What has inspired you to stay at Bernstein for as long as you have?
I joined Bernstein in 1993 after beginning my career in corporate and real estate finance, working with entrepreneurs. At the time, Bernstein had opened its first office in Florida. I was drawn to its reputation as an ethical firm that has clients’ best interests at heart—always. I knew I wanted the opportunity to build deep interpersonal relationships, and working at a firm with integrity at its core would be a key to this success. The commitment Bernstein has demonstrated to me and my clients since I joined is unparalleled. Further, access to knowledge is critical in our industry, and Bernstein’s planning tools, investment options and thought leadership are outstanding. Ultimately, these factors give me confidence that my teammates and I can provide advice that will help clients achieve their desired outcome—and provide me with conviction to build my practice here year after year.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of being an advisor to your clients?
The relationships and friendships that I establish with clients are the most rewarding part of my advisor role. Oftentimes, these relationships are developed across multiple generations of a single family. Many of these clients are entrepreneurs or the entrepreneurial second-generation leaders of a family business. I provide every type of client with financial and personal advice and make connections to other parties as they desire. In all instances, the trust that my clients place in me is truly humbling.
What passions do you pursue outside of work?
My greatest passion is my three adult daughters. While my wife and I came from different backgrounds (she was born in Cuba and raised in Puerto Rico, and I grew up in western New York, the son of central and eastern European immigrants), we share the same values around hard work, education and family. As my wife and I entered the parenthood chapter, we sought to instill these values in our children. I am very proud of the motivated, accomplished and well-rounded women our daughters have become. I am also very competitive and have enjoyed sports in all forms throughout my life, particularly basketball, soccer and tennis. Recently, I took up golf as my new physical activity of choice. Sports teach the importance of preparation, the joy of winning and the agony of defeat. These important life lessons have made me a better advisor, parent and person. Many of my greatest wins, however, have been off the court and field; they are the wins I achieve for my clients.