I started as a Financial Advisor nearly a month to the day after September 11, 2001. That was a trying time for financial markets and the US economy. My first 18 months were spent guiding clients through the aftermath of the dot-com bust, a recession, and the buildup to the second Iraq War. That was a formative time for me and I learned a lot about disciplined asset management and risk management. It made me a more conservative investor. Most importantly, it taught me how crucial it is to have a plan.

One of my favorite quotes for investing comes from none other than Mike Tyson: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Tyson obviously wasn’t talking about investing when he said this, but the principle is universal. When times get tough, a well-conceived plan is crucial to helping you make good decisions—but it’s just as crucial to have a trusted professional to consult when quick decision making is needed.

I’ve been providing advice to individuals and companies for over 20 years. I’ve spoken with thousands of people who have shared countless stories to express their unique financial situations. I use this rich experience every day in helping people make good financial decisions. In 2012, I formed Harmon Street Advisors with the belief that customized financial advice should be available to all individuals and organizations regardless of size and net worth, and without having to be routed through a call center.

Away from the office, I enjoy water polo, camping, reading non-fiction, the first fourteen holes of golf, a good IPA, and spending time with my wife and two daughters

My first experience was trading pogs and baseball cards. By junior high, I traded my Education bonds for an Oppenheimer Main Street Global fund and tracked it in the daily newspapers. I learned that you could earn money without working and thought that was amazing. While studying investment analysis at CSU Long Beach, where I earned a B.S. in Finance with an emphasis in Investment Analysis, I learned about Warren Buffet and became fascinated with his philosophy and style. After college, my Mom and I attended several of his annual meetings in Omaha, NB, which was an incredible experience.

Warren Buffet has many great quotes, but one always stands out: “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.”  I’ve taken that to heart all these years.  It’s so easy to get swept up in the latest investment craze, but eventually, the economy rolls back.  If you don’t have a disciplined investment strategy to begin with, you’ll be the one swimming naked.

Obviously, my knowledge and experience has increased immensely since junior high, but I still stick to those Buffet philosophies.  Invest in common-sense companies with great products and outstanding management.  In 2020, I followed my passion, enrolling in the UCI Division of Continuing Education Personal Financial Planning course, and I am a Candidate CFP® certification.  My coursework has taught me that helping people meet their financial goals as well as understanding their financial needs and risk tolerance are far more important than just trying to gain the best returns.

Outside of my passion for financial planning, I greatly appreciate technology — how it works and how it affects our world and economy. In addition, I love theater, hiking, backpacking, biking, and watching TV.  I am the proud father of a young baby and happily married.  You’ll find I can still recite most of my high school theater productions.  I spent my college summers living in Alaska and Yellowstone National Park.  When I graduated from CSULB, I took the summer to backpack through China.  If you go to the Schezchuan region, just remember the hot pot really is hot!