I’m truly honored and humbled to share the news that I was recently recognized by my firm, Janney Montgomery Scott, as its “Advisor of the Year.” To receive this prestigious honor, and be congratulated by my peers and colleagues who I so admire and respect, has not only been the highlight of my career but one of the great moments of my life.
When I first learned of this award, it was rather emotional for me. I immediately began to reflect back upon my life and career and all of those who have influenced me along the way. From my mother who shaped my character and values; to my financial-minded grandfather who’d take me with him on visits with his advisor in my youth which first inspired me to want to become a financial planner; to my wife who’s continually embraced my personal dreams and pursuits as her own; to my business partners, support staff, fellow advisors, and Janney colleagues; and to my wonderful clients who I consider personal friends and are the reason I do what I do - it’s truly a team effort. This honor is as much if not more a reflection of you than it is of me. I’m blessed beyond words, and so grateful to you all.
I’ve always loved investing and financial planning, and I’ve always loved helping people. Being a financial advisor combines all of these passions, and enables me to use my talents for the betterment of others which I find extremely gratifying. Although it’s natural to think of wealth in financial terms, I’ve always felt that true wealth has little to do with money. To me, it’s a state of mind centered upon happiness and contentment. It’s memories and experiences with friends, family, and those you love. It’s finding meaning and purpose, pursuing passions, chasing dreams, and embracing life for all it has to offer.
I recognize that, to my clients, it’s not ultimately their money that matters but what their money can do. It’s about educating their children and grandchildren so that they can have promising futures. It’s about retiring comfortably, supporting worthwhile causes, and endowing meaningful legacies – financial, and otherwise. It’s about aging with dignity, and so much more. If I can enrich the lives of others, albeit in some small way, by helping them do these very things then I know my life’s work has been successful.
As I mentioned, I’m truly blessed. I have a wonderful wife, incredible friends, terrific clients, and a loving family. I love what I do, and have made my passion my vocation. My life has meaning and purpose. I work for an outstanding firm, in a terrific branch, with a phenomenal team.
Henry David Thoreau once said:
“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.”
With homage to the great Lou Gehrig, if that is true, I consider myself the wealthiest man on the face of the earth. I’m still waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up from such a memorable dream, but it’s finally starting to hit me – some dreams really do come true. I’m blessed to be having the time of my life.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much.
