What’s something people always ask you for advice?
When people discover what I do, the immediate question I often hear is, “What should I invest in?” They’re typically expecting a list of assets: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, precious metals, etc… However, after two decades in this industry, my answer is always the same: The most valuable investment you can make is in yourself—both professionally and personally.
Investing in your professional development—honing your skills, talent, expertise, or specialty—consistently yields the highest returns. The results are directly within your control, and the growth is limitless.
Equally important is investing in your personal well-being. By cultivating your mindset, examining your beliefs, and understanding your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, you unlock what truly brings you happiness. I believe discovering your purpose emerges from the alignment of what makes you happy and what makes you unique.
What motivates you to keep evolving—personally or professionally?
Honestly, it all comes down to my family. My wife, Lori, has been my steadfast partner since I started my career back in 2005. We met at a networking event during my first week at New York Life. Since then, she’s been instrumental in my personal growth from suggesting couples counseling before we even got married to attending personal development seminars together and bringing in life coaches every year. She’s always encouraged me to be better.
And speaking of “better,” Lori is an incredible mom and a total powerhouse, running her own HR business, In10 Hawaii, while keeping our household afloat. We’re both very competitive by nature, so there is this unspoken competition that continually pushes us both to excel.
Now, as a father to Alinea and Lief, my motivation has only deepened. I’m driven to be the best possible role model for them. I believe actions speak louder than words; as the saying goes, “Don’t worry that your children don’t listen to you, worry that they watch you.” Just as the actions of my own parents and mentors shaped me, I know how I show up each day directly influences the people my daughters will become.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Among the many rewarding aspects of my work, one stands out: Witnessing the moment someone gains a true sense of control over their finances. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of individuals from all walks of life, each at a different stage of their financial journey.
The best way I can describe it is to imagine someone with a financial goal on the other side of a dense forest they’ve been navigating for some time. I step in as a guide, helping to clear a path directly to that goal. It’s that moment of profound clarity, when they can finally see their destination, that is incredibly rewarding to be a part of.
What’s one thing you think every man should know how to do?
I believe every man should learn how to cook. Even if it’s just mastering a favorite dish—maybe your mom’s secret recipe, or something your partner or kids absolutely love. Food is this amazing universal language; it brings people together no matter where they’re from. Plus, we all need to eat every day, right? It’s our fuel! So, being able to cook gives us so much more control over what we put into our bodies.
What does leaving a legacy mean to you?
To me, leaving a legacy means making the world a better place than I found it. This concept is actually an adaptation of a simple yet profound lesson I learned years ago as a cook: Always leave the kitchen cleaner than you found it.
When I think about my legacy, I often contemplate the impact I might have centuries after I’m gone. The lessons I impart, the person I strive to be, and the environment I cultivate around me will inevitably shape my children. In turn, their actions, words, and the world they create will influence my grandchildren, and so on. Understanding this ripple effect through generations, my focus right now is simply on being the best version of myself and constantly working to improve.
