Paying strict attention to my own finances since my first check from my first employer was very critical. As my career grew, I watched over multi-million-dollar budgets for multi-national firms until age 57 when I earned my licenses to be a financial advisor and found my true calling. I am on the board of directors for 17 private charter schools here in Florida as a volunteer.

My father was a big influence in my life. He told me, "Son, work hard for every dollar you earn and do not take anything for free from anyone. Most important, Trust in God." When I graduated high school, I was off to Biscayne College, now called St. Thomas University, on a golf scholarship, graduating in 1980 with a business and marketing degree. Playing golf is a hobby of mine.

I love the community of Wellington, visiting its great restaurants, retail shops and golf courses. My wife, Maria, and I have six children: three boys and three girls, ranging from 17 to 35, and two grandchildren with another two on the way.

My job as a financial advisor is to be a teacher who educates my clients on their investments, so they know what they are investing in and why. Understanding their investments is critical.

As a branch, we want to understand what's important to our clients. We'll use an established process to build personalized strategies to help achieve your financial goals. We will partner with you throughout your life to keep you on track. We will determine your risk tolerance, so we have a better understanding on how to invest your hard-earned money.

I really like the Edward Jones style of building a personal relationship with our clients. Here at our branch, everyone receives personal attention as soon as they walk in. They are greeted with a smile by Marlene, my partner, so they are not lost in the shuffle or have to wait around. We develop long-term relationships with our clients. I use the talents and the knowledge I have gained over a lifetime to help my clients.

Working in the corporate world for the last 35 years of my life was challenging. It all changed in May 2014 at the age of 56. At the time, I managed a $200M repair budget in the corporate office. One morning, my boss emailed me and asked me to come to his office. Like a good employee I hurried right up there, knocked and opened the door. Guess who else was in there. HR! She told me that your job has been eliminated. Here is a severance pkg. They said we will mail your personal items and escorted me out the door. Just like that. There went my $160k salary including bonuses, health benefits and security. I still had 3 kids at home and 2 in college. I went to my car prayed to my Lord and cried for 2 hours. It was a devastating blow in my life. I was trembling and scared of the future. He will take care of us and there I called my rock (wife) and gave her the low down. She said God has other plans for you and to trust in Him. The rest is history. God is Great!