I believe that most things in our industry can be improved with more data, organization of that data, and practical application of that data.

Why I became a Financial Advisor

I grew up around the financial services industry through my father. It was a large part of my youth. I studied economics in college and enjoyed the concepts associated with the economy, markets and statistics. I was then blessed to have the opportunity to learn from some of the smartest and most passionate people in the brokerage industry. My knowledge, passion and curiosity exploded!

What I love about working with clients

There are several reasons why I love what I do. I believe that I serve a critical role in serving our clients and their families. Because of the depth of our discussions, planning and oversight, I often know more about our clients and families than most others. Understanding the things that really matter to each and every client is a significant responsibility and can be emotional, but I believe it is what makes me more effective at serving their needs. I always want to put myself in each client’s shoes, and the more I know, the better I am.

Something that may surprise you

While this may not be a complete surprise, I love solving problems. I am a geek at heart and love computers, data and analytics. I believe that most things in our industry can be improved with more data (information), organization of that data, and practical application of that data.

Education & Experience

BA in Economics with an emphasis on International Business from The Ohio State University. Dan started in financial services in 1995.

Supporting my coworkers to make sure our clients have an unmatched, best-of-the-best experience is by far the thing I look forward to the most.

Why I became a Financial Advisor

I have constantly been surrounded by the financial services industry and have been lucky enough to have such an amazing mentor in my mother. From a young age, I would listen to her talk about all the lovely clients and families that she was able to help. I would read all the thank you cards, emails, and letters of appreciation that she received through years, and I saw and internalized the true joy that it brought her, knowing that she had made a real impact on someone’s life. It was at that point, very early in my life, that I realized what an amazing privilege, opportunity, and career it is to be able to help make a real difference for others. It’s never been about the dollars and cents to me; I’ve always wanted to be a Financial Advisor to help people because that’s the example I’ve always been shown.

A Favorite Part of my Job

I really enjoy being a part of the innovative, creative energy at Salomon & Ludwin. We are constantly challenging each other and the industry with forward-thinking ideas for how we service our clients. I love being able to not only participate in idea generation but to take our collective ideas and make them a reality. Supporting my coworkers to make sure our clients have an unmatched, best-of-the-best experience is by far the thing I look forward to the most.

Something that may surprise you

It’s my pleasure to be involved with the national non-profit, Minds Matter, for the past six years and counting. Minds Matter is a highly successful, three-year comprehensive program that empowers high school students from low-income families to achieve college readiness and success. Minds Matter has branches across the country and touts a 100% acceptance rate for their students at colleges around the US. Most of these young adults are first-generation college students, and it’s been an honor to mentor, advise them through the college admissions process, and become close friends with many on Saturday mornings throughout the past several years.

How I like to spend time outside of the office

My favorite hobby is most certainly seeing live music – from classic rock to bluegrass to jazz and everything in between. Seeing music is my happy place, and I even love traveling to experience different venues and artists. I always have a song or band recommendation, but I’m constantly expanding my musical taste by learning from other people and cultures!

Education & Experience

BA with a Double Major in Economics and Spanish from the University of Virginia. Jacob started in the financial services industry as an intern with Salomon & Ludwin in 2011 and also interned with NASDAQ in NYC. He has earned the Certified Financial Planner™ designation.

What makes my job even better is when our clients are so excited that they bring in photos or invite you to big events to celebrate another milestone.

Why I became a Financial Advisor

My father worked in the financial services industry for over 40 years. Since I can remember, I have been privy to stories and information about the stock market and the economy, and this piqued my interest at an early age. As fascinated as I was about the markets, the real reason I wanted to be a Financial Advisor is because I find a great amount of joy and happiness in helping people accomplish their goals. The markets will go up and down, and I have accepted that I can’t predict or control them. But what I do know is that I can work to increase a client’s probability of success in living the life they envision. I can help them achieve financial goals that they thought were out of reach. I can open their eyes to their future and their next phase of life. I can walk with a client through the difficult times of their lives and give them confidence that they will successfully make it through to the other side. Why did I become a Financial Advisor? I love helping people.

What I love about working with clients

Every client is unique. Each person that we work with values and prioritizes things differently. What I love to do is uncover what is most meaningful to that person or family. Identifying the priority helps me understand what the client needs and the best route to achieve their goal.

My favorite part about working with clients

The uniqueness of each client. Of the hundreds of clients we work with, no two are the same. This creates an opportunity to learn what each client values and, through our relationship, build a plan to achieve their financial goals. Whether it involves helping their children/grandchildren, retiring early, traveling the world, or creating a legacy through charitable giving. Listening and understanding what each client is trying to achieve allows me to develop a deep understanding of not only their financial situation but of who they are as individuals and as families.

Something that may surprise you

I grew up spending all my time on the baseball field, but as my MLB dreams dwindled, I transitioned my athleticism to the golf course. There is nothing better than the peace and calm I find on the course (when I finally hit a good shot!) Off the golf course, you will find me enjoying Richmond with my family (which almost always includes the Salomon & Ludwin office dog, Louie) and friends. During the Fall and Winter, my Midwest roots come out to cheer on the Green Bay Packers. Many people do not know that my son and I own stock in the Packers, which technically makes us NFL owners.

Education & Experience

BBA in Marketing with a Minor in Economics from James Madison University. David has earned the Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designations. He started in financial services in 2009.

My goals each day are to make my teammates’ jobs run smoothly from an operational standpoint and to effectively share details about our people and services, so clients and prospects can make informed decisions with confidence.

Why I chose a career in financial services

Shortly after college, I was placed by a temp agency at Wheat First Butcher Singer. I loved the fast pace and the personalities of the people who seemed to be drawn to the industry: competitive, team-oriented, and results-driven. Throughout the years, I worked in operations, marketing, compliance, and many other roles.

These experiences taught me how much I enjoy creative problem-solving, clear communication, and successful plan execution. My goals each day are to make my teammates’ jobs run smoothly from an operational standpoint and to effectively share details about our people and services, so clients and prospects can make informed decisions with confidence.

Something that may surprise you

I’m obsessed with music! I spend my free time traveling to hear bands, symphonies, musicals, sound bowls – you name it! I’m happiest when tapping my toes to a beat.

Education & Experience

BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Longwood College. Beth began her career in financial services in 1994.

No day is ever the same, no market is ever the same, and that fuels my need to learn.

Why I chose financial services as a career

I used to follow stocks and investing with my dad as a 12 year old. I even asked for a share of stock for Christmas. I enjoy the numbers and the constant challenge of understanding what is going on and where we are going. No day is ever the same, no market is ever the same, and that fuels my need to learn.

My favorite part of the job

What other job is at the crossroads of current events and the inner workings of commerce and the engine of growth? I love the learning side of it. I enjoy supporting our team and our clients with knowledge, systems or data to help achieve goals and objectives.

Something that may surprise you

Microsoft flew me and some colleagues to showcase an application for financial advisors. During that trip, I had the chance to meet Bill Gates. It was a brief encounter with a short conversation, but for the inner geek, it was a dream come true.

Education & Experience

BBA from the College of William and Mary and an MBA from Wake Forest University. John began his career in Financial Services in 1992. He has earned the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst®.