Focus

I take a proactive role in portfolio management and I am passionate about creating investment strategies designed to help balance growth, potential income and preservation for clients.


Background and experience

Upon completing my graduate studies and economic research in 1986, I began my career as a Financial Advisor and joined McCloy Financial Services.  While with McCloy, I was given management responsibilities and was assigned the task of providing securities training for the newly licensed representatives.

In 1996, I co-founded BKW Advisory Service Corporation, a Registered Investment Advisor, and served as the firm’s President and Chief Investment Officer. The growth of the firm’s asset management business led me to later co-found Ascend Advisory Group in 2001.  I helped grow the firm’s assets under management from $27 million in 2001 to over $2 billion when I left in July 2024.  In addition to my responsibilities for my clients, I also lead the company in its financial matters serving as Ascend’s CFO during my 23 year tenure.

In order to better focus on clients and their needs, I affiliated with the Slates Group under Northpointe Wealth Management in July 2024 and assumed my role as Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Strategist. 

I have held an insurance license since 1986 and hold the Series 7, 66 and 63 securities registration.  I earned the Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) professional designation in 1998 from the Institute of Business & Finance.  I am formerly a Standards Committee Board Member Emeritus with this organization.  During my career, I have appeared on WBNS 10TV, the local CBS affiliate, on several occasions regarding financial market commentary and on segments relating to retirement and investment planning.  I have also been a speaker at local Rotary meetings as well as industry seminars.

I have been recognized as a 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor. 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK. Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com).  The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC.  Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

I have also been named to the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network Platinum Council from 2010-2022 and again in 2023 and 2024. The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices, and team structure may also be used to determine recipients.

I attended The Ohio State University and earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Economics in 1983.  I then entered graduate school and earned my Master of Science, with thesis in 1986.  My graduate research was later published in peer-reviewed economic journals. During my time at Ohio State, I was selected into the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture and was later selected into Outstanding Young Men of America in 1987.


Away from the office

My Greek and Italian heritage, along with a passion for learning, has drawn me into a fascination with ancient and military history.  I am disciplined with my health and maintain a regimented routine of diet, strength training and bodybuilding.  My prior experiences as a competitive bodybuilder have taught me the importance of persistence and discipline in my professional life.  I enjoy international travel, trivia and quiet time.  My grandchildren are my other passion.  

 

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member, SIPC. Any other referenced entity is separate from WFAFN.