In 1996, I started a new career in financial services. I wanted a career change: blending my enjoyment of working with other people and my investing interests. This move followed a twenty-year career in the US Air Force and six years as a manager with technology companies.
My twenty-four years in advisory services has been more challenging and more rewarding than I imagined. I anticipated leveraging my connections at Kirtland AFB and in the greater Albuquerque area. Business growth was more difficult than I expected. Over time however, my business grew from efforts by advertising in Placitas, offering seminars and making connections with other financial services professionals.
I especially enjoy meeting with and helping clients. I like the uniqueness of their personalities and personal financial situations. My job is never to tell a client what to do. Rather, it is to take time and explain the pros and cons of their options.
I regularly employ two quotes: “It is not what you make that counts, it is what you keep that counts.” This can apply to investing as much as one can in retirement accounts. My second quote is “It is not about the money.” This often ties to client questions like: Should I start my social security earlier than age 70? Should I pay off my mortgage early? Emotional money decisions can often be fine!
Some of my most rewarding client experiences follow a client’s personal tragedy. Helping each to see the “new” reality requires the use of all my education and experiences.
Pertinent Professional Education and Licenses and Registrations
| CFP® | Pass-fail national exam on six topics (investments, tax, estate planning, business ownership, insurance, financial planning) |
| Series 7 | General Securities Representative (Buy/Sell stocks, bonds, CDs, mutual funds) |
| Series 24 | General Securities Principal (Supervise and manage Branch Activity) |
| Series 63 | Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam (Solicit buys/sells in US states) |
| Series 65 | Uniform Investment Advisor Law Exam (Investment Advisor Representative Exam) |
| MS Engineering | University of Detroit |
| Airline Transport Pilot | Multi-engine Jet Rating - Highest level of FAA licensure |