My Story
A Passion for Financial Planning
My dad was a naval officer for 21 years, which meant my family moved frequently when I was young. I was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up in Melrose, a small town in eastern New Mexico. When people say they grew up in a small town, I know exactly what that means—people work hard, attend church, and help their friends and neighbors. These are the values I was raised with.
After Dad retired from the Navy, he went into finance and shared his knowledge with me, teaching me about investing, estate planning, leveraging insurance to minimize risk and capitalize on tax-advantaged assets, as well as the principles of running a successful business. My parents taught me that there should be no separation between business and personal ethics; rather, we should apply a consistent, ethical approach to all areas of our lives, focusing on honesty, integrity, and serving others.
After earning my BBA, I married my best friend, Jessica. I subsequently took a job as a loan officer but soon discovered my passion was financial planning, so I began working with my dad in his practice.
Helping Clients Reach Their Goals
In 2000, I bought my dad’s firm, Contemporary Benefits LLC. Our firm continued to grow, primarily serving small-business owners and professionals. We specialize in the design and administration of employee benefit plans for companies as well as wealth management for individuals. In 2023, we launched Watershed Wealth Management, a firm exclusively focused on wealth management for individuals, with Contemporary Benefits, LLC focusing exclusively on employee benefit plan design and administration.
Managing and balancing everything life throws at us is challenging. It is very satisfying to help people reach their financial goals, including paying for their children’s college or private schooling, minimizing or eliminating estate taxes, and helping simplify estate settlement for surviving heirs. I aim to make my clients’ financial lives simpler and remove as much of the stress of wealth management as possible.
Serving the Community
Community service is a value instilled in me by my parents. I had the honor of serving as a Rotarian for 25 years and as a board member of the United Way of Eastern New Mexico for nine years, including as campaign chair and board president. I was also on the finance committee for the local Boy Scouts chapter for three years and a Chamber of Commerce board member for 10 years, including six years on the executive committee and one year as Chamber board president.
My other service-related activities include being a governance board member of the Plains Regional Medical Center for 18 years, honorary commander to Cannon Air Force Base for two years, and committee member of the Clovis Music Festival 13 years. I was also the chair of Clovis’ Draggin’ Main Music Festival for three years and have served as a board member and secretary/treasurer of the Clovis Christian School since 2016.
Giving Thanks
When I’m not working, I love being on (and in) the water, drumming, spending time with my family and friends, and serving in my local church. God has blessed my life in so many ways—a lovely wife, amazing parents, a great son, daughter-in-law and grandson, a beautiful place to live and work, and a loving church and community, not to mention my wonderful clients.
Simplifying Your Financial Life
I hope to welcome you as a client, too. I look forward to helping you define your goals and simplify your financial life.