I’ve asked myself more than a few times over the years, “Why am I a financial advisor, and why have I stayed in this career—especially through moments like the dot-com bubble, the Great Recession, and the COVID pandemic?”

The answer lies in my story. When I look back on the early experiences that shaped how I think about money and life, it becomes clear why this work matters so much to me—and why I’m still here, over 20 years later.

I didn’t grow up talking about money. We weren’t wealthy by society’s standards, but we were content. My parents worked hard, and we had what we needed. My earliest memory of money is from grade school, when my mom took me to the bank to open a savings account. Her advice was simple: “Save your money.” Birthday and Christmas money went straight into that little account.

I also remember a man visiting our house to talk to my parents about life insurance. They applied, but for whatever reason, he never came back to finish the process. I don’t think they ever followed up. It wasn’t until much later that I understood how big of a gap that left—and how important that protection can be when life throws the unexpected your way.

There were other early clues that finance would eventually be part of my life. My grandparents gave me stock certificates and savings bonds, but I had no idea what to do with them. They just sat there, untouched. I didn’t have the guidance I needed to understand how it all worked—or what it could become.

I didn’t set out to be a financial advisor. In high school, I dreamed of being an architect. I loved the idea of designing something from the ground up. But by the time I got to college, that dream shifted. I changed majors and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in civil engineering. That’s where I started my career, thinking I was well on my way to building a successful life and a solid retirement.

But two things got in the way.

First, I didn’t know how to invest. I asked coworkers for advice, assuming they knew what they were doing. Turns out, they didn’t. And the 401(k) rep wasn’t much help either.

Second, I figured I had time. Retirement felt far off—30 or 40 years away. I thought I could afford to wait and start “tomorrow.” That mindset cost me valuable time and financial growth.

That said, my engineering job did provide one helpful benefit: a life insurance policy equal to one year of my salary, which at the time was about $60,000. Not long after, my wife and I bought our first home, welcomed our first daughter, and had the usual mix of mortgage debt, student loans, and credit cards. A friend’s dad offered to talk to us about additional life insurance, and though I was hesitant at the time, we agreed to meet.

That conversation changed everything.

We realized just how underinsured we were—and how vulnerable our growing family would’ve been if something had happened to either of us. I was the sole breadwinner, and without proper protection, our financial future was on shaky ground. That was a wake-up call. It made me realize how easily people can find themselves in risky financial situations, simply because no one has ever taken the time to walk them through it.

Soon after, I made a big decision. I left my engineering career, got licensed in securities and insurance, and joined Thrivent as a financial advisor. That was over two decades ago—and I’ve never looked back

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Today, I specialize in working with successful individuals and families, who are in their accumulation years, within 7 to 10 years of retirement or those who are looking to leave a legacy. I help them create clarity by focusing on what they can control, using a planning process that adapts to life changes and aligns with their values.

My intention is to help my clients enjoy the fruits of their working years without the fear of running out of money—and with the confidence that they’re truly on the right track.

In a way, I’ve come full circle. I may not have become an architect, but I still get to design something meaningful: financial plans that bring purpose, freedom, and peace of mind. I’m here to guide, support, and help people protect what matters most—so they can enjoy a retirement full of contentment and make decisions that reflect the life they want to live.

I’m here to guide, support, and be that light bulb moment when something finally clicks. I help my clients protect what matters most and make decisions with confidence, so they can enjoy a retirement full of contentment and make choices that reflect the life they want to live.

That’s my why. And it’s what keeps me showing up—every day—with purpose.