About Us

I've been in this business since January 1987, and after 39 years, I still find myself fascinated by the intersection of economics and people's lives. What started as an economics major at Portland State University, where I briefly considered becoming an attorney, evolved into a Business degree and career built on something more fundamental: helping people navigate one of the most significant aspects of their lives with clarity and confidence.

My path here wasn't conventional. I moved out on my own after high school, worked my way up to management at Pizza Hut while putting myself through college, and learned early what it means to support a family while building toward something better. Then, when a family friend unexpectedly and with quick notice invited me to take over his practice, I learned even more about what it takes to run and grow a company while also being there for my family, employees, and clients.

I expanded our reach by leading workshops at the Port of Portland, Multnomah County, Junior Colleges, and many other venues and companies. The principle was always the same: help anyone who needed it, regardless of where they were starting from.

What keeps me engaged after all these years is straightforward: I get to travel through life with my clients. I witness their entire financial journey: the planning, the pivots, the milestones, and ultimately, the legacy they leave. There's something deeply rewarding about hearing their stories, whether it's a cycling adventure, a new grandchild, or simply how they're spending their retirement. Those conversations remind me why this work matters.

My approach centers on being a resource when it counts most. I actively help clients navigate Social Security applications, Medicare enrollment, and Oregon PERS benefits, often calling offices alongside them to make sure everything is handled correctly. I coordinate with attorneys and accountants to align retirement strategies with broader financial goals. This hands-on involvement isn't extra; it's essential. When someone has worked hard to earn and save their money, managing it demands that level of respect and attention.

I hold Series 7, 63, and 66 registrations across over 30 states. But credentials matter less than results. What I value most is delivering personalized guidance that empowers clients to move forward with confidence, even in an increasingly uncertain world. Finding optimism and reason when emotion runs high, that's where real value lives.

Outside the office, I'm part of a blended family with my wife, Heather. Together, we have five children, three grandchildren, and our dog, whom we unashamedly refer to as our child. We love spending time at our beach home, where we hike, kayak, and enjoy the Pacific Northwest with Kona. I've completed three Ironman triathlons along with various marathons and ultramarathons over the years, though these days I'm focusing more on travel. Heather and I recently took our first two-week trip to Europe, the longest I've ever unplugged from the office.

I'm active in our community as Chief Steward of our local church and Board Member for the Glen Garcelon Foundation, where I apply my financial expertise to support the foundation's mission. My faith and my family drive me to set an example of what responsibility and integrity look like, both at home and in my career.

After nearly four decades, I'm still motivated by the same thing: seeing clients achieve what they've worked toward and knowing I played a meaningful role in helping them get there.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Portland State University.  

Credentials: Series 7, 63, 66

I started in this industry as an intern in 2001. Since then, I've watched both the profession and my own approach evolve significantly. What began as learning the technical foundations has grown into something much deeper: understanding the behavioral and emotional dimensions of financial decision-making. I earned my Behavioral Financial Advisor certification in 2024 and my Accredited Diploma in Coach Training in 2020, both of which have shaped how I work with clients today.

My motivation for entering this field was initially personal. I grew up in a family with limited financial resources, and learning to become financially independent felt like the only way to break the cycle. That experience taught me the value of financial confidence and the freedom that comes with understanding how money works. Now, my greatest satisfaction comes from giving clients that same sense of possibility and control over their own financial story.

What I love most about this work is witnessing the moments when a client truly believes in their success, when their eyes light up with understanding, when they have that "ah-ha moment" and suddenly see what's possible for them. That's where real progress happens. My approach centers on listening, empathy, aligning values with goals, and helping clients understand how all the financial puzzle pieces fit together. I believe our ability to serve will be measured not just by the number of services we provide but by the quality of our time together and the decisions we guide our clients to make. Expectations in our industry will continue to rise, and I'm committed to modeling the culture, values, and behavior that the next generation of advisors can build upon.

I'm married to my college sweetheart, Brandon, and we have two children: our daughter Ella, who's 17, and our son Kole, who's 14. I've always been intentional about showing them that my job isn't just for income; it's a choice I make every day to help clients make sound financial decisions that benefit everyone around them. That sense of purpose matters.

Outside of work, I enjoy keeping my home organized and clutter-free (my son calls me a "chore addict"), along with walking outside to be present in the beauty around us, spending time with our Lab-Goldendoodle, preparing nutritious meals, and staying physically and mentally active. I'm constantly enriching my thinking through podcasts, books, classes, and other content.

I earned my Girl Scouts Gold Award as a junior in high school, and although my volunteer time is limited now, I stay connected to the Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. That experience instilled in me the value of service and leadership, principles that still guide how I show up for my clients today.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences, Family Finance Concentration from Oregon State University.

Credentials: Series 6, 7, 63, 66, BFA™

I've been in this industry for the greater part of a decade and earned my Certified Financial Planner® certification in March 2025. What drew me to this work goes back to my childhood—I grew up in a family with limited financial means between Sunriver and LaPine, Oregon. There was tension around household finances, which created unnecessary stress that I feel could have been avoided with better planning and communication. That experience, coupled with my love of numbers, shaped my commitment to helping others avoid the same strain by having a well-defined plan in place.

Financial planning and wealth management are goal-based practices. Whether it is retirement, funding your kids' college, buying a house, or leaving a legacy, this work is about identifying what matters to you and creating an actionable plan to achieve it. I have always been goal-oriented in my own life— becoming the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college (Go Ducks!), working as a wildland firefighter in the summers to afford it, recovering from back surgery and being able to hike again, and earning the CFP® certification.  My current goals include running a half-marathon and harvesting a mature Rio Grande turkey with my bow.

