My Why
Why did I decide to start Centurion Financial Strategies, LLC?
When I was growing up, my Great Uncle Phil and Aunt Margaret were my role models when it came to building wealth. Despite their modest jobs, they became millionaires through smart investing, sacrifice, and savings. But when Uncle Phil passed away, things changed for Aunt Margaret. She became vulnerable, and the finance guy she hired to manage her money took advantage of her. My dad stepped in to help and discovered that she was locked into some terrible annuities. It was devastating to watch her lose the money they worked hard for while grieving the loss of her husband. I knew then that I wanted to be a Financial Advisor that people could trust, especially during tough times, just like my Aunt Margaret.
It was a little scary because my first job in the financial industry was a nightmare. I was going door-to-door for Ed Jones trying to build up cliental. But it was a disaster. Rejection was a constant companion, and the only thing that kept me going was the fact that I needed to support my family. Worst of all, I was constantly getting chased by dogs - and not just your friendly, tail-wagging dogs. These were massive, snarling beasts that had it in for me. After months of this, I began to wonder if I'd made a huge mistake. Was this really the life I wanted for myself? The constant rejection, the fear of being attacked by vicious dogs...it was enough to make anyone question their choices.
So I switched things up and started as an assistant to an advisor while studying for, and passing the CFA exams. I then helped grow the company’s assets from $30 million to over $100 million, and learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses. While I grew in confidence, I didn't feel fully appreciated as an employee and was disappointed at not being offered a partnership.
That's when I risked it all! I moved my family halfway across the country to work at Capital Advisory Group, and put everything we had into the business as a managing partner. I was frustrated and angry when the acquisition didn't turn out as I hoped, and I had to deal with business debt during the 2008 recession. But I learned how to market myself and create multiple streams of income, and truly became a business owner.
Now, as the owner of Centurion Financial Strategies, I am fulfilling my dream of helping others achieve financial independence. I've faced risks, including breaking off from a comfortable situation to start my own firm, but it has all been worth it.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a force for good in my clients’ lives.
Seeing them learn, grow, and achieve their biggest dreams is so moving to me.
As a financial advisor, I've witnessed many powerful moments in my career. But there was one that stood out above the rest. It was a time when a client, who had lost her husband, came to me for help. She was lost and unsure of what to do, drowning in a sea of confusion and fear, much like my Great Aunt had been when seeking help.
Together, we went down to the social security office, navigated through the bureaucracy and red tape, and I was with her every step of the way. We strategized, planned and figured out how to make the most of the money she received from the life insurance.
Bit by bit, we chipped away at the debt, invested in the future, and improved her cash flow. I stood by her side as we made progress, offering guidance and reassurance. And when it was all said and done, she turned to me with gratitude in her eyes, thanking me for being her rock during one of the toughest times in her life.
I didn't have a magic wand, but I had something more valuable - the ability to help someone when they needed it most. And that, to me, is the greatest reward of being a financial advisor.
This is my why.
I’m honored to have been part of that and I’m honored to be part of my clients’ lives whether big events like that one or small events.
If you are a client, thank you for being part of my journey. If you aren’t a client yet, I thank you for spending time getting to know me a bit better today.