My interest in the financial markets began in the early 80's when I worked on a project that reviewed the correlation of the equity markets, gold, interest rates and the US dollar.
I earned my degree from Whitman College (with one year as an exchange student in Madrid, Spain) where I graduated with a BA in Economics and a minor in Spanish. A few years later I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the California Maritime Academy.
I worked for a number of years in the shipping industry as a deck officer, in operations, management, and internationally as a consultant.
Upon returning to the US, I took a position as Director of Investor Relations for a publicly traded company listed on the NYSE. During my 8 years in that position, I was the primary contact in the company for many of Wall Street's largest portfolio managers and analysts and helped raise over $155 million in equity and debt financing. I was also responsible for developing and articulating the company's quarterly/annual financial statements, conference calls and press releases.
As a result of my work in corporate and Wall Street finance and daily in-depth communication with some of the country's top investment bankers, analysts and portfolio managers, I gained invaluable experience and understanding of the inner workings of the financial and capital markets.
As a financial advisor I try to bring that sophistication and depth of experience to the benefit of my clients. My experience taught me that healthy income and cash flow growth are critically important to successful private and publicly traded companies. They are equally important to the success of clients in retirement.
My focus is on creating personalized strategies for clients - to help them maximize their retirement income potential. This approach ideally starts before retirement begins and continues long after clients retire.
Much of what is advertised to the public today by the large financial firms are what I like to call "menu approaches" to retirement planning - similar to ordering at a fast-food restaurant. This is a result of having too many customers, not enough expertise and a desire to keep time with the customer (costs) at a minimum. It would be nice if it were that easy... it is not!
I believe in a truly customized approach to my client's needs - and I give them all the time they find necessary.
When not working closely with clients, I am also passionate about spending time with my kids, Isabella and Max. Having always been physically active, I believe in having a sport for every season. My ongoing passions include: windsurfing, skiing, biking, hiking and all kinds of fishing.
FINRA Series 7 Registration held with LPL Financial, Series 66 Registration held with LPL Financial and Cross Financial Advisors