Careers
Life Academy
- What path led you to wealth management?
As an estate planning attorney, clients frequently asked that I help interview their potential wealth managers. As I participated in these meetings, I struggled to find a wealth manager who fit the criteria I would want if I were the client: A firm that is only paid by the client (i.e., no other revenue sources) so its advice is not colored by compensation;
A firm that has expertise in tax, with multiple CPA’s on staff to create an active, robust tax compliance practice, so it understands and can tweak the tax ramifications of the planning;
A firm with sophisticated estate planning experience with advisors who successfully built a high net worth estate planning practice, so it can advise on the optimal structure for the family’s planning;
A firm that didn’t try to convince me that it can time the financial markets and pick only “winning” securities; and
A firm that worked with families like my clients on family education, philanthropy and family governance all day, every day.
In short, I was looking for a wealth management firm that behaved like a full-service law firm: only advocating for the client and surrounding the client with exactly the expertise they need.
- Why did you join TFO Phoenix?
I started TFO Phoenix because I wanted to bring to the market the firm I described above. One that is solely in the client’s corner and surrounds the client with honest, intelligent advice from advisors with deep expertise in multiple areas: Investments, tax, estate planning, family education, family governance and philanthropic planning.
- What most excites you about your work?
I like helping families. If I can go to sleep at night knowing that I helped a family be stronger, closer or wiser, then I had a good day.
- What has been your most rewarding career experience?
Getting to know multiple clients who have quite literally lived the American Dream. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from them and be inspired by them. I wish more people had the unique opportunity to get to know these folks who have shaped our nation. They are extraordinary.
- What personal accomplishments are you most proud of?
I can think of no greater personal accomplishment than watching my three children grow into better people than I could have ever imagined.
- Why should families connect wealth and purpose?
Because wealth without purpose can destroy a family. If you fail to answer a simple question for your children and grandchildren, “what’s the wealth for”, they will forever struggle to develop their own answers and may fill the void with dangerous ideas. Far more important than passing on your wealth is passing on your values.
- Education and accreditations
Series 65 license
St. Louis University, J.D.
Washington University, B.S.B.A.
- What do you like to do outside of work? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
My family would say that I’m obsessed with St. Louis Cardinals baseball (11 times World Champs). I also enjoy hiking, exercise and our three dogs.
My favorite way to spend a weekend is with my family and dogs hanging out at home. Maybe watching a St. Louis Cardinals game on TV and then hiking Camelback Mountain with our dogs and my brother, who lives across the street.
- What are some of your biggest influences?
My dad, undoubtedly. I spoke with him every day of my life until he died in 2007 and I remain convinced that I won the “dad lottery.” He was one of my best friends and the kindest person I’ve ever met. He gave me unconditional love and taught me that there is no wrong way to do the right thing. I only hope I can be half the dad to my children that he was to me.