My outlook about money was shaped at an early age. I had two grandpas, both amazing people but with very different financial paths. From one, I learned the importance of investing; from the other, the fear that I would not have enough money when I am old.
Grandpa John worked as an editor at the magazine Farm Journal for over 30 years. While he never made a lot of money, he was an early investor in Vanguard Funds. I remember as a child going to visit him at their retirement community in Arizona. Even though he had a stroke that severely limited his mobility, he read the Wall Street Journal daily, showed me how to look up stock quotes, and encouraged me to save early and often. Because of his focus, he left a sizable legacy to his two daughters.
Grandpa Mel was a dentist and raised eight boys. He worked very hard and retired but became heavily involved in the 1980s real estate savings and loan crisis. He lost everything, declared bankruptcy, and had to open another dental practice in his sixties to rebuild his retirement. He was an incredible person, and his error gave me insight into the stress poor financial planning can cause.
My dad’s recent Parkinson’s diagnosis has made the importance of planning even more personal. I have seen firsthand how critical it is to prepare not only financially but also with an aging plan, so that families are not left scrambling in difficult times. My volunteer work with Next Village, where I have helped seniors with daily needs, has further reinforced this point. Both experiences have shaped my commitment to working with widows and others navigating life’s transitions, making sure they have clarity and support when it matters most.
Before founding Concierge Wealth, I spent nearly a decade with Sagemark Consulting. Prior to that, I worked at Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch, gaining extensive experience across the financial industry. I hold a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Religious Studies from Saint Mary’s College of California.
My passion for investing began early when I opened my first brokerage account at 15. I have also been deeply involved in community service, co-founding the Walnut Creek Rotary Club and serving as its president. I am also a Knight of Malta, an organization with a long history of caring for the sick and those in need.
Outside of work, I am married to my wife, Tammi, who is the Head of People at an AI healthcare startup and is pursuing her master's in clinical mental health. Together, we enjoy dining out, staying active, cruising, and all things health and wellness. We also have a 12 year old Border Terrier named Boss. I am passionate about discussing travel and life hacks in addition to exploring subreddits on a variety of topics.