I've been doing this work for more than 30 years, and the question I get asked most often is some version of "What should I do?" People want to know if they're on track, if they're taking too much risk, if they're missing something important. I believe that it is our job to help them find that answer.
I started managing portfolios in 1985, back when the industry looked very different than it does today. I was one of the first advisors to charge a fee for service instead of commissions, because I wanted to remove any product bias from the recommendations I was making. It mattered to me then, and it still matters now—your strategy should be built around what's right for you, not what's profitable for someone else.
Over the years, I've served on national advisory panels for the financial services industry and spent a lot of time on boards and as a volunteer for community and regional nonprofits. I enjoy speaking to groups about the economy and helping people think through their financial lives in practical terms.
Today, I have stepped back from an active day-to-day management role, allowing the next generation to take the reins. However, I remain one of the Managing Principals of G5 Financial Group and continue to provide strategic guidance to our advisory team on complex planning matters while helping ensure continuity for the clients and businesses we have proudly served for decades.
Although my role has evolved, my philosophy remains the same: successful long-term outcomes are built through thoughtful short-term decisions. Whether it's navigating a business transition, evaluating a significant financial decision, or providing guidance on sophisticated planning strategies, I believe that addressing the right issues today helps create a stronger future tomorrow.
I hold bachelor's and master's degrees from California State University, Fresno, and also studied counseling and theology in graduate school. My wife Peggy and I have two sons, Aaron and Matthew, and several grandchildren. Being a husband, father, and grandfather has always been the most important role I've had—and the one that keeps teaching me the most.