1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
Hands down, the most rewarding part of my job is when a client is able to see that the plans we developed together have been successful. Challenges can come in many forms — sudden tax law or estate planning rule changes, the continued changes in banking and investment legislation, market upheavals, or sudden changes in client circumstances. These challenges are nothing new and my job is to try and steer my clients through the murky waters as smoothly as possible.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I have met many people who own their own businesses, from small bakeries to large manufacturing companies. I am always impressed with the ability these people have to juggle the myriad of aspects in running a business — ordering, processing, payroll, taxes, etc., and often all on top of a family and other personal interests and hobbies. Amazing!
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
The times when I feel the most proud unfortunately don’t make for good storytelling. It is the note in the mail, the quick email, or the phone call when a client simply wants to let me know they feel good about what we are doing. This is why I got into this business in the first place and I feel greatly rewarded every time it happens. The markets are constantly evolving and fortunately I believe that my career will keep developing along with them.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I am lucky in that I knew where I wanted to go in my field fairly early in my career. The markets have always fascinated me and I have enjoyed being a portfolio manager since the start. I have had the opportunity to work in both institutional and private wealth management, and I am glad I took the different roles as they became available. One thing I would have done is encourage the younger me to travel as much as possible before kids!
(Continued)
5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
Madison really is a remarkable place to live. After spending many years in Chicago, I find a big difference is the quick and easy commute here in Dane County. I could go on and on with all of the reasons we love being here: tons of local adventures readily available for my family (I am married with a four-year-old daughter), the parks and lakes are wonderful, the sheer number of restaurants and shops, and, of course, Bucky and all the UW sports are big draws for us, as well.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I can do headstands and several kinds of arm balances. I originally tried yoga about three years ago after breaking my leg in a horseback-riding fall. After surgery and rehab I was looking for ways to strengthen my leg again, and found that yoga strengthened not only my leg but the rest of me, too.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
Despite more crashes than I can count, I love horseback riding. I have been riding since I was five and cannot imagine life without horses. Just being out at the barn, hearing the noises, smelling the horses and tack — it is heaven to me. About 15 years ago I took a year off from investments and had a great time teaching lessons to little kids, running a pony club, and training horses. I no longer have my own horse but I’m lucky to have friends who share theirs with me.
Click here to sign up for the free IB ezine – your twice-weekly resource for local business news, analysis, voices, and the names you need to know. If you are not already a subscriber to In Business magazine, be sure to sign up for our monthly print edition here.
