness and money for a research-based nonprofit, the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research. The primary focus of FPWR is finding a cure for the many ailments of the disease.
Raising a child with special needs brings many challenges my wife and I never expected to endure—but has also allowed us to meet lifelong friends and provided us with a higher level of purpose and empathy in our lives.