When people ask how I got into financial services, they’re usually surprised by my answer.
I didn’t grow up dreaming of a career in wealth management, and I certainly didn’t imagine I’d one day help build an independent firm from the ground up. Like a lot of people starting out, I was simply trying to pay the bills while attending college.
The opportunity came through someone I trusted. My Bible study leader’s husband worked in the financial industry and encouraged me to come work with him. I accepted a receptionist position, thinking it was simply a job.
Looking back now, that one decision changed the course of my life.
Learning That Hard Work Opens Doors
When I first started, I wasn’t thinking about leadership. I wasn’t trying to climb a corporate ladder. I was focused on learning my job and doing it well.
As I spent more time in the industry, I realized that if I wanted to grow, I needed to earn my Series 7 license. That wasn’t always an easy process. At times, I didn’t receive the guidance or support I had hoped for, and there were moments when I had to find my own path forward.
Instead of letting those challenges discourage me, they taught me something that has stayed with me throughout my career: no one cares about your growth more than you do.
Eventually, I started training new financial advisors, something I never would have imagined when I first answered the phones.
Along the way, I was fortunate to learn from incredible people, including Michelle Venezia, Lori Ikesaki, Joe Eschleman, and Nathan Billigmeier. Each of them influenced my career in different ways, but they all reinforced the importance of working hard, staying curious, and never assuming you’ve learned everything.
Taking a Chance on Something Bigger
One of the biggest moments in my career happened over a conversation with Joe Eschleman.
He shared his vision of starting an independent wealth management firm and asked if I wanted to come with him.
People often ask if I was nervous about leaving the stability of Wells Fargo.
Honestly?
Not really.
My response was basically, “When can I quit?”
Of course, it helped knowing I had an incredible support system at home. My husband encouraged me to take the opportunity. He knew the early days would require long hours and a lot of sacrifice, but he also believed in me enough to know it wouldn’t last forever.
That support gave me the confidence to take a leap that ended up changing my career.
The Early Days of Towerpoint Wealth
Building a company from scratch isn’t nearly as glamorous as people sometimes imagine.
I remember twelve-hour days in a tiny office with papers covering just about every available surface. Everyone wore multiple hats. We were building processes, solving problems, and figuring things out as we went.
Those were long days.
They were hard days.
But they were also some of the most rewarding days of my career.
One thing I remember clearly is that not everyone expected us to succeed. There were people watching and waiting to see if we would fail.
Instead, we kept moving forward.
Today, when I look at what Towerpoint Wealth has become, I couldn’t be prouder.
I’m proud of Joe for having the courage to start something new. I’m proud of our entire team for believing in the vision. And I’m proud that I was willing to take that leap alongside them.
Why Culture Matters
One of the things I love most about Towerpoint Wealth is that we’re genuinely a family.
Yes, everyone has their own responsibilities, but nobody hesitates to step in and help someone else. Whether it’s supporting a teammate or taking care of a client, people here care about each other beyond their job descriptions.
I think our clients feel that.
Operations may happen behind the scenes, but everything we do is designed to make our clients’ experience easier, smoother, and more personal. When those details are handled well, our advisors can focus on what matters most—helping clients make confident financial decisions.
What Keeps Me Going
People sometimes ask how I’ve stayed in this industry for so many years.
The answer has always been simple.
My family.
Not every year was easy.
Not every season felt rewarding.
But consistency has a way of paying off over time.
What I’d Tell Someone Starting Their Career
If you’re facing a decision between staying comfortable or taking a chance on something new, my advice is simple.
First, make sure you have people around you who support you. Having that foundation makes a tremendous difference.
Second, understand that things won’t always go according to plan—and that’s okay. Some of the best opportunities in my career came from moments I never expected.
Most importantly, don’t quit just because you’re having a hard day, a hard month, or even a hard year.
Things change.
Careers grow.
Businesses evolve.
People surprise you—including yourself.
When I look back on my career, I’m incredibly proud that I stayed the course. I’m proud that I’ve been in this industry since 1997. I’m proud that I’ve worked alongside Joe since 2004. And I’m proud that together we’ve built something that serves our clients with integrity every single day.
At the end of it all, that’s what matters most to me.
Taking care of every client the way they deserve to be cared for—and never giving up simply because the road gets difficult.
