What Inspires Us
As your advisory team, each of us would like to share a little about what inspires us in our lives.
We believe it will help you to know some personal + fun facts about us.
JEFFREY: Avid educational story-teller, husband to the greatest woman + believer in the gift of guiding and helping others.
I grew up in NYC’s West Harlem in the 1960’s – where both of my parents were family psychologists and professors. My mother taught Marital and Family Relations at Barnard and Hunter College, while my father was an Associate Professor of Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Although they have long since passed on, my parents are, and always have been, my ultimate inspiration. They were both incredibly compassionate, creative and thoughtful role models who believed, above all else, in being respectful, kind and of service to people of all backgrounds. In that spirit, they actively sought out opportunities to impact others every single day. It was the core of who they were and it was a principle they instilled in me and my two brothers.
My mother emigrated to America from Austria in the late 1930’s as the Nazi presence in Austria grew. My father was born in Bridgeport, Ct. to Armenian parents who fled the Armenian genocide not long after the turn of the 20th Century. He served his country in World War II as a radio operator and gunner on a B-17 Bomber, flying an incredible 35 missions over Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. Being of service to his country was among my dad’s greatest sources of pride. He saw America as the place where we all have the best chance to pursue our own dreams, while also helping others.
Based upon their own history, my parents made sure I appreciated how fortunate I was to live in America, to be an American citizen; and that I should always aspire to make the most of opportunities offered in my country and identify a unique path to give back and make a difference. As well, growing up in West Harlem made my childhood one of rich experience, culture, challenge, and yