What inspired you to join Bernstein?
With 25 years in the industry and experience at three firms, I have gained valuable insights into various business models. I began my career here at Bernstein, where over eight years I learned the business from the ground up, eventually advising clients.
I then spent 15 years as a Private Wealth Advisor at two major global firms, gaining a deep understanding of different operational models and the client’s role within the corporate structure.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I joined my family’s multigenerational accounting practice, which includes a specialized forensic accounting division for divorce litigation, serving clients of substantial wealth and complexity. This two-year experience provided invaluable wisdom and perspective.
Ultimately, I felt called back to Private Wealth Management and advising clients on their wealth journeys. With my combined experiences, I am confident that Bernstein’s platform is suited to help my clients succeed.
What are your areas of expertise in solving problems for clients?
I help founders and their families prepare for their unique journeys, starting years before a liquidity event and extending decades beyond. I focus on the lifelong journey, not just the “exit.” Whether selling a business, passing the reins to children or taking chips off the table, each is a step along a longer journey. Key themes of my approach:
- Expect the Unexpected: Consider resources, goals and contingency plans. Skies aren’t always clear, so stress-test the inevitable squall (illness, accident, recession, a new competitor, explosive growth, divorce).
- Team Efforts: Assemble a team of professionals that partner well and are suited to your needs. Team should include a tax advisor, estate attorney, financial planner/investment advisor, property casualty insurance advisor, corporate attorney and an attorney for fundraising or a business sale.
- Set up Your Chessboard Early: Get equity in your business into the right buckets before it appreciates.
What Passions Do You Pursue Outside of Work?
In 2017, I had the opportunity to become an entrepreneur myself when I co-founded a food business with a dear friend, a native of Montreal with a passion to share his country’s food and culture. We saw an opportunity to bring a branded meat product popular in Canada to the retail consumer in the western US. Initially a brick-and-mortar fast-casual restaurant, the business has changed course entirely to a wholesale model catering to grocery retailers and large sports arenas in the largest cities on the West Coast. The business continues to grow today. Initially this was an opportunity to collaborate with a close friend building something along the way. As a bonus, the experience has made me a better advisor to founders, as I have experienced many of the same issues they are facing and can offer a more rounded perspective.