One of the things I love most about my job is finding out what people are passionate about. Discovering what creates a "spark" for someone and helping structure their life so they can have more of it is fundamental to my work.

I understand how difficult it can be to earn a paycheck – let alone save one. When someone entrusts me with managing their wealth, it demands my full attention and respect. I am diligent and intentional by nature. The details matter to me, and preparation is my strength—I lean into that to provide as much value as possible. I love to get into the weeds of tax policy, investment strategy, and the working intricacies of a financial plan.

I live in SW Portland with my wife, Natalie, our seven-year-old blue heeler, Ranger, and our newest addition, Toro, a formerly flea-ridden stray kitten who crossed my path on a fishing trip on the coast. Natalie drives most of my actions—she's funny, smart, beautiful, and supportive, and she propels me to be a better person. I love biking to work and recently picked up golf. I have too many hobbies and interests: reading, gardening, bowhunting, SCUBA, woodworking, and exploring Oregon.

I strive to help people feel grounded in their financial standing so they can make informed decisions with confidence. I provide clarity, discipline, and perspective when it matters most.

I hold a Bachelor of Psychology and Business Administration from the University of Oregon.

Credentials: SIE, Series 6, 7, 63, 66, CFP®

I’ve worked in the financial industry for over six years in which I've developed a deep interest in understanding market dynamics. Trading stocks and options at an early age, led me to study economics and psychology in college and ultimately pursue a career helping individuals and families make thoughtful financial decisions.

I am driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in clients' financial lives. I focus on simplifying complex concepts into clear, actionable steps that help clients make confident decisions. During periods of market volatility, my priority is maintaining a disciplined, long-term strategy, so clients can stay focused on their goals without added financial stress.

I value building long-term relationships and serving as a trusted partner throughout each client’s financial journey. Seeing a plan come together, helping clients reach meaningful milestones, and providing clarity during uncertain moments are the most rewarding parts of my work. I also enjoy the ongoing challenge of staying engaged with market changes and continuously improving the strategies I use to support clients. Ultimately, it's the human connection that makes my work so meaningful.

I grew up in the Bay Area, attended UC Davis, and moved to the Portland area shortly after. I now live in Tigard with my wife and daughter. We try to prioritize family time despite our busy schedules.

I like to consider myself an athlete. I don't enjoy staying in one spot for long periods—I'm always on the go or out doing something. I love running, lifting weights, playing basketball, and hiking. And of course, spending time with my family.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Minor in Psychology from the University of California, Davis.

Credentials: SIE, Series 7, 63, 65, CFP®

I joined CGC Financial as an intern in May 2023 while completing my Financial Planning degree at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. Through heavy class loads and some extra initiative, I am proud to say that I am the first person in the program's history to graduate in three years. That summer as an intern showed me exactly where I'm meant to be, working in a field that allows me to play a meaningful role in people's lives. I came on full-time in May 2024, and I'm grateful to be building my career here. Since rejoining CGC, I've been working toward several professional certifications. In November 2024, I passed the CFP exam at 21, making me one of the youngest people in the country to mark that achievement. It's something I'm proud of, and it reflects the foundation this firm has given me to grow quickly in my career.

My path here included some formative experiences. I worked summers at Laurel Foods LLC in Hillsboro, a hazelnut food processor, where I started as a machine operator and moved into an executive assistant role. During college, I also worked as an office assistant in the College of Business through a work-study position, which gave me valuable experience and the chance to build strong connections with my professors. My first job was on a strawberry farm during high school, working outside in conditions that definitely make me appreciate spending my days in an office now. It was difficult work, but I'm glad for the perspective it gave me.

I discovered financial planning through an introductory business class at George Fox. The head of the financial planning program gave a presentation that fascinated me enough to take the intro course, and I was hooked. What drew me in was the scope of what advisors actually do now. This profession has evolved dramatically over the past 10-15 years. Where financial planning might have once meant selling a product and suggesting you contribute more to your retirement account, today it encompasses helping clients prepare their children for college, structuring investments to minimize taxes, selecting appropriate allocations, and planning what they'll leave to the next generation. Getting to play such a significant role in someone's life and earning that level of trust is an honor.

What I enjoy most is interacting with clients and building lasting relationships. No two clients are the same, which keeps me engaged and challenges me to think creatively about tailored solutions. I appreciate being in a profession that stretches my thinking every day.

I grew up in Hillsboro, Oregon, in an area with plenty of space to get outside for work and play. I'm grateful to live in such a beautiful state, and I value time outdoors as a way to step back from daily stresses and reset. Outside of work, I enjoy working on cars, reading, and exercise, activities that keep my hands and mind busy while teaching me useful skills beyond what I use in the office. I am also an active member of St. Matthew Catholic church in Hillsboro, where I've been a parishioner all my life.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning and a Certificate in Business Analytics from George Fox University.

Credentials: SIE, Series 7, 66

Education: 

• MBA George Fox University
• Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Fort Hays State University

Education: 

• Associate of Applied Science (AS) in Accounting, Pioneer Pacific College

 Credentials:

• Series 6, 63

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, University of Oregon

Credentials

• Series 7, 63

Education:

• Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer, Clackamas Community College

Credentials: 

• Oregon Public Notary

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Statistics, Sonoma State University

Certifications:

• SIE, Series 7, 63, 66
• Notary Public, Oregon
  
  

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Finance, Oregon State University

Credentials:  

• Oregon Public Notary

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Marylhurst University