I began my career with Waddell & Reed in 2006. To help you understand why I do what I do, I would like to tell you about the path that brought me here.

 

My first career was at Intel after earning Associates Degrees in Computer Systems Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology from BYU-Idaho. My position at Intel was challenging and I thrived in the environment serving as a team leader, a trainer, and various other assignments. I enjoyed creating and using cutting edge technology as well as seeing how a successful corporation like Intel runs. I was also introduced to investing through their 401k and Stock Participation program.

 

The Intel facility where I worked is in Hillsboro, Oregon far from my home in Montana. My wife, Melissa (Schlappy) and I both grew up around Missoula, Montana. When our daughter, Katie was born we started feeling a pull towards home and family. So just before Katie turned one year old, we moved back to Montana.

 

Life doesn’t go as planned. We made the move, but the computer technician position I had planned on was delayed. So I wired houses with my father-in-law and ran a skidder for my father’s logging outfit until a year later when I decided to enroll in business school. For the next two years I worked full-time, was a full-time student, and became the father of our second child, Isaac.

 

At the University of Montana, I first pursued accounting but found a more intriguing option called Financial Management. From my first exposure to investing at Intel, I found the stock market fascinating. As I studied financial markets and investing, I decided that my dream job would be to help others with their investments.

 

I graduated from the University of Montana with High Honors receiving a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. I immediately started working on my licenses to become a financial advisor. I chose to work for Waddell & Reed because of their focus on financial planning. A few months after graduation, armed with my Series 7, Series 66, and insurance licenses, I was ready to start my dream job as a financial advisor.

 

Since that time, I have obtained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM or CRPC^® designation, which focuses on the pre- and post-retirement needs of individuals. This certification on retirement planning, employer-sponsored plans, insurance planning, and estate planning allows me to transform the retirement planning process into a positive experience.

 

I love what I do. Three of my professional goals are to improve the lives of my clients through financial planning, spread enthusiasm for investing, and to protect families and loved ones through life and long term care insurance. It has been so rewarding to help my clients develop strategies that can help them transform dreams into realities.

 

Away from work, I enjoy playing with my children, playing basketball, dancing, and fishing. I also stay involved with Boy Scouts and youth activities associated with my church. My children are Katie (7), Isaac (4), and Andrew (2). My wife, Melissa is pregnant with our fourth child. We are expecting a second little girl to join our family around the Fourth of July.