1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most challenging aspect of my job is the inability to predict the day-to-day fluctuations of the markets. The most rewarding aspect is helping my clients to identify and focus on their goals and to implement a strategy to help them pursue them.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I have admired Kevin Conroy from Exact Sciences since I met him last year. He is everything a business needs as a leader — humble, intelligent, and he inspires others. I was not surprised when he was recognized as Executive of the Year for In Business this year.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
The high point of my career came two years ago when I was able to attain the Certified Financial Planner Designation (CFP) from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. I definitely did a couple of dance moves when I found out I had passed!
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
If I could give myself any advice at 21 it would definitely be to have the courage to change course in your life and bet on yourself. If I could go back, I would have started in my career right out of college instead of eight years ago. I also would tell myself to get more sleep. You will miss that once you have kids.
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
We have loved our 11 years in Dane County. Our favorite things about living here are the school system (Waunakee) and the American Family Children’s Hospital. We have a special needs child who spends quite a bit of time there and we are extremely blessed to have access to some of the best nurses, doctors, and staff. They are simply amazing.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I have the ability to learn songs on the guitar quickly, as I have played for the last 15 years. I will find a song on the radio that my daughters love, sit down and learn it, and then play it for them as they sing. I was not gifted with the talent of singing but music is a great way to connect with your kids. I also am the best 15-handicap golfer according to my playing partners, who think I am a sand-bagger.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
I do not have a lot of guilty pleasures but I definitely have an affinity for stealing my kids’ Skittles whenever they get them for Halloween or other holidays. My son will follow me around the house saying, “Daddy, where are my Skittles?” because he knows who took them. I also love to take the kids shopping at Costco, but I don’t tell my wife it’s because I’m feeding them free samples of hot dogs so I don’t have to make lunch.
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