My Story

My buddies from the ranch rode through the pasture to find me splayed out on the ground with all my gear scattered around me. As they passed by laughing and the stars cleared from my eyes, I tried to remember what had just happened. I looked over to see my horse tearing through the pasture, my rig still flapping underneath him. Oh right… I had just hit the dirt at a full gallop. I tried to gather myself and started limping after my horse, asking myself if it was worth it.  

After I graduated college, I stopped working at the dude ranch and started to look at getting my first “real” job where I could use my degree in personal financial planning. It was slim pickings in my hometown of Bozeman, Montana but I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to move to the East Coast after my wife landed a great job in Philly. I applied for dozens of jobs, each one turning me away because of lack of experience. I was at the end of my rope when I stumbled on a job posting by Abacus Wealth Partners. I advanced through their intense interview process, and was in the final stages. The last meeting had gone well and I spent the majority of the weekend pacing around my apartment, anxious to receive that good-news call. I got a call all right, but I would have rather been tossed off that horse a few more times. Rejected again. 

Two years after that call I saw that Abacus had posted another opening. I wanted to re-apply but was certain they wouldn’t entertain somebody they had already passed over. I did find a job at a local firm in town shortly after Abacus rejected me, and I was decently happy, but something about Abacus was drawing me in again. I asked my wife if I should consider reaching out, to which she replied, “You have to get back on that horse!” Nervously, I reapplied and found myself once again going through their multi-stage interview process, eventually making it to the final round. For a second time, I found myself pacing around our apartment, bracing myself for the same mule-kick rejection that I had received last time. The weekend was slipping by and I still hadn’t heard anything. I began to psyche myself up for a severe case of the Monday’s when my phone buzzed. I’m pretty sure my voice cracked as I answered, but as I listened I began to smile. I’m glad that I listened to my wife, and I bring her wisdom to all of my clients who have financial setbacks. You just have to get back on that horse.

How I’m expanding what’s possible with money

I love exploring solutions that come from healthy financial management. Currently, I’m investing in my retirement, a down payment on a house, and my nephew’s college savings account.

Outside of work, my passions include

I love traveling to new places and trying all the great food the East Coast offers. I also enjoy backpacking, hunting, cooking, and spending time with my family. I look forward to being more involved in our local volunteer financial planning ecosystem.