Home: Greenville, SC. Birthplace: Spartanburg, SC. Profession: Financial advisor. Organization: Edward Jones Investments. Title: Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner. Alma mater: Wofford College (BA); University of Virginia (PhD). Languages spoken: English and basic Spanish.
Current project: Trained in the Japanese martial arts, I will test for Joden, a ki ranking in Shin-shin-toitsu-do. Recent recognition: Recognized for my work with young people in the martial arts. Recent professional development: I earned the credentials of Certified Financial Planning, the gold standard for financial advisors. Latest accomplishment: I reached Level 10 practice management in my firm of Edward Jones. Latest contribution to others: I worked on a Habitat for Humanity project, assisting in building a house for a family. Recent travel or adventure: Morocco. I hiked in the Atlas Mountains and spent time in the old city of Marrakech. Last book read: A biography on Picasso by Patrick O’Brian.
Personality profile: Focused, organized, open-minded, compassionate. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Kind. Moral compass: “Love One Another” from the Gospel of John is my rule for life. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel. I enjoy traveling to many places around the world. What is your go-to workout? Aikido and yoga, but I enjoy lifting weights at a local gym twice per week. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Some activity in the mornings and then relaxation in the late afternoon.
What was your first paying job? K-Mart in the garden area when I was 16 years old. What book have you repeatedly read? Islands in the Stream, by Ernest Hemingway; The Drifters, by James Michener. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Never give up. Plan for tomorrow and keep taking the small steps to advance. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? GPS. I love being able to find where I am and where I want to go anywhere in the world.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Finding other means to resolve conflict, instead of going to war.
What mega-trend most excites you? AI and developments in cell biology are very exciting. What mega-trend most concerns you? Artificial intelligence needs to be monitored and guarded by well-established policies.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Enter the Investment Dragon. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Jesus of Nazareth would be a top choice. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An astronaut. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A certificate of rank in the martial arts signed by Tohei Sensei (now deceased).
Personal mission: I am seeking to have a more open spirit which encourages all people to grow and develop. Personal motto: Kindness. Favorite quote: “Love one another” (Jesus of Nazareth). Desired epitaph: He lived a full life of abundance and shared it with all.
