My Story

I was 14 years old the first time I saw money making money: An account statement full of green arrows. The idea that money could grow in value on its own was captivating. As a teenager, I worked full-time during the summers and decided to invest some of my earnings.

I traded stocks all through high school. I thought my great returns were due to my amazing investment skills. In reality, the whole market was rising. It would have been nearly impossible to lose money.

Like any brilliant 17-year-old, I sold most of my stock earnings and bought a sports car. That was the first of many poor financial choices that landed me living back in my parents’ house at age 21 with over $25,000 in debt.

One of the conditions of moving home was that I find a job and pay my debts. It was tough but fair. Despite running low on self-confidence, I picked up the paper and started the job search. I immediately applied for a job selling cars because that felt like an easy one to get. Fortunately, I also found the courage to pursue the job I’d wanted since I was 14 as a financial advisor. But I found more than that. The contact person listed on the job posting was Erin Holland. That is how I met my wife.

- Actual Posting From That Newspaper -

I was hired as an advisor with Ameriprise and had the good fortune to work for Scott, who was a remarkable manager and became a great friend. He taught me the value of constant learning and execution without overthinking. In my first year, I brought on over 50 clients and received national recognition for that success.

But great execution alone was not enough. A major strategic problem became clear over the next 2 years, as I slowly burned myself out trying to be everything to everyone. After 3 years in the business, I was still working 80 hours/week. One Friday night, after one of those long weeks, Erin asked me “Do you see a problem with this?”

Realizing the need for change, I engaged a top wealth management coaching firm. The foundation of their strategy is to deliver exceptional value to a small, select group of clients. I began executing that strategy immediately, and it remains the core of my practice today.

The results were significant. Within 24 months my practice became 100% referral based, and remains so today (over a decade later). Client retention is over 98%. More than 30% of my clients, many of them business owners, have successfully made work optional since we began working together.

Sustainable business growth became a source of family stability. In 2015 Erin started her boutique search firm, Human Capital Acquisition, providing strategy and talent acquisition services to top global asset management firms. A few months later we finalized the adoption of our 3 children, Denmar, J.R., and Roquena, from the Philippines.

Adopting our kids was a turning point. To honor my family commitments, I now work with a small group of select clients for whom I can have the most significant impact. This approach has led to stronger client relationships and greater family stability.

At the start of 2021, I moved my advisory practice to an independent platform and became Integrated Wealth Advisors. We are a decentralized family office practice, with the capability to build and coordinate fully customized professional teams for each of our clients. Erin’s business has grown exponentially, and she brought on a partner to provide expanded support and services for their clients. The tradition of entrepreneurship in our family is continuing with our daughter Roquena. In her first business, Tadhana Designs, she does original design and production of handmade gemstone bracelets.

Outside of the office (and the classroom), we are outdoors as much as possible. That usually means hiking, golfing, or being pulled around the block by our 3 English cream retrievers, Hayden, Aspen & Stella.

I also serve in various roles for a national fitness and leadership development non-profit called F3, which helps men become better leaders in their communities through small, free, local workout groups.