Q: When you first began your career, what did you expect it to look like?
A: I pictured a life behind a computer, researching companies, trading securities, and managing portfolios. That is what I thought success in finance looked like. But when the firm I worked for was acquired, I was introduced to financial planning, which at the time was still fairly new. I quickly realized this was not just about spreadsheets, it was about people. It was about solving problems, building relationships, and helping families make decisions that could change their future. That discovery lit a spark in me that has never gone away.
Q: What is the biggest situation in your life that shaped who you are today?
A: Without a doubt, it was losing my dad after his battle with cancer when I was 23. He had remarried and was living in Florida, and when he passed at just 51, I suddenly had to step into a role I never expected. As the oldest relative of my 94-year-old grandmother, I made sure she was cared for. I moved her from Florida, got her settled in a nursing home near me, and visited her most days through the end of her life. At the same time, I was looking out for my younger brother and trying to guide him through an incredibly difficult time. Alongside that, I was navigating complicated estate and financial matters I had never faced before. I was young, overwhelmed, and unprepared, but I figured it out. That experience opened my eyes to how overwhelming financial decisions can be, even for capable families. It was my light bulb moment, the one that convinced me people need true leadership in their financial lives. That became my mission, to build something steady, reliable, and rooted in care. In 2005, that is how Ballast was born.
Q: Do you remember signing your very first client?
A: Clear as day. I was young, looked even younger, and honestly had no idea how people would respond to me. But that first family saw something in me, trusted me with their financial future, and that trust still shapes how I approach my work today. Once someone gives you their trust, you have to honor it with everything you have. That moment gave me both confidence and a lasting reminder of what responsibility really means. That is the foundation of Ballast.
Q: Can you give an example of a challenge that demanded everything you had?
A: After my dad passed, I needed an outlet for my grief and a test for my willpower. In 2006, I trained for and completed Ironman Lake Placid. I was not doing it to prove I was an athlete; I was doing it to prove I could endure. The training tested my discipline every single day, and the race itself required every ounce of grit I had. I raised money for cancer research along the way, but at its core it was about resilience. Just like with my grandmother’s care, my younger brother, and my dad’s estate, I figured it out. It showed me that no matter how painful or difficult life gets, you can push through and finish what you start. That mindset has shaped how I lead Ballast. If I commit to something, whether a family, a client, or a teammate, I do not quit.
Q: Beyond Ballast, where do you focus your energy?
A: I have always been passionate about education and supporting those who teach and mentor the next generation. Teachers shaped me, and I have seen how much they give with little recognition. Through my work with Kentucky Teachers Retirement and The Lexington School, I have tried to help teachers and schools get the resources to keep changing the lives of kids. I believe strongly that helping a teacher means helping every child that the teacher touches. For me, this work is not just charitable, it is deeply personal. Education is the pathway to opportunity and supporting it is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting difference.
Q: What excites you most about leading Ballast today?
A: Watching our people grow. Seeing team members step out of their comfort zones, build skills, and create meaningful careers is incredibly rewarding. I am proud of the work we do for clients, but I am equally proud of the culture we have built. Leadership, to me, means making sure others have the confidence and support to thrive. That is not just lip service, it is my responsibility every day. And when I see a team member step forward with new ideas, solve a hard problem, or gain the trust of a client, it reinforces why we built Ballast in the first place.
Q: The industry is evolving fast. How do you see Ballast adapting?
A: Consolidation and artificial intelligence are changing the landscape, but independence is our strength. We are nimble, client centered, and answer only to the families we serve.
At its heart, this business is about stewardship, about leading people through complexity with care and conviction. Technology can enhance that, but it will never replace the human role. Families need someone who knows them, understands what they value, and will stand with them no matter what the markets or the world throws their way. That is where Ballast thrives.
Q: And outside of work, where do you find your balance?
A: Balance for me comes back to family, friendships, and competition. A perfect Saturday is coffee on the back porch with my wife, kids, and our dogs, a round of golf, or cheering on Kentucky football. Those moments keep me grounded. I thrive on hard work, but I also thrive on connection.
And through it all, I carry my dad’s advice with me. He always said, “If you take care of your people, you will be just fine.” He was never able to see what we have built at Ballast, but every day I strive to make him proud in how we care for our team and for our clients.