1. Tell us about your background and what made you gravitate towards the private markets?
Growing up, I had the privilege of watching my father's journey through the public trading markets, and his ability to retire early and provide our family with incredible experiences and memories left a profound impact on me. Witnessing the power of strategic financial decisions to shape lives left an indelible mark on my perspective.
My educational background in marketing equipped me with a knack for connecting with people on a personal level, which naturally led me to develop a passion for forging meaningful relationships. As I ventured into the financial world, I realized that the private markets held the key to helping entrepreneurial families achieve the financial success and security they desired.
What truly sets my approach apart is the integration of insurance products that not only protect but also actively support wealth growth. These products act as a safeguard, providing families with a safety net that enables them to pursue their dreams and aspirations without fear of unexpected setbacks. By seamlessly combining insurance solutions with alternative investments, I offer my clients a comprehensive strategy that addresses both wealth creation and preservation.
The private markets offer a unique opportunity for me to combine my love for making personal connections with my affinity for alternative investments. I saw these markets as a realm where innovation and education could empower families to build robust financial foundations beyond the limitations of traditional strategies. The allure of providing clients with the tools to make informed decisions about their investments, while also ensuring their protection through tailored insurance solutions, was simply irresistible.
My ability to simplify complex financial concepts into easily digestible information has been instrumental in fostering confidence in my clients' investment choices. By enabling them to navigate the intricate world of finance and insurance, I help them secure their futures and focus on what truly matters in life.
Through my role as a Private Equity and Insurance Specialist, I am dedicated to imparting the wisdom I've gained from both my personal experiences and professional journey. Just like my father did for our family, I am committed to aiding my clients in achieving their dreams, creating lasting memories, and ensuring their financial well-being through a holistic approach that combines innovative investment strategies and robust insurance solutions. It's this drive to make a meaningful impact that fuels my passion for the private markets and keeps me motivated to excel in my field.
2. What are some of the biggest changes you have seen since you started?
Being licensed and actively working as a DR since 2018 has given me the opportunity to grow along with the industry. It is exciting to see relationships being built between competing EMDs and DRs as well as the regulatory bodies. I have enjoyed being a part of positive change through collaboration and increased awareness through the spread of education and information about the Private Capital Markets. I have been fortunate to be part of and supported through the PCMA with opportunities such as the DR committee. I have been lucky to experience everyone working collectively to show just what we can offer and how we can help diversify clients’ portfolios with business and investments that can not only add value and diversification but show clients the opportunities available to them. I see advances being made regarding new exemptions for investors, allowing more opportunities to this space on the client front. I see more collective approaches in assessing KYC and client protections through the CFR which aim to increase the protection of investors. I am excited at where we are headed and am motivated by our advances and increased awareness, driving business and making the financial industry and the services we offer accessible to more clients.
3. What is the one thing you want someone unfamiliar with this space to know?
As a Dealing Representative, I have the privilege of guiding both clients and investors through a world of opportunities that often lie beyond the conventional landscape of banks and traditional advisors in the public market. What sets our approach apart is the ability to introduce them to diverse funds and investment prospects that genuinely resonate with their values and aspirations. It's a departure from the familiarity of mutual funds and stocks, allowing us to unveil the intricate workings of private issuers. This transparency not only reassures our clients but also instills a sense of alignment between their investments and their financial objectives. I firmly believe that this alignment empowers them with a newfound sense of control and confidence, offering the best possible chance of success in their financial endeavors.
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:
While it remains crucial to consistently assess the cost of capital, look into the issuer's management track record, assess their business plans, and evaluate growth projections, I tend to adopt a more holistic perspective. I often find myself asking, "Does this investment align with a broader sense of purpose?" I gauge whether it's an investment I would invest in personally. I consider its relevance within the current economic landscape, and how it contributes to the betterment of society or the economy, all while maintaining profitability. This initial overview forms the cornerstone of my Know Your Product (KYP) analysis.
Delving deeper, I meticulously examine the fund's history, the caliber of its management team, and their alignment with growth objectives. It's crucial to ascertain whether they have a personal stake in the game, and what the structural framework looks like. My goal is to ensure a robust foundation of expertise and substantial Assets Under Management (AUM) underpins the company. Equally vital is understanding their strategy for deploying available resources both in the short and long term. This comprehensive approach enables me to make well-informed decisions that not only consider financial metrics but also the broader impact and potential of the investment.
5. Share something interesting about yourself that most people don’t know.
One aspect of my life that often surprises people is my eight-year journey as a volunteer firefighter. While I'm deeply committed to helping entrepreneurial families secure their financial futures and make informed investment decisions, my dedication extends far beyond the realm of finance. Being a volunteer firefighter has been an immensely rewarding and humbling experience. It's a role that aligns with my core values of hard work, service to the community, and the importance of personal connections. Just as I strive to build solid financial foundations for my clients, I've also dedicated part of my life to building a foundation of safety and support for my local community through firefighting. This unique blend of financial expertise and a passion for public service has shaped me into the professional I am today, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on both the financial and safety fronts of people's lives.