What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Be yourself.

What is your investment philosophy?

90% of financial planning and investment management results come three things: do we have a plan, what is our mix of owning stocks to bonds and can we keep our cool when the going gets tough.  Within those three items our downside is cushioned which allows us to stay growth oriented for the rest of our life.  Results will take care of themselves though it’s never a straight line.  Since our country was founded, this approach is the long-term evidence that plays out.

What does an ideal Client relationship look like to you?

First, we should be ourselves and having fun!  We are having deep conversations about pursuing and getting to live life to the fullest both now and in the future.  Our Clients are positive, easy to connect with, they value advice and act on it in a timely manner and have done a great job of saving over an extended period of time. They are committed to a healthy lifestyle and understand, believe and subscribe to a long-term approach. Last, we have pockets of Clients.  We’ll start working with an individual or family and the next thing you know, we’re also working with their friends and we’re all attending birthdays, weddings and retirement parties together. It’s a lot of fun!

What’s one thing about you that might surprise people?

(Laughing) In my free time, I like to play the guitar and write songs.

What do you do for daily exercise?

It depends on the day of the week. During the week, I like to start my day with a quick home workout and an early morning yoga class.  Mind, body and soul in one hour of yoga! In the late afternoon or early evening, I’ll go to the gym or walk the loop/swim at Wrightsville Beach. On the weekends, I like to ride my bike to the beach or go paddle boarding. I’m so thankful to live in a community that promotes an active lifestyle.

Why did you not continue in your family’s drycleaning business?

Great question! My Dad took over the cleaners from my Grandfather, and my Dad retired on New Year’s Eve of 2020. Almost 78 years the business serviced the community and surrounding areas of where I grew up.  I did odd jobs around the cleaners when I was young but spent more time in the office with my Grandfather talking about the financial piece of the business than actually on the plant’s floor. I’m thankful that my family encouraged me to get an education and spread my wings. It’s allowed me to do what I feel like I was put on Earth to do: help others and live abundantly with joy, contentment and gratitude.

What is your favorite bucket list destination?

This is the one item that’s probably been on my bucket list the longest, I want to spend time in Bora Bora, French Polynesia.  Relaxing in an overwater bungalow, swimming in the lagoon, and looking out on the water and climb Mount Otemanu.  The hike to the top of the mountain is supposed to be one of the greatest views in the world without leaving land.

What is your favorite book and why?

One I’ve picked up over and over again the last few years is The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope.  The book explores ideas that are seldom taught in western philosophy. It takes a brief account of luminaries such as Jane Goodall, Henry David Thoreau, Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Walt Whitman, Gandhi, Robert Frost, Beethoven and others. It’s more of a conversation about each person just being themselves and doing their life’s work, day in and day out. Over time, the contribution to society of each person highlighted has become so much more than the seemingly ordinary life they were living when they were here physically. Jane Goodall is still alive. It’s a fascinating read and will stretch your mind.

What personality traits come to mind when you think about your top five friends?

I feel so fortunate to have a handful of really good friends, salt of the earth type of people. I could go on about them, but in just a few words they are genuine, loyal, positive, dependable, confident and driven, fun to be around, easy to talk with and spiritual.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

There’s so many! My Dad taking me to Carolina basketball games in Chapel Hill and getting to meet Michael Jordan.  This was way before he became the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) and not too long after he left Wilmington. My Dad encouraged me to go down to the court, introduce myself and shake his hand. It was a great learning experience on how good things happen when you stretch your comfort zone and act on it. 

If you could have dinner with one person throughout history, who would it be?

Jesus.

What is or has been your best investment?

Putting in the effort to educate myself.

What does the future look like to you?

The future is now. And much past today, I’m not sure the human mind can wrap its arms around what it will be like down the road.  It will be more advanced and beyond our wildest imagination.  All we have to do is contribute and live it!