What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is when I have the opportunity to find a way to make a lasting impact for our clients. That may be something as simple as helping them plan and execute on their retirement dreams or helping them finance their dream home. When our partnership is at its best, we share in our clients’ success and happiness. Because of this partnership, our challenging times are often those that we share with the client such as the loss of a family member or unexpected life events that may lead to difficult decisions. It’s in navigating through those difficult times that we create lifelong connections with our clients.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I have a deep admiration for leaders and business professionals who show respect for others and a passion for what they do. A great example is the executive director for Centro Hispano, Karen Menendez Coller. Without a group of people you can share your blessings with and without a passion for what you do, you will be hard pressed to find happiness. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Karen at Centro Hispano and it’s clear to see how passionate she is for the work she does and how deeply she cares for the community she serves.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Working for BMO Wealth Management has been by far the highlight of my career. This role has given me the opportunity to not only grow professionally but also to find ways to give back to the community we serve. Each of our relationship managers, and I am one of those, is encouraged to find time to serve the community. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to join the board of directors for Centro Hispano of Dane County. Centro Hispano is a leading social service provider for the Latino community in Dane County and provides a safe place for the community to learn and grow together.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Take risks and learn from your mistakes. Any time you make a change there is a level of risk; however, when you misstep, life gives you the opportunity to learn from those mistakes and come out wiser and stronger than before. Early in my career there were many times I let an opportunity pass me by because of my fear of the unknown. I learned that the world will continue to change and evolve around you regardless if you feel ready.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
Dane County is a place that you cannot help but fall in love with. There is something for everyone, from the amazing parks and lakes, the fantastic farmers markets, and the many family-friendly attractions such as the children’s museum and the zoo. There is never a shortage of things to do in Dane County.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
Since I wear a suit five days a week at work, most people would be surprised to learn that I enjoy doing obstacle course racing in my spare time. Crawling through mud and climbing my way up obstacles offers me a welcome change of pace!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Food! I love cooking and trying new foods. My weekends are often consumed with my wife and me trying out a new cooking technique or recipe that we found online or received from a friend. My favorite new technique that I am working hard to perfect is sous vide — cooking food in vacuumed-sealed bags.
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