I began my career in consulting before becoming a business owner and founder of a luxury Italian menswear company in New York City. I spent several years building that brand and business in stores such as Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Barneys. That experience taught me the value of excellent customer service, relationship management and personal accountability to clients and partners.

After exiting that business and earning my MBA, I joined Goldman Sachs’ wealth management division in Washington, D.C., where I got my start in investment management. After several years, I had the opportunity to join Chevy Chase Trust and help open and grow our Northern Virginia office.

What drove your transition from fashion to finance?

Major changes in menswear and retail more generally in the early 2000s pushed the business model and broader trends against us, which led me to pursue an MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business with a focus in entrepreneurship and finance. During that time, I worked at Bridgewater, a hedge fund in Connecticut, where I received a firsthand crash course in financial markets and investment management. Private wealth management then felt like a natural extension of my financial and entrepreneurial experience. That path ultimately led me to Chevy Chase Trust, where I’ve been able to continue working with business owners and founders, helping them manage all aspects of their financial lives.

What experiences have you valued most in building your career?

Two things come to mind. First, throughout my career, people have been incredibly generous with their time, experience and expertise — but only when I asked and followed up. The gap between intention and action is where opportunity is lost. Whether pursuing a new career or building a new client relationship, making the ask and then following through has consistently been the recipe that led to the best outcomes for me and the people with whom I work.

Second, continuous curiosity has been a guiding principle throughout my career, both in fashion and now in wealth management. There is always more to learn, and approaching every interaction with openness and curiosity has led to meaningful opportunities, strong relationships and even a few new hobbies.

Above all else, the most important aspect is our duty to our clients. That includes being a fiduciary — a steward of not just our clients’ assets but also their trust and their family’s well-being. This firm has a long and proud tradition of doing right by both our clients and the broader community, and I am proud to be a part of that.

To be successful as an investment advisor, it is important to develop a client-centric mindset—both internally and externally. The role requires initiative, creativity and a willingness to cultivate opportunities to grow the business.

However, growth is not measured simply in assets under management. Growth is building the strongest network of professionals who can provide best-in-class service to clients. Whether that be trust and estate attorneys, transaction bankers, insurance providers, real estate brokers, or even collectibles appraisers and property managers, client service extends well beyond our own walls.

Lastly, I’ve heard it said that advice is cheap and experience is expensive, so there is real value in learning from people who have done the work before you. I am fortunate to be in a place where I can learn from industry veterans while also having the autonomy to keep learning and growing in my own capacity.

Another thing that drew me to Chevy Chase Trust is the culture of philanthropy across both the firm and many of our clients. CCT has supported organizations such as the Sargent Shriver Elementary School, Manna Food, Catholic Charities and many others over the years.

Personally, I volunteer with So Others May Eat (S.O.M.E.) and the D.C. Central Food Kitchen. I have also been active on the NextGen Board of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), which combines social and philanthropic events. It is meaningful to be a part of an organization that is so active in the community.

 

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