Each quarter Vanderbilt Financial Group features an Advisor in the Vanderbilt family who exhibits the VFG values of Gratitude, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, and Trust on a consistent basis. These values impact their work with clients and VFG staff and ultimately push for excellence in their business practices that is unparalleled and incredibly unique. Beyond high-level producers, these Financial Professionals offer sage advice and best practices for boosting your business on your terms according to your values.

Can you please give us a little information on your background, and why you chose to embark on a career in the financial services industry?

I am a CFP® practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the securities industry which I entered in 1991. I currently hold my Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. On September 11, 2001, my life was drastically altered as a financial planner working at 2 World Trade Center on the 73rd floor and I was still in the building on the 44th floor when Tower 2 was hit during the World Trade Center attacks. I was still very young when I entered the securities industry. I thought I would have the opportunity to play basketball professionally and I was on my way to Seton Hall University. Unfortunately, I was impregnated on graduation night and my dreams were shattered. After a difficult pregnancy, I had to drop out of school and find a job. I received my first raise working for the Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne, NJ and it was for .50 cents. I made a commitment to myself that I refused to live my life one .50 cent raise at a time.

While in grammar school, I had a field trip to the New York Stock Exchange in the 4th grade and it had a major impact on my life. When given the opportunity to pursue a career on Wall Street, I did. I still didn’t have my college degree but I was encouraged to acquire my Series 7 even though I worked in operations. I had a mentor guiding me every step of the way. I went from working in operations to a registered sales assistant and the rest was history. I earned my CFP®designation long before I finally completed college. It was the best change or shift in my life plan…ever.

What would you say are the areas your practice specializes in?

My area of practice and specialization is rooted in an overall principle more than a niche market. My commitment to my clients and the people whom I generally work with are individuals who have endured some level of spiritual, emotional, or economic trauma. My commitment is to assist them with recovery in those stated areas.

Being in the WTC disaster impacted my life so profoundly because I lived what I practice today. Wealth accumulation is insufficient standing alone. Without protection, one unanticipated, catastrophic event can alter anyone’s life plan. I learned that firsthand as people standing next to me died on that fateful day, yet I was still alive. It was at that moment that my entire way of doing business shifted. I specialize in dealing with people’s emotional connection to money and understanding the connection between how people feel and how they spend. I also have an advanced level of expertise in addressing clergy compensation and legacy wealth building and protection.

Most of my clients generate both 1099 income and W2 as solo practitioners and/or small business owners who leverage corporate benefits with their creative nature to accumulate wealth.

What is your favorite part about working with Vanderbilt?

While I am relatively new to Vanderbilt, the two most compelling attributes are their commitment to community engagement and the family-style environment they foster. I value a sense of belonging and Vanderbilt consistently reaffirms through their actions and overall support that I made the right decision.

If you could have a career outside the finance industry, what would it be?

I stand in a unique position in that I do what I love, and I am handsomely compensated for it. I became an entrepreneur because I had medical challenges post-9/11. I have been afforded the privilege to make a full-time income on a part-time basis. In the sharing of my 9/11 story, I have written several books and I have been invited to speak on major platforms. This helped me to become an award-winning author and public speaker. But the vocation most dear to me is that I am a pastor of a wonderful congregation named Micah 7 Ministries located in Piscataway, NJ. Transforming lives and helping people spiritually, emotionally, and economically is a privilege I do not take lightly. I never had to choose. I have the opportunity to do it all.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Today my favorite holiday is one that I despised for many years growing up. My family was too poor to celebrate Christmas and that feeling can be emotionally devastating and incomprehensible for a child. Over 20 years ago, my sister and I established a nonprofit organization and one of our most notable accomplishments is helping struggling families have an enjoyable Christmas. Today we serve an average of 100 families annually, along with people without an address. It is a joy to bless the entire family with food, care essential items, and toys each holiday season.

What are some of your interests outside of work?

Serving is my joy. Outside of work, you will find me with my family laughing, supporting, and spending time with them as they fulfill their purpose and/or destiny. My adult children are all entertainers, so they keep me busy celebrating their many endeavors. Add their schedules to my speaking and preaching schedule, I have learned to find joy and contentment simply by being in their presence.

Vanderbilt Financial Group is the marketing name for Vanderbilt Securities, LLC and its affiliates.

Securities offered through Vanderbilt Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, SIPC. Registered with MSRB. 

Clearing agent: Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions

Advisory Services offered through Vanderbilt Advisory Services & Consolidated Portfolio Review. Clearing agents:Fidelity 

Clearing & Custody Solutions, Charles Schwab

Supervising Office: 125 Froehlich Farm Blvd, Woodbury, NY 11797 • 631-845-5100