Simply Different

1. Professional and educational background

The genesis of my career in the financial services goes back to 1989, when I entered the industry as a Registered Representative for John Hancock Financial Services in Beverly Hills, CA. I was able to open and manage a John Hancock Branch office within a few years and expand my business to many business owners in Southern California. In 2000, I was a founding partner of Cirrus Wealth Management, a comprehensive Wealth and Investment management firm. While there, I served as President, overseeing key clients, working with multiple offices in Camarillo, Encino, and Santa Clarita, CA. It was in that endeavor that I became convinced that a more compact, nimble firm with a concentrated staff, and effort was the model that fit my skills and the ability to execute on clients behalf. In 2003, Criterion Wealth Management was established.I received my Business Administration degree in 1989 from The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA. I currently hold NASD Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 licenses. I obtained the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) designation after completing the CFP Professional Educational Program from the College of Financial Planning in 1998.

As an adjunct professor, I have taught courses in Investments, Money and Banking, as well as fundamental business practice at The Master’s College Business Department.

There are various non-profit and community programs that I have been involved in over the years.

2. Person or experience that had a significant influence on your life

My Dad and Grandfather; their impact on me was primarily through observing their lives. They affected my view on character and critical disciplines including work-ethic, integrity, and putting others first just to name a few. I always enjoyed spending time with them and have tried to be intentional in teaching and modeling the same to my kids.

3. Describe your family

I have been married to my incredible wife, Shauna since 1993. She is my best friend and having her by my side for all these years has made life so enjoyable. My son Davy (18), daughter Megan (16), and Katelyn (9) are precious blessings. As an active family, we enjoy sports, taking vacations, and just hanging out together. I am truly a blessed man!

4. Enjoy doing on your off time

Going to the gym, hunting, golf, watching SportsCenter, “tinkering” on my 1932 Ford in my garage, and spending time with my family seem to keep my free time full.

5. Favorite food

Thai, Mexican, and BBQ are right up there on my “favorites”.

6. Special childhood memory

Family vacations, as a child, were indelibly etched in my mind. The simple times of going to new places, being with other families are all good memories.

7. Something about you most people would be surprised by

I used to compete in Ultra marathons. My longest race was 50 miles in the mountains and took just under 12 hours. I enjoyed the challenge, but it has taken a toll on my body over the years. I no longer run!

8. Typical day

Go to gym at 4:30 a.m., after pick up a cup of Peet’s coffee, arrive at the office by 6:00 a.m. for some reading and preparation for the day, meet with clients, take care of pending firm management items, and then leave for kids sporting events or whatever else is going on that day.

9. Career choice

I wanted to be a stock broker ever since considering a career. I received my securities brokers’ license during college. I soon realized this was a “sales” job where success was measured by annual commissions and doggedly constant activity regardless of value. I soon became independent.

1. Professional and educational background

I joined a Chicago-based investment banking firm, which at the time, specialized in Municipal and GNMA bonds. We developed funds and trusts for the major Wall Street and Regional brokerage firms. As the stock market became a greater emphasis for retail investing, we aggressively expanded into stocks. Not long after the collapse of dot com stocks in 2000, I decided to pursue a better understanding of investing for individuals and their financial needs. In 2002, I completed my coursework in financial planning through Metro State University in Denver, CO. This complimented by an undergraduate degree in Business Communications set me on a path to become a wealth manager with my own firm. In 2004, I moved with my wife and four kids back to Southern California and soon joined Bob at Criterion.

2. Person or experience that had a significant influence on your life

My Dad: the steadfast consistency of his character and discipline in pursuing a life lived for the Lord are qualities I desire. His impact on me is immeasurable. My Grandpa: his quietly strong demeanor combined with his Nebraska-bred work ethic was unforgettable. My memory of him is indelible. Baseball: From 17-23 years old, I was able to travel extensively throughout the country playing ball. It afforded me opportunities to meet unique people, see different cultures and deal with the challenge of a competitive sport. Those experiences have had a lasting impact on me.

3. Describe your family

FUN! I married Erika, my high school sweetheart, in 1992. Her friendship and companionship has blessed me, shaped me, matured me, and uplifted me. I have no interest in contemplating life without her. We have four amazing children; three girls and one boy. Being with Erika and the kids is my absolute favorite place to be. Our kids are pure joy and bring unimaginable fulfillment to our life. We are an active family; enjoying various sports, water-skiing, the beach, etc. We spend much of our time laughing with and at each other. To understand me, you need to meet and be around my spouse and kids. They are my trophy of God’s grace and joy in my life.

