
Christopher J. Swanson,
CFA®
Senior Investment Portfolio Analyst
My passion for business and finance began early in life. My father started his own high-end landscaping company at just sixteen years old. I went to work with him when I was old enough to dig a hole, which is where I learned about quality workmanship and the value of a dollar. Those early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship and the satisfaction of delivering high quality service. Driven by that entrepreneurial spirit, I launched my first ventures while still in high school. I detailed cars for busy commuters and opened an eBay store offering same-day shipping — well before the days of Amazon Prime. I took pride not only in earning money but also in managing it wisely, constantly seeking out the highest-yielding savings accounts and CDs. My interest in finance and real estate grew steadily, culminating in the purchase of my first rental property before I turned twenty-one. Becoming a landlord at such a young age was both a challenge and a milestone that further fueled my commitment to financial growth and independence.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking for friends and family, tackling home improvement projects, and unwinding with a good comedy. In 2017, I married my high school sweetheart, Maura. We now live in Bellmore, New York, and welcomed our first daughter, Brianna, in 2024.
I earned both a B.S. in Finance and an MBA from Quinnipiac University in 2011, and went on to achieve the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation in 2015. Before joining Raymond James nearly 15 years ago, I began my career at Waddell & Reed Financial Services.
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