My career path wasn’t a straight line—it’s a story of resilience, discovery, and purpose. As a student at the University of Arizona, I was unsure of my direction. Then, a visit to Coronado Island, CA with my cousin’s husband, a Navy SEAL, inspired me to pursue a military path. My father, a retired naval aviator and former wealth manager, had instilled a sense of discipline in me, and I set my sights on earning an officer’s billet into BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training)—an elite program known for its grueling physical and mental demands.

While finishing up my degree, I trained intensely for two years, running, doing hundreds of pushups, pullups, and sit-ups, and swimming daily. However, the grueling regimen led to wrist surgery, hernia surgery, and a herniated L4-L5 disc. Despite strong performance on the Physical Screening Test and ASTB exam, I was not selected, prompting me to reassess my future due to mounting injuries.

With no Plan B, I leaned on family. My sister, working at a large insurance brokerage, helped me land a role assisting seniors with Medicare coverage. Working with dual-eligible seniors (those on Medicare and Medicaid) was a wake-up call. I saw the stark realities of financial insecurity in later life, and it hit me hard—I didn’t want that for myself or anyone else. This sparked my shift into wealth management, initially for self-preservation, but it quickly became a calling.

My father offered me a job as a licensed coordinator at his independent practice, where I earned my Series 7 license, currently held with LPL financial . Eager to grow on my own, I left his firm and joined Davis Selected Advisors, a boutique mutual fund company managing $65 billion in AUM. As one of five Investment Services Professionals, I supported shareholders, CPAs, and attorneys, earning my Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC®) designation along the way.

My ambition didn’t stop there. While getting married and welcoming our first child, I tackled the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) designation—a rigorous credential that marks the gold standard in financial planning. With it, I joined Vantage West Wealth Management, where I’ve spent six years crafting comprehensive financial plans for clients. Starting as an associate, I quickly rose to Lead Wealth Manager and am now one of the youngest members of the Senior Advisor Leadership Team (SALT). My work has also earned me accolades such as the Leaders Choice Award and the Culture Award - Award of Excellence.

Beyond the Office

I’m a proud husband and father to two amazing kids, ages 8 and 5. Raised in Tucson, AZ, I love this community’s spirit and call it home. Outside of work, you’ll find me:
-Playing guitar (my favorite of several instruments) and writing/producing my own songs.
-Hitting the tennis courts every weekend
-Staying active with regular workouts.

SALT DISCLOSURE: Members of SALT [year(s)] were recognized by TruStage, for overall achievement, appointing them as a steering committee. Based on tenure, GDC, ethical standards and conduct, and participation in activities.