4. Enjoy doing on your free time

With four kids, we find our schedule is often determined by their activities, including sports, school, and various events. We are active at our church; it shapes much of our lives. I find working around the house and property is very satisfying. It affords me a change of pace.

Since I was young, I have always loved riding off-road motorcycles. As an adult, I don’t like crashing! That dictates the frequency and speed of my rides. Our family loves to be on the boat and water skiing. Oh, …. we are huge Chicago sports fans. Go Bears! Go Bulls!

5. Favorite Food

A good steak is hard to beat.

6. Special childhood memory

I have too many to list. My childhood was idyllic. With that said, a few that stand out:

a. One summer, we drove in the family van from Los Angeles to New York and back. Seeing the country and meeting new people was very memorable

b. River rafting with my Grandpa on the Klamath River each summer.

c. Attending the LA Car show each year with my Dad, afterwards we would have dinner at The Pantry restaurant in downtown Los Angeles.

7. Something about you most people would be surprised by

I was drafted in 1990 by the St. Louis Cardinals and played three seasons of Minor League baseball.

8. Typical day

My morning starts quite early with some quiet time and reading. Then, with coffee in-hand, I check emails and news. I typically review any outstanding trade orders prior to the market opening and follow the first hour of the market. My wife usually joins me for coffee and reading. When possible, I like to take the kids to school. It allows me a brief time to chat and spend time with them, even if it is only for a few minutes.

Once at the office, pending items with client portfolios are addressed along with updates and information from staff. The day then unfolds with overseeing all portfolios and investing needs by looking at balances, significant cash changes, etc.

9. Career Choice

In college I had a class called “Finance: Money and Banking.” It was both interesting and clear for me to understand the concepts and history behind financial topics. I believe it initiated in me an interest in this business. After a short stint in the healthcare industry, I decided to pursue finance. Not knowing much about the industry, I took an opportunity to join an investment banking firm in Chicago, IL. Moving from Los Angeles to the Midwest did not concern me, as I had moved and traveled all over the country playing baseball. I saw it as a chance to immerse myself at a firm that was small enough for me to be exposed to various areas of investing. Over 20 years later, I think it worked out.

1. Professional and educational background

My background is in public accounting where I served as a trusted business advisor to high net worth individuals and middle-market businesses; I obtained my CPA license in 2009 and I’m a graduate of The Master’s College  with a degree in Accounting.

2. What person or experience has had a significant influence on your life?

My family. Growing up as the oldest of five children I learned how to be responsible and to be an example to others from a very young age.

3. Describe your family

I married the love of my life, Michelle, in 2004 and we have two beautiful children, Zane and Meadow.

4. What do you enjoy doing on your off time

Anything that’s outdoors. My family and I spend our weekends at the beach, in the mountains, playing at the park – you name it.

5. What is your favorite food?

Mexican food and In-N-Out.

6. What is your most special childhood memory?

Summertime.

7. What’s something about you that most people would be surprised by?

I love jalapenos.

8. What’s a typical day look like for you?

Coffee, work, a little more coffee, a little more work, wrestle with the kids, go to bed, repeat.

9. How did you choose this career?

I enjoy helping people and I’m a numbers person so this career was a natural fit.

1. Person or experience that had a significant influence on your life

My Mom; she taught me how to be a strong, independent woman. I have great respect for her and the commitment she made to our family.

2. Something about you most people would be surprised by

I love fresh and salt water fish aquariums. My Dad operated a fish aquarium store when I was young. I have always been fascinated by marine life and the hobby of containing them in tanks is something I really enjoy. I currently have a 100 gallon tank in my home.

3. Enjoy doing on your free time

I always enjoy time with my family. With two young children at home, they require time and I am happy to give it.

4. Favorite Food

Italian of any kind is good with me.

5. Best Vacation

Supercross (stadium Motorcross); on many weekends in the fall and winter, you can find us camping in the desert or mountains with friends who also enjoy riding off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Motorcycles have been part of my life for a long time.

6. Special childhood memory

As a child, I loved going to my Grandpa’s house in Monterey, California. Traveling up the coast and spending summer days with him was like being in a whole different world. That area of California is so unique and beautiful.

7. Favorite sport to watch

Supercross (stadium Motorcross); on many weekends in the winter & fall, you can find us camping in the desert or mountains with friends who also enjoy riding off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Motorcycles have been part of my life for a long time.