Any advisor can tell you how many years they have been in the business, their investment approach and market perspective. Not many of them share why they chose to work in this profession and the journey that led them to it.
While growing up in Duluth, Minnesota, I learned the value of helping others from my parents. My mother was a nurse at a local hospital and my father served as a pastor. I grew up in a large family with five siblings and at times money was tight. When I was eleven years old, my father lost his job. He took odd jobs until he found his new career helping those with special needs, but he and my mother were always able to provide for us in the interim. Watching my parents go through this period of life instilled in me the importance of perseverance, a strong work ethic and helping those in need. Seeing their passion for helping others gave me the desire to do the same. Immediately after high school, I felt compelled to serve the public and be a part of something bigger than myself. This prompted me to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
During this time, I was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California for four years. I was promoted to a Non-Commissioned Officer position and crafted my leadership style into that of a servant leader. After being Honorably Discharged, my altruistic view of life enticed me to apply and be accepted to the California Highway Patrol Academy. While at the Highway Patrol Academy, I was appointed as a Company Commander and continued my servant leadership in this capacity.
Upon graduating the academy, I chose to be stationed at the Central Los Angeles Area Office before transferring to the San Diego Area Office. During my time serving the people of California, I was exposed to a multitude of individuals from different backgrounds and stages of life. It was also during this time that I suffered an injury that left me wondering if I would be able to finish a career in law enforcement. While on a six-month recovery from surgery, I had the time to begin exploring and studying the financial markets, which had been an interest of mine since my teenage years.
After spending twelve years in California, I had the desire to move back to Duluth, Minnesota to get away from the big cities, be closer to my family and spend more time with my aging grandparents. In 2015, I moved back to Duluth and joined the Proctor and Duluth Police Departments. I got to know my community and city firsthand in an in-depth manner. People I encountered would share their stories and allow me into their lives. After hearing some of these stories, I realized how much of a positive impact financial guidance can truly have in one’s wellbeing.
While I was working for the Duluth Police Department, I returned to school to finish my bachelor’s degree. At this time, the persistent pain that lingered from my previous injury was growing worse. I decided to exit the field of law enforcement and move into the financial service industry as a different way of helping others. I obtained my FINRA SIE, Series 7 and 66 licenses, as well as my Life Insurance license.
As my business grew, so did my desire for knowledge to enhance my ability to help my clients even further. I obtained the Accredited Asset Management Specialist credential, a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning through the University of Florida and became a Certified Financial Planner® professional.
Furthermore, in 2023, I was asked if I had interest in a management position with Raymond James. Seeing an opportunity to help other advisors in conjunction with my clients, the answer was an easy one. I obtained the FINRA Series 9 and Series 10 licenses and assumed the role of Raymond James and Associates Duluth Minnesota Branch Manager in January of 2024.
I believe the role I play in my client’s lives to be that of a friend and fiduciary. The relationships I have with my clients and the advisors I work with is built on trust, integrity and open communication. I currently live in Duluth with my wife Kori and our two young children. Even at their young ages, I try to teach my daughter Kallan and son Mac the lessons I have learned through the numerous experiences I have accumulated in life. It is my dream to build something they can be proud of, learn from and possibly someday partake in.
Raymond James is not affiliated with the above organizations and/or charitable causes.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.