Reflecting Back/Looking Forward
September 29, 2020
Sometimes it just feels right to sit down and reflect on your recent past. With 4th quarter 2020 days away and the year-end quickly approaching, now is one of those moments for me. This look-back can quickly bring to mind how much good stuff happens in life (and yes, some not so good, too). You will realize the past not-so-good things that happened in your life are just that – PAST. The past is gone and we get to hold on to the positive experiences we have had. I encourage you to take a few minutes to sit alone in a quite place and do this. Reflect on your life’s enjoyable moments, accomplishments and challenges you have overcome in recent years. I just did. Like you, a lot has happened in my life – both professionally and personally – over the last six years. I want to share some of these highlights with you.
A defining moment in my life was mid-June of 2014 when I was suddenly faced with an unexpected, terrible work-related situation. I made an immediate decision to quickly leave that work place and expand my independent Registered Investment Advisor business. In the six years since, many wonderful life experiences have occurred. The less-than wonderful experiences that happened are, well, PAST. Even those provided great learning opportunities. Here are a few of the highlights of my life’s experiences over those six years.
The Last 6 Years…
Big Professional Change
In July of 2014 I announced my new office and investment advisory services I offered through my firm, Equity Research & Portfolio Evaluation, Inc (ERPE). The office in Bishop Ranch 3, near Chevron, was a great location and a beautiful building. From there, I was fortunate to see my firm’s growth take-off strongly.
Greg & I Together Again
April of 2015 Greg Costa and I joined forces again, after working together for many years. Together, Greg and I expanded ERPE throughout Richmond, El Segundo, and Houston. Spent a lot on Chevron gas and Southwest Airlines! Click here...
Office Move
We moved from San Ramon to Danville (Blackhawk) in August of 2016. The Blackhawk Plaza Circle office has proven to be a fantastic location, opening a new opportunity for business growth. We soon out-grew our small office and moved down the hall in the building to a larger office in April of 2018. I am still here today. Click here…
1500th Excerpts
October of 2016 I wrote and mailed my 1500th “Excerpts”. It has had different names over the last 30 years, but I remain committed to writing what is now a bi-monthly global economic and investment market commentary, ERPE Excerpts. Click here…
Married Maya
March 11, 2017 I married Maya. My best friend, wife and biggest fan. She has made me TLMOTP! (The Luckiest Man On The Planet).
ALIVE Magazine Column
August 15, 2018 I published my first column in ALIVE Magazine. The column is called The Investor’s Edge and has been in the monthly magazine ever since. Click here...
Best Strategic Investment Planner 2018
We announced that Wealth & Money Management Awards recognized us as the Best Strategic Investment Planning Company in 2018. Click here…
Laurie & I Together Again
In September of 2018, we announced Laurie Dancoff joined the firm. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services profession, Laurie brought a lot of valuable talents and knowledge. Laurie and worked together at Smith Barney about 20 years ago! Click here…
ERPE Announces BAM
ERPE announced BAM (Blackhawk Asset Management) October 1, 2018. BAM, the firm’s portfolio and asset management division executes the proprietary research and analysis provided by ERPE. Click here…
Got My CPM®
I announced receiving my Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM®) designation November 12, 2018. There are still only a few hundred CPM’s® in America. I will never forget my study time at Columbia University. During the same time, Greg Costa became an AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary). Click here…
5th Year in Wall Street’s Best
January of 2019 was my 5th consecutive year as a contributor to Wall Street’s Best. The annual investment subscription publication invites a select few professional stock analysts to submit their “top stock pick” for the year.
Blackhawk Wealth Management
On June 11, 2019, the firm evolved into the vision I always had – a comprhensive wealth and investment planning firm supported by two seamless divisions. We were happy to announce Blackhawk Wealth Advisors (BWA) as the parent company of ERPE and BAM. The blend of a reseach and asset management divisions aimed at serving the overall estate needs of our clients. After many months of developmental effort, we also launched the new BWA Website the same day. Click here…
Forbe’s Five Star Award
September 3, 2019 I was awarded The Five Star Wealth Manager Award for 2019. Click here…
The Talk Pod
On September 23, 2019 I announced the broadcast of my first podcast on The Talk Pod. My now regular podcast airs frequently on The Talk Pod. Click here…
35th Year!
October 3, 2019 was my 35th Year Anniversary as an investment advisor. Clients, friends and family joined me for a great evening of celebration. Click here…
CFP® for 30 Years
July of 2020 was my 30th Year Anniversary as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). Click here…
Wall Street’s Best #3
July 22, 2020 I announed being ranked as the 3rd best in Wall Street’s Best 2020 “Top Picks”. Click here…
I owe immense gratitude to Greg and Laurie for their support and hard work. To my wife, Maya, and my children, I can’t express well enough my thanks for all the love, understanding and patience they have given me. To my clients, thank you for your continued trust and confidence!
Now, go and reflect on all your good fortune and happy memories over the last six years.
Looking forward, I hope the next 6 are as good as the last!