As a young man growing up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, I heard many stories about my grandparents on my mother's side. Both of my grandparents came over from the Netherlands shortly after WWII to immigrate to Canada. They each separately came over with little more than a suitcase and a few dollars. However, they each had some basic skills. My grandfather was a carpenter and my grandmother was a nurse. My grandparents got married, they enjoyed a full life, raised a family of four girls and helped to literally build the church they attended through their entire lives. Even though they both did not live nearly as long as they had planned they had left a legacy for their family.

Early on in my grandparents' life, they began to work with a financial advisor. From their humble beginnings as immigrants with a limited skill set, they were able to retire comfortably, owned several rental properties, helped send their 10 grandchildren to college and left a legacy to their family after they passed away.

As a result, throughout my entire life, family dinners often included discussions on financial literacy and planning. My earliest memories include going with my parents to visit their financial advisors and conversations about the importance of saving and preparing for the unexpected things that can arise in my future.

After moving to the United States to Grand Rapids, MI in high school, going through college as a student athlete and then attending grad school, I developed a passion for educating others. This passion for education led to my first career as a high school English and history teacher, where I spent eight years, four of which I spent teaching in Sumner County.

When I decided to transition careers, I knew that I wanted to educate and help people. This love of education and helping others led me to become a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Every day, I strive to partner with my clients throughout their entire lives to help them reach their financial goals.