What inspired you to join Bernstein?
Bernstein’s reputation for excellence was well lodged in my mind before I stepped into my first interview. I started my career at an institutional asset manager that regularly used Bernstein’s research to inform its own investment theses—and while the caliber and utility of this research originally attracted me to Bernstein, the way the firm connected with clients was what ultimately drew me in.
Our industry has not always been great at truly understanding and empathizing with the clients we serve, but Bernstein goes above and beyond in making this a top priority. I am often told by clients that Bernstein’s integrity is a refreshing and reassuring attribute to encounter. I believe it to be the natural result of the diligence, teamwork and humility with which we conduct ourselves in all matters, large or small. More than anything else, this orientation to outstanding service and doing the very best we can for our clients makes me proud to come to work each and every day.
What differentiates you from other advisors?
My professional background is distinct from most of my peers, colleagues and competitors. Prior to becoming an investment advisor, I worked for several years as a structural engineer. There is a problem-solving framework in engineering whereby each variable is distilled to its most fundamental component parts. I apply this same mindset to working with clients—incorporating investment, asset allocation and risk management considerations into a tailored and cohesive storyline. In doing so, I remain a lifetime student of the capital markets, evolving regulatory requirements and our firm’s best thinking. I firmly believe that my methodical approach, coupled with the adaptability that is required to stay nimble and pivot in accordance with market and life dynamics, serves my clients and their family members well across short-, medium-, and long-term time horizons.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
Most importantly, my wife and I have two boys. I love watching them grow and develop. As much as I try to teach them, I learn more about myself from parenting. Communicating to a toddler requires you to break down the message into its most basic form so they can understand. Parenting also requires you to look inward and think about the qualities in yourself you want to pass on. It has been an eye-opening and truly rewarding experience. When I do get some time away, I enjoy spending time with family on the water off the seacoast of Maine or down the Cape. I also enjoy a round of golf with clients and friends.