FAQ:

 

How did you arrive at this business?

I began my career in 1994 with Merrill Lynch as a broker in their Baltimore office. The experience was invaluable, but in 1998, I took a leap of faith and started my own firm. My mission then, as it is now, is to help clients reach their financial goals while providing peace of mind so they can enjoy their lives.

 

What is your investment approach to managing clients' assets?

Like so many other advisors I too use a diversified asset allocation approach by investing in a broad array of mutual funds as well as ETFs.  Depending on the account size and your risk tolerance your money can also be invested in individual stocks and bonds.

 

What quality of yours makes you best suited to do what you do?

Clients have described me as trustworthy, reliable, and analytical.

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What do you enjoy most about wealth management?

I find it incredibly rewarding to see my ideas help clients achieve their financial goals. Additionally, the trust clients place in me with their finances is very gratifying.

 

What do you like most about being an independent advisor?

As an independent advisor, I avoid external pressures such as company quotas or sales competitions that might compromise client interests. This independence allows me to focus on building meaningful relationships with a manageable number of clients.

 

What’s the biggest challenge in your work?

Dealing with major market-related events that are beyond my control and can have an adverse effect on client portfolios. The other one I would say is being aware of common cognitive biases that can affect my judgment and decision making. Lastly, I would say trying to get clients on board on the importance of a goal-based investment strategy in a volatile, short-term-result-driven industry.

 

Why would someone not want to work with you?

I am not the most aggressive financial advisor. As a fiduciary, I prioritize appropriate risk levels to help clients meet their goals. Therefore, I'm not a fit for clients seeking active trading or hedge fund-like management.

 

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Tehran, Iran and I grew up there until I was 13. Then in 1979 like so many Iranian-Americans we moved to the U.S. and began living in Maryland, where I finished my high school and then college. I lived in Maryland until 2002 when my wife and I moved to Virginia.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Playing golf, reading, watching sports and catching a thought-provoking movie.