I grew up in Tulare, a farming town in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley. Despite the region’s strong agricultural and dairy roots, my family forged a different path: my parents, Jeff and Shelley, ran their own business for over thirty years before transitioning—my father is now an auto damage appraiser for a large insurance company, and my mother works as a local real estate agent.
As the middle child, I share a unique bond with both my brothers. My older brother, Jeffrey, has been an attorney for several years, while my younger brother, Ryan, also remains in Tulare, working for a small business.
Sports, especially baseball, played a central role in my youth, taking me across the world and earning me a scholarship to Fresno Pacific University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. I once aspired to coach at the collegiate or professional level. My career path shifted after working as an office manager and estate planning specialist at a law firm, when I was encouraged by Robert Larsen to pursue financial advising. Since entering the field in 2013, I haven’t looked back. I remain a strong believer in lifelong learning and earned my Certified Financial Planner® designation in 2019.
Currently, I’m based in Portland, Oregon, serving as Chief Operating Officer at Optima Capital LLC. I work with clients throughout Oregon, Washington, and California, with a focus on healthcare and education professionals. My mission is to build lasting, meaningful relationships and support clients in achieving financial confidence and their unique goals. The advice I give to everyone considering retirement is this: when you retire, you should find something to do with your time that brings you joy or a sense of purpose.
In August 2016, I married Robin Larsen on Oahu, Hawaii, surrounded by loved ones. We now have two wonderful daughters—Zoe (3) and Riley (1)—who are the light of our lives. Robin and I enjoy watching our kids grow, exploring new foods, spending time with family and friends, camping, and balancing our busy family and professional lives. One fun fact about me: I’ve run one half marathon, two marathons, and Hood to Coast three times.