The best part of my day is talking with my clients and hearing their unique stories. Frankly, I'm a pretty curious guy. I enjoy learning about other people's backgrounds, passions, beliefs, and whatever they're interested in sharing. In the Our Story section of the Oakstreet Financial website, I briefly share how Oakstreet Financial came to be. However, I thought you might want to know a little about me personally.
I was born in Fayetteville, NC, in '72, but shortly after that, my Dad accepted a job offer from Ross Perot (remember him?!) and moved us to Southern California. Just before my 8th birthday, seeking to escape the SoCal rat race, my parents moved us to Seattle. It turns out we weren't the only family seeking exile in the Emerald City. So much for exiting the rat race, eh?
If you've read Our Story, you already know my Dad was securities licensed six months after I was born. He joined the "buy term and invest the difference" crusade led by Art Williams. Before Nike adopted the slogan, "Just Do It," I grew up listening to Art, saying, "just do it, and do it, and do it…". Art and his Army of recruits transformed the life insurance industry, and we have them to thank for the ubiquitous low-cost term insurance available to us today.
In my late teens, I developed a passion for playing acoustic guitar, writing music, and leading worship at church. I wasn't the most naturally gifted. In fact, when I was 12, my guitar teacher fired me and told my parents not to waste their time and money because I would never be any good at it. While I may not have been radio material as a young man, I was wedding material, which is what garnered me the nickname "The Wedding Singer"! These days I only play the guitar and sing at home where I still have a few fans. ;-)
Besides people and music, technology was my primary interest during those years. After starting my career in financial services and working in the family business, I decided to forge my own path and joined the tech industry in the '90s. Most of my time in IT was at Microsoft. However, I did run an award-winning cloud computing company for a few years.
I married my beautiful bride, Emily, in the summer of 2000. BEST. DECISION. EVER! We have two boys and one girl. My oldest son goes to the local high school. My middle-school-aged son is homeschooled, and my fiesty, fun daughter is in elementary school.
When I transitioned back into the financial sector, I brought a whole new skill set with me. The ability to incorporate the data analysis and engineering skills I learned in tech with my love for people sets me apart from many wealth advisors. I wanted to make a tangible difference in the lives of real people, not just nameless, faceless demographics and personas. That decision has been rewarding.
In February of 2019, our family moved to Liberty Lake WA, where we bought some land. Emily is working tirelessly, turning our beautiful forest on a granite hillside into a place suited for generations of Ecks to come. She looks super cute wearing Carhartts and wielding her chainsaw, so that's another plus!
Today, I'm at the helm of the old family business, and we're on a crusade to help our clients Invest on Purpose. Our vision is to provide professionally managed faith-based portfolios, comprehensive financial management, and ongoing discussions to earn our clients' confidence and to help them achieve their financial objectives.
Here are some random facts about me:
- I love spicy food, especially Thai chilies!
- I'm 6'4".
- The first time we went camping as a family was in the parking lot of the Lynnwood, WA Chick-fil-a, for its grand opening.
- I enjoy theology and Christian apologetics.
- Here are a few of my favorite podcasts:
- I am red-green colorblind.
Thanks for reading my story, now, what's yours? I'd love to hear it!
If you want to know more or learn if you'd like to make Oakstreet Financial part of your family's story, contact us today!
You can call or text me at 509-350-8072, email me at david@oakstreetfinancial.com, or book time with me by clicking here.
Take Care! - David
Investment advisory services offered through Inspire Advisors, LLC , a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC.
Oakstreet Financial © 2019