About
I first arrived in Saint Paul in the summer of 1985, shortly after graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in ag marketing. I was thrilled to have landed a job at an agricultural advertising agency and was eager to use my skills to help farmers learn about new products and technologies.
During my first year in Saint Paul, I met the love of my life, Margaret Lee, who was a native of the city. At the time, I didn't think much of it, assuming we would eventually move somewhere else. However, fate had other plans for us.
Over the next 15 years, we lived in several different cities, including Northern Virginia, Chicago, and DeKalb, Illinois. Our first child was born in DeKalb in 1998, but when we learned that our second child was due in January 2001, we decided it was time to return to Saint Paul to be closer to Margaret's family.
In the fall of 2001, I was laid off from my job with a marketing communications firm, which prompted me to consider a career change. With two young children and a desire to stay in Saint Paul, I decided to join Edward D Jones Investments in the spring of 2002 as a client. I was looking to make a difference in people's lives by helping them achieve their financial goals, without having to relocate.
Fast forward 20 years, and I am now an independent, fiduciary financial planner, with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary certification, and licenses in Series 7 securities and Minnesota Life and Health Insurance. I work tirelessly as my clients' advocate and get paid for financial planning and investment management services via fees. I also occasionally sell insurance products when it's in the client's best interest, some of which pay a commission.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do work that I love, helping people achieve their financial goals and improve their quality of life. I'm proud to be independent, but I'm also affiliated with a fantastic organization, Advisor Group and Royal Alliance, which provides me with the resources I need to support my clients in any way possible.
A Little About My Life
As I turn 60 this year and my youngest child enters their senior year of high school, I hope to continue doing this work for another 20 years. And if the time comes when I need to take a step back, I'm comforted by the fact that I have a talented colleague in place to take over. She's capable and experienced, and my clients will be in excellent hands if the need arises.
On a personal note, I grew up in rural northern Illinois, where my parents were both teachers. They instilled in me a love of learning and a passion for making a difference in the world. I was involved in 4-H and FFA, raising horses, cattle, sheep, poultry, and crops. I excelled in FFA, winning awards in prepared public speaking, and serving as a sectional FFA president and state vice president.
What I'm Up to Now
These days, I live in West Saint Paul with my wife, Margaret Lee. We have three children - Freddy, Peggy, and Miles - who are all in college.
In my free time, I enjoy attending my kids' sporting events, cycling, and spending time with friends.
We are active members of Saint Matthews Catholic Church and supporters of Community of Saints Catholic grade school.
My Education & Activities
I hold a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in Agriculture Education and Communications
Professional Affiliations and Designations:
• Certified Financial Planner™ designation (CFP®)
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designee
• Member, Financial Planning Assoc.
• Member, FPA Minnesota
• Member, Business Network International– Highlanders Chapter
• Alumni, College for Financial Planning
• Alumni, American College for Financial Planning
• FINRA Series 7, 63, 66, SIE, SE, 31 securities licenses
• Minnesota Life and Health Insurance license
Community Activities:
• President, White Bear Avenue Business Assoc.
• Twin Cities University of Illinois Alumni Club.
• Dedicated soccer dad
• Two Rivers High School basketball dad