I began my journey in financial services back in July of 1983, and it's been incredible to watch this industry evolve over the past four decades. In March of 1993, I earned my CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation, which I've maintained in good standing ever since. That credential represents not just technical knowledge, but a commitment to putting clients' interests first—something that's guided every decision I've made in this business.
One of the most significant moments in my career came in July of 2001 when I met Mark Degner. We immediately connected over our shared vision for what financial planning could and should be, and we began sharing office space and exchanging business ideas. That partnership deepened over the years as we discovered we had very similar philosophies about serving clients with integrity and building lasting relationships.
In 2017, Mark and I took the leap and created Pilot Rock Financial together. It was the culmination of years of collaboration and a shared dream to build something that truly reflected our values—a place where clients could receive comprehensive financial guidance from advisors who genuinely care about their success and wellbeing.
After more than 40 years in this business, I continue to practice as a CFP because I still find deep satisfaction in helping families navigate their financial journeys. Every client situation is unique, and I love the challenge of creating solutions that fit their specific needs and goals. There's something profoundly rewarding about being part of someone's financial story, from helping young families get started to guiding retirees through their golden years.
My wife, Deanna, and I have been blessed with four wonderful children—Tony, Katie, Drake, and Dillon—and they've been the driving force behind everything I've worked to build throughout my career. Family has always been at the center of my decisions, both personally and professionally.