What inspired you to join Bernstein?
I began my wealth management career in 2003 and joined Bernstein in 2010 because of my search for a better model for providing financial advice. Fortunately, I found it at Bernstein! Too often in our industry, advisors are forced to be experts on the markets, economy, tax strategy, estate planning, philanthropy and much more. This is equivalent to the expectation that your physician is also your surgeon, radiologist, dermatologist, etc. Bernstein’s unique structure provides each of my clients with a dedicated team of experts that I leverage to ensure we deliver bespoke advice. This allows me to dedicate the entirety of my time to thoroughly understand my clients’ dreams and aspirations. Then, I marshal our resources to ensure their goals are realized. At Bernstein, I am able to do the best job possible because I’m supported in every way.
Tell me about the types of clients you work with.
I’m a lifelong Pacific Northwest resident and feel privileged to have witnessed the incredible growth of this region. As a result of living here, throughout the duration of my life, most of my clients are business leaders who have driven the economic success of the Pacific Northwest. I’m proud to say my client roster includes entrepreneurs and company founders, early-stage employees and C-suite executives, all of whom are making a mark on this part of the country. My clients’ success is often met with corresponding complexity. Navigating this and leveraging strategies to help my clients is extremely rewarding. Oftentimes, we uncover entirely new solutions that hadn’t been thought of before! Bringing those solutions to the table is most rewarding because it creates an optimal link between my clients’ financial lives and what truly matters to them in life.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Without question, my mother is the single most influential person in my life. When I was seven years old, my father suffered a stroke and was forced to retire due to permanent disability. This levied an incredible burden on my mother. She had to return to work as a teacher, care for my father and raise three kids all at the same time. She managed to do it and, unbelievably, her glass was always half full. Like anyone, I can have a rough day from time to time, but I always try to keep my spirits elevated to honor my mother. Whether it was intentional or not, my mother taught me there truly is something to the power of positive thinking! This has changed my life because I am able to weather life’s ups and downs still, with a smile on my face.