Christopher J. Swanson,

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.