​That principle was drilled into me as a 19 year-old Non-Commissioned Officer and I have carried it throughout my career, always doing my best to mix real world experience with the highest levels of learning – academia or otherwise.   

After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, I majored in Business Administration (Finance) and began my career as a Financial Advisor in 2001.  I was fortunate enough to build my career with two of the largest and most reputable broker-dealers (investment firms) in the country.  Beginning during the Tech Wreck, I also weathered 9-11 and the Great Recession.  Although stressful and unpleasant, these experiences were invaluable as they taught me that risk mitigation is paramount – something that many people seem to have forgotten during this elongated Bull Market.  During this time, I also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation and obtained a Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial & Tax Planning.  

After nearly a decade as a Financial Advisor/Planner, I sold my practice and moved across country to assist with my father’s illness.  At this point, I switched to “the other side of the desk” and began working with firms that designed, constructed, and distributed private equity investments.  Throughout this period, I held positions with firms as Senior Vice President in Private Equity Commercial Real Estate and Credit.  Ultimately, I served as Managing Director where I built out and led a channel for a Top 10 Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) firm focusing on 1031 exchanges.