My journey into the financial services industry began in my sophomore year at California Lutheran University. After a series of fortunate and timely conversations, a bit of luck, and hard work, I landed an internship with Powell Financial Group.
Let’s back up a bit. I grew up playing soccer in Southern California, and at 14, I was nominated to the winter pool for the Olympic Development Program. At the time, 25 percent of all men’s national team players originated from Southern California. The sport provided many amazing experiences and taught me valuable life lessons that have helped shape how I approach every challenge.
I’m also the son of Mexican immigrants and the first of my extended family to graduate from college. I remember being driven to preschool by my dad, and him telling me that when I grew up, I’d actually have the opportunity to get an education. By elementary school, I was convinced college was in my future, although I hadn’t quite settled on a career path just yet. Eventually, my love of math and problem-solving pointed me toward finance, and my desire to help facilitate positive change in people’s lives narrowed it a bit more to personal financial planning. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up with extremely supportive parents who saw the potential in me, and instilled in me the belief that through dedication and lots of hard work, anything is possible.
I graduated from California Lutheran University with a degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance. I hold the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and have also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification.
Most importantly, I’m a proud husband and a father of two beautiful girls, Caitlin and Emma. Caitlin, my oldest daughter is in seventh grade, and Emma is in fourth grade.
When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and watching my daughters play soccer on weekends.