BIOGRAPHY
Age: 30
Occupation: Financial Advisor at Exemplar Financial Network in Crystal Lake
Current residence: Crystal Lake
Hometown: Crystal Lake Family: Wife, Ashley; 1-year-old son Nolan
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration at Western Illinois University
What was your first job? At 15, I started working at Pet Land in Crystal Lake. I was responsible for feeding and caring for the animals and working with customers to help them make informed decisions to find the perfect pet.
Favorite book? Any book that puts a smile on my son’s face
What's one word that best describes you? Reliable
PROFILE QUESTIONS
What is your job and how have you found success with it?
My job is to help people create a realistic vision of their future. Most people know that they want to retire someday but don’t know when someday is. Maybe they want to send their kids or grandkids to college, or take a dream vacation. I help them set a plan into action, so they can work towards their goals with confidence.
How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it?
My father is my mentor. He has been a Financial Advisor since before I was born and started Exemplar Financial Network soon after. He is passionate about helping people, and it has rubbed off onto me. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to work with him and learn how to serve our clients. I see the results of clients following his advice and listen to their appreciation for his guidance. Helping people get to that point is a great feeling. Knowing the impact of this important work is very gratifying.
What's a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why?
I am very proud to be part of the development of new leaders in our community. Three years ago, I joined the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. When I started, we had just a few members, and it was clear that we completely had to reinvent the group. We created new bylaws, as well as defined roles and responsibilities. Almost all the members took on leadership roles. We began recruiting. We grew from less than 10 members to more than 30 active members in a year. I have since successfully turned over the treasurer position and a committee chair position to people who have thrived. I am very proud to have been able to find the right people not only to sustain, but grow what we have built.
How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism?
I have a lot of pride in Crystal Lake. I grew up here, work here, and now I'm raising my son here. My family has been in Crystal Lake for many generations, serving in many different capacities. This community has given me so much that I feel it is my duty as a good citizen to give back. I currently sit on the Crystal Lake City Council. I was elected to the position in 2013 and enjoy working with everyone in this community to keep it a great place to be. I believe that local government has more of an impact on the daily lives of its citizens than any other organization. The local government provides so many basic things for people that are often taken for granted. Our local government makes sure people have water and sewer service, roads to drive on, police and fire service and so many other essentials. It is important to me that we have exemplary service for our citizens and that nothing jeopardizes meeting these basic needs in our community. I am very fortunate to be with a company that shares my same passion to give back. Exemplar encourages all of our team members to get involved with a local organization and serve our community.
What is the best career advice you have received?
I was told at a very young age that you are judged by the company you keep. I have taken this to heart. I am very proud of my family, friends and the people I work with. I consider this to be great career advice because I have surrounded myself with very successful people who do what is best for the people they serve. I know my success is a direct reflection of the people I work with, and I do my best to represent all of them.
Do you consider yourself one of the county's Best Under 40? Why or why not?
This is a hard question. I strive to be a good husband, father, citizen, financial advisor or whatever title I might have in my various roles. I recently got to know some of the other recipients of this award. There are some very talented and devoted young people in McHenry County. I can say that I am very impressed with the other winners and feel honored to have been considered for this award. They are all motivation to me, and I know if I associate with people like these that I will be among the best people in this county.
BIOGRAPHY
Age: 30
Occupation: Financial Advisor at Exemplar Financial Network in Crystal Lake
Current residence: Crystal Lake
Hometown: Crystal Lake Family: Wife, Ashley; 1-year-old son Nolan
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration at Western Illinois University
What was your first job? At 15, I started working at Pet Land in Crystal Lake. I was responsible for feeding and caring for the animals and working with customers to help them make informed decisions to find the perfect pet.
Favorite book? Any book that puts a smile on my son’s face
What's one word that best describes you? Reliable
PROFILE QUESTIONS
What is your job and how have you found success with it?
My job is to help people create a realistic vision of their future. Most people know that they want to retire someday but don’t know when someday is. Maybe they want to send their kids or grandkids to college, or take a dream vacation. I help them set a plan into action, so they can work towards their goals with confidence.
How did you first get involved with your current job? Why have you kept doing it?
My father is my mentor. He has been a Financial Advisor since before I was born and started Exemplar Financial Network soon after. He is passionate about helping people, and it has rubbed off onto me. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to work with him and learn how to serve our clients. I see the results of clients following his advice and listen to their appreciation for his guidance. Helping people get to that point is a great feeling. Knowing the impact of this important work is very gratifying.
What's a recent accomplishment and innovation that you are most proud of? Why?
I am very proud to be part of the development of new leaders in our community. Three years ago, I joined the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. When I started, we had just a few members, and it was clear that we completely had to reinvent the group. We created new bylaws, as well as defined roles and responsibilities. Almost all the members took on leadership roles. We began recruiting. We grew from less than 10 members to more than 30 active members in a year. I have since successfully turned over the treasurer position and a committee chair position to people who have thrived. I am very proud to have been able to find the right people not only to sustain, but grow what we have built.
How do you give back to the community or your profession? What drives you to volunteerism?
I have a lot of pride in Crystal Lake. I grew up here, work here, and now I'm raising my son here. My family has been in Crystal Lake for many generations, serving in many different capacities. This community has given me so much that I feel it is my duty as a good citizen to give back. I currently sit on the Crystal Lake City Council. I was elected to the position in 2013 and enjoy working with everyone in this community to keep it a great place to be. I believe that local government has more of an impact on the daily lives of its citizens than any other organization. The local government provides so many basic things for people that are often taken for granted. Our local government makes sure people have water and sewer service, roads to drive on, police and fire service and so many other essentials. It is important to me that we have exemplary service for our citizens and that nothing jeopardizes meeting these basic needs in our community. I am very fortunate to be with a company that shares my same passion to give back. Exemplar encourages all of our team members to get involved with a local organization and serve our community.
What is the best career advice you have received?
I was told at a very young age that you are judged by the company you keep. I have taken this to heart. I am very proud of my family, friends and the people I work with. I consider this to be great career advice because I have surrounded myself with very successful people who do what is best for the people they serve. I know my success is a direct reflection of the people I work with, and I do my best to represent all of them.
Do you consider yourself one of the county's Best Under 40? Why or why not?
This is a hard question. I strive to be a good husband, father, citizen, financial advisor or whatever title I might have in my various roles. I recently got to know some of the other recipients of this award. There are some very talented and devoted young people in McHenry County. I can say that I am very impressed with the other winners and feel honored to have been considered for this award. They are all motivation to me, and I know if I associate with people like these that I will be among the best people in this county.
