With more than 38 years in the financial services industry, Skip has learned that good advice starts with good listening.
For Skip, being a financial professional is about more than charts and returns. It’s about being a steady, trusted resource — someone clients can count on through every season of life. Over the years, those connections have turned into lifelong relationships, something he’s proud to say is the true measure of his success.
Q&A with Skip
What was your first job?
When I was 13, I sold strawberries and flowers off the back of a dump truck in Cambridge, MA. I was often walking around with hundreds of dollars in my pocket — quite the responsibility for a kid! I still remember the pride I felt when I bought my first new bike with the money I earned.
What led you to this career?
During my senior year of college, a family member introduced me to the financial services industry. Once I got started, I realized it was the perfect fit — especially as I began building a family of my own.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
Many people think financial advising is all about chasing returns or minimizing taxes. Those things matter, of course, but what really makes a difference is helping people avoid mistakes and stay on track through an ongoing, trusted relationship.
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
I’ve got two! First, I’d love to be the next Ben Mankiewicz — a classic film historian and commentator. I’m a big fan of history and old movies, so that would be a dream job.
Second, anyone who knows me won’t be surprised by this one — I’d love to become an expert in freshwater fly fishing.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I helped pay my way through college by playing guitar and singing in pubs and restaurants. My go-to songs were Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison and Amie by Pure Prairie League.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given—and who gave it to you?
It’s not advice that was given to me personally, but it stuck with me the first time I read it:
Winston Churchill once said, “Never, never, never quit.” Those words have stayed with me ever since.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Up until high school, I had dreams of becoming a professional football player — then reality set in!
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Normandy, France. I’ve always wanted to visit the D-Day landing sites and pay tribute to the incredible bravery and sacrifice that changed the course of history.
