What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

My wife and I love to travel. We have been fortunate to explore many places all over the world and have done our best to maintain that after our daughter was born. We also take every opportunity to spend time outdoors. Living at the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains gives us easy access to some of the best trails in LA and we take full advantage of it.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in your field?

Always be a sponge – stay open and curious and never stop learning. And above all, never lose your humility, no matter how far you go in your career. Ask questions, even the simple ones. In my book, there is no such thing as a dumb question. I look for humility in every person I work with. Even after 21 years in this industry, I still approach my work with the mindset that there is always more to learn. Every team I have ever been a part of knows that I am not above rolling up my sleeves and handling tasks that might seem more “entry level”. A strong culture is built when everyone is willing to contribute at every level.

What are some important skills or traits that you believe are essential for success in your role?

Effective communication is something I have always prioritized, both for myself and the teams I’ve led. If I say I will do something, I will do it. If the plan changes, I will communicate that clearly and reset expectations. Strong communication within a team is one of the most valuable skills in this industry, no matter how long you’ve been in it. Additionally, you need a strong operational/detail-oriented mindset while having the ability to connect with clients in a meaningful way. The ability to explain complex things in a simple way is something clients always appreciate.

How do you stay current and continue to learn in the constantly evolving field of financial planning?

I make it a priority to stay informed by subscribing to and reading a variety of industry related articles daily. While maintaining client relationships is the core of what we do, keeping a pulse on where the industry is headed is ultimately what sets an advisory firm apart from the ones who end up in the stone age.

What do you believe sets the BHPW team apart from others in the financial planning industry?

In addition to their 75 years of combined experience, one of the reasons I joined is leadership. Our three partners, Scott Shagrin, Ira Ravitz, and Lisa Westermark, are incredibly smart and innovative. But they also have the kind of guts it takes to start your own RIA from scratch. Leaving the wirehouse world after an entire career takes real conviction. Additionally, the team of Relationship Managers at BHPW operate at a level that truly sets them apart. They manage everything, start to finish, allowing our partners to maintain deep client relationships and drive long term growth.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I was an MVP swimmer in high school and while I have definitely not kept up that kind of dedication, swimming is still something I truly enjoy.