How I Got Here
After graduating from the University of Colorado, where I received a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance, I accepted a job with a firm in New York City. While there, I participated in their sales, trading and research training program and worked in the fixed-income derivatives and fixed-income research groups. I then moved to Chicago to work in equity research at another firm.
When I moved to Albany, NY, a family friend introduced me to Ayco. I was impressed by the talent and energy of the people I met during the interview process and by the firm's strong reputation in the area. However, I was most drawn to Ayco by the vast opportunities available within the organization. I began in the Investment Planning Group (during which time I received my CFA® designation) and later transferred to Encompass, Ayco's Family Office Practice.
What I Do
Ayco's multifamily office practice is the alternative to creating a dedicated family office. We essentially serve as the family CFO, playing an important role in all aspects of our clients' financial affairs.
I manage a team of five associates with whom I work to prepare financial exhibits, set meeting agendas and review outstanding issues. We serve a diverse client base that includes eight high-net-worth families (private-equity and hedge-fund partners, senior executives at investment banks and retired CEOs, as well as some families with inherited wealth) and two large private foundations. The families have large estates and complex investment portfolios requiring extraordinary attention.
A Typical Day
I start most days by running at 5:30 a.m. I'm on the road about once a week, typically traveling to New York City, as most of my clients either live or work there. Most mornings I have a meeting with my team to discuss outstanding tasks and help set priorities.
After our meeting, I resume working on projects for clients which may include multi-generational wealth-transfer strategies, asset allocations and real-estate transactions.
Most days, I eat lunch while reading the Wall Street Journal and reviewing market news online.
In the late afternoon, I review e-mails to ensure that I have followed up on urgent items and set an agenda for the next day. Over my career at the firm, I can truly say that every day is interesting and never the same. I feel like I am constantly growing and learning, which keeps me motivated, interested and challenged.
My Colleagues
Ayco's culture embodies a commitment to quality and an emphasis on teamwork. It also encourages an entrepreneurial spirit and mandates integrity. Ayco is committed to our clients without losing sight of our people internally. Teamwork is essential and highly valued.
Commitment To Clients
The foundation of my position is strong client relationships.
Our business growth is dependent on referrals from our clients, and their impressions are the key to our success. We have the opportunity to build in-depth relationships with the entire family as the trusted advisor.
I strive to provide a comprehensive service to my clients with personalized financial advice and creative solutions to financial problems. Implementation of the financial strategy is another key aspect. I need to be knowledgeable on a broad array of sophisticated strategies, so I do a lot of outside reading in addition to Ayco's internal training to expand my knowledge base.
In my experience, I have never encountered a firm more focused on client service. I feel that the people at our firm truly care about our clients. We are not only involved in the financial aspects of our clients' lives but often become part of the family as a most trusted advisor.