I love a good challenge and keeping up with the latest tech to make our day-to-day work easier. I'm really into legislative stuff, especially anything that affects income and corporate taxes – that's what got me passionate about the financial services world in the first place. Estate planning is something I'm particularly passionate about, as I think it's one of the best things we can do for future generations. I've seen firsthand over the past two decades how much of a difference it can make for families.
Ever since I was a kid, I was taught to save my money. My mom turned every trip to the bank into a big deal, which really instilled the value of financial responsibility in me. But it wasn't until I got Walt Disney stock as a Christmas gift in 1992 that I realized there was more to finance than just saving. At 12, I started following the stock market and tracking my stocks in the newspaper, and that's what sparked my interest in finance and investments.
I really connect with clients who have built wealth from scratch. Their hard work, humility, and responsible use of resources really resonate with me, and I'm dedicated to helping them on their financial journeys.
I'm married to Chris, and we have four amazing kids. Outside of work, I like to stay active with strength training, pilates, paddleboarding and boating – anything that lets me enjoy the sunshine. I also love exploring new places, trying California cabernet wines, and chilling by the pool. I've been involved with St. Jude fundraising in the past, including a 365-mile run from Memphis to Peoria, which shows how much I value giving back. I was also a founding board secretary for CASA of Peoria County and a CASA volunteer, where I supported families in need. These days, I'm excited to be involved with fundraising efforts for the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies in Sarasota.