How did you get into financial planning and investing?
My grandmother passed away when I was in high school. I was fascinated watching my dad and uncle settle her estate and saw there were things my grandparents could have done to lessen the impact on the estate’s beneficiaries. I learned that everyone’s financial life is made up of different pieces that fit together like a puzzle that is unique to that individual. I discovered that I liked helping people put the pieces together in a way to achieve the best results for them.
Because my background is in both sales and public accounting, I serve clients so they reach the goals that are important to them, pulling together different pieces of their financial puzzle. It is deeply satisfying to watch their lives unfold and grow to accomplish their dreams; I hope I may have played a small part in their success.
What is your greatest career success?
I am proud to be one of three remaining employees of the original firm, now known as Telarray, LLC, and I have the longest tenure. During my time with the firm, I have worked in almost every position and department to help our small company grow and develop. Most of the credit for what we have achieved is due to the vision and foresight of the original owners of the firm, as well as the talented members of our team, and I consider this my most meaningful career accomplishment. As an owner of the company, I want to continue to build upon our success.
What has been the most significant learning experience in your career?
I began my first career in industrial sales, and because of one of the worst recessions in history, I moved across the country four times in three years for multiple jobs. After that, I decided to start over in a totally different career, and I went back to school and obtained my master’s degree in Accounting and my CPA certificate. Through it all, I learned that no matter what field you work in, if you are passionate, listen and focus on the things that your clients care about — with their level of intensity — you will always have a successful career and a rewarding life.
When people you have worked with talk about you, what do they say?
I hope that others say that I always put the clients’ needs first, and that I work diligently to help my clients accomplish their goals.
