I grew up in Texas, graduating from Duncanville High School in 1991. I earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1995. While at the Academy, I majored in General Management with a concentration in Systems Engineering. I graduated the top cadet within my major and finished 22nd in a class of over 1,000. In 2001, I earned a Certificate in Financial Planning from Florida State University, obtaining a 4.0 GPA. Lastly, on the education front, I received a Masters Degree in May 2005 from American Christian College and Seminary.
After graduating from West Point, I served nearly three years in active duty at Fort Hood, Texas . Serving as a finance officer, I served as a disbursing/cash control officer (sort of like running a bank), a personnel officer, and a company commander. After completing my active duty, I continued in the National Guard for five years. What did I take away from my Army years? I learned that leadership is not a title or rank—it is an honor that is earned by caring for and serving others. I had the great privilege to learn about America by serving with men and women from various racial, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds.
Upon completion of my active duty time, I took eighteen months to pursue a dream of mine. I played professional golf on the Lone Star Tour (now known as the Tight Lies Tour). I practiced and I played. I practiced and I played. And I practiced and I played some more. I never made much money, but I did learn numerous life lessons. First, those guys are good! Seriously, there are people who can play some serious golf! Second, I learned the difference between a career and a job. A career can and should be enjoyable. To me, financial planning and investment management are fun. I spend hours digging through financial data, and enjoy it. Some read People Magazine, I read the Economist. In my opinion, a job is that “awful three letter word” that you hate going to. While golf did not end up providing for my financial needs, I learned that my career does not have to be a “job”. Third, I learned how to fail. I did not enjoy failing. I did not enjoy putting the clubs in the closet; however, looking back, failing was very good for me. I never really failed growing up. My parents always set me up for success, and I never strayed too far from the straight path. That led to my worst personality trait—being a sore loser. To this day and to the day I die, I will always compete to win. To me, that is honorable. However, losing is a part of playing. I needed to fail, to fall on my face in order to learn this. I am still hard on myself, but I am much better and continually improving.
Professionally, I am a Certified Financial Planner® and a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Texas.
Most important to my life is my family. I love my wife, Kimberly. She is a warm, kindhearted partner. We have been blessed by the birth of two sons, Caleb and Daniel. We are also blessed with wonderful parents and grandparents who all live within a three-hour radius.
To learn more about my Firm's philosophy, click here.
