1. Tell us about your background and what made you gravitate towards the private markets?
My professional career actually started off in nursing. My desire to help people was evident being a nurse in mental health and as a volunteer firefighter. I was working and investing in mutual funds through a bank like a good majority of people that knew little about investing. It was in my later 20's when I purchased my first home and had to add to my principal after 5 years of having my money invested to only bring those totals back up to what my original invested principal amount was. I then started to question how some had much more success investing and managing their finances than others and didn't want to repeat those investment results. I ended up purchasing my first financial book – 'The Wealthy Barber Returns' by David Chilton. I distinctly remember waking up one morning around 5/5:30 and couldn't wait to get out of bed to continue reading the book, (I wasn't a huge hobby reader during this time). Not only did I learn lots from David's book, but I discovered I had a passion for finance and investing. My desire for knowledge and to grow my personal wealth led me to start trading small amounts and learning about the financial markets. Seeking professional trading mentors and reading more and more I realized the way some invested and grew their wealth was completely different from most of the general knowledge of finance and investing we are taught and led to believe 'is the way'.
I started to learn the difference between private markets and public markets. The power and benefits of insurance products, and the nuances of the stock markets that can suck many people in, seeking large returns. After joining a popular MLM insurance company and getting insurance licensed, I quickly realized it wasn't for me and I wanted to better serve my clients. It was shortly after this time that I sat down with a local author, mentor and friend that had a successful career in the stock market as a floor trader and investing in private markets. When discussing investments and markets he was confirming what many trading veterans and wealthy investors would do with their finances. It was during this meeting that I became interested in becoming more than a client. I wanted to be a part of this not only for myself, but to help as many as I could put their hard-earned dollars to work effectively. It was a proud moment for me to join a team like Liahona Capital where their focus was on the clients and minimizing risk while still growing their wealth. I've been working with Liahona Capital for about 6 years and have never looked back. I feel very fortunate to have access to the private markets and being able to provide these opportunities that would otherwise go unknown to the average investor.
2. What are some of the biggest changes you have seen since you started?
The democratization of private market investments was already underway when I joined Liahona Capital, but I have seen more companies providing equal if not more information than some public companies to better inform investors. I've noticed more advisors and investors show interest as the space becomes more popular. I have also seen individuals understand that not all private market investments bear the risk that they think, if they understand 'risk'. The growth and modernization of tools such as Exempt Edge making it easier for advisors to manage their book of business and different private Issuers. I have also been hearing financial news of much more capital flowing into private markets than in the past, which is great to see.
3. What is the one thing you want someone unfamiliar with this space to know?
That not all private investments are super risky. A stock market investment can be just as risky if no one is willing to pay more for those shares. Cash flow is a very important component for any investment portfolio.
4. What are your ‘go to’ features that you look for when completing KYP on a given product for suitability consideration?
a) Cost of Capital
b) Management
c) Business Plan (Item 2)
d) Other:
Economic trends and Tailwinds supporting the investment thesis and/or headwinds and obstacles for the investment product.
5. Share something interesting about yourself that most people don’t know.
I am very much an introvert with a 'nerdy' side and can often be on the shy side, but I get the most satisfaction in life by helping others and providing value to others.