What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
I continue to be proud to represent Bernstein knowing the firm operates within the same moral code that I do in my own life. Doing what’s right for others, being truthful, transparent and putting the client’s interest first is the moral compass that Bernstein and I share. The firm ensures that advisors have access to the appropriate skills, resources and talents to help us make the best possible decisions for our clients. I am also inspired by the thought leadership at Bernstein, which is of the highest caliber. Bernstein’s thought leaders are some of the best and the brightest in our industry, and I am honored to work alongside them and collaborate on behalf of my clients.
How have your values and personal background uniquely positioned you to work with your clients?
I grew up in a family of Irish immigrants and am the sixth child out of seven total. Very early on in life, I understood the value of saving, the necessity of hard work and the importance of family. These values led me to pursue a career that would encompass all of them.
My path to becoming an advisor was not a straight line. I earned an engineering degree and then my MBA while working full-time. My role as a business executive who successfully sold a company has allowed me to appreciate and understand the mindset of business owners and corporate executives. I know from real-life experience the sensitivity a company has on my clients’ own personal planning. Little did I know that my own winding path would result in me having strengths and insights that are highly coveted by my clients. I’ve lived the same life as them. As an advisor, I guide clients on how to most effectively manage their finances, I empathize with their business experience and speak the same language as them.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
As a lifelong athlete, I had high expectations for my own children to follow in the same footsteps. While it would have been exciting to watch them on the field, I am blessed to be the father of three girls! Little did I know that they would find their joy on the stage, versus the field, however, it all worked out for the best. My daughters, all of whom are highly accomplished dancers and actors, directed me into the role of a dance- and stage-dad. Watching their growth, maturity and effort, all occurring for love of the arts, grew my appreciation hundredfold. My wife and I are now proud patrons of the arts, and we have our daughters’ passion and commitment to thank for that. Although I am an athlete at heart, and satisfy my own competitive itch on the lacrosse field, golf course or basketball court, my appreciation of the arts grows after every performance.