Professional Snapshot
Experience: Joined NPF in 2024; Worked in financial planning in Johannesburg, South Africa before spending 10+ years in various roles with non-profits around the world.
Education: Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance and Investments, University of Witwatersrand; Masters in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, Grand Valley State University. Currently completing the education requirements for the CFP designation in the USA.
Personal Insights
What drives you and what do you enjoy most about being a Wealth Planning Associate?
I have a deep need to do what is right, just and good in both my personal and professional life. Being of service to our clients and their families by accompanying them throughout their financial journeys, especially in key moments of their lives, is what drives me most professionally.
What was your journey to the investment world and NPF specifically?
As unusual as this may sound, even as a child I would sit down and write “mini plans” on how I was going to save and use my money towards my goals. The more complex investment and tax planning scenarios we do today were natural progressions from how my mind has always worked.
I started my career at an award-winning financial planning company in Johannesburg, South Africa. In my late 20’s I accepted the incredible opportunity of taking some time to volunteer in the Brazilian Amazon. That experience led to nearly a decade of working in social projects across the world. Now at a different stage of life, I’ve recently moved back into the industry which I first fell in love with and couldn’t be happier than to be doing so with the fantastic team at NPF.
What are the values that drive you in your professional and personal life?
Integrity and service are my two driving values both personally and professionally. What drew me to NPF was the perfect combination of deep integrity, client-centeredness and expertise which underpin all that the firm does.
Where did you grow up and where do you live today?
I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and have hopped around a fair amount throughout my life. This includes a beach town in Portugal, bustling South Korea, the Brazilian Amazon and now the great state of Michigan. My wife was born and raised in Grand Rapids and we now live here with our two wonderful little girls.
Is there a person or experience that influenced you most?
Meeting Nelson Mandela in my youth and encountering his deep wisdom, intellect and love highlighted the heights which humanity could reflect the divine. I’d add that volunteering with Salesian nuns in rural Mozambique as a college student reshaped my worldview and the rest of my life.
What is your favorite restaurant in Grand Rapids?
Tough one! Rose’s on Reeds Lake is our family favorite, but MDRD, Real Food and Vito’s are pretty special too.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
This has changed as I’ve moved into parenting! Previously I would have said playing cricket, watching soccer or traveling to a new place. Today though, nothing beats playing hide-and-seek or giggling through made-up adventure stories with my 2 and 4-year-olds.
What is your most unique or fulfilling achievement outside of work?
Running the Comrades Marathon, the world’s first and largest ultramarathon, was my most fulfilling achievement.
What organizations are you actively involved with – why and in what capacity?
I sit on the board of Deus Caritas Est, a local nonprofit addressing food insecurity among seniors in our community. I am also a member of the Grants Committee for the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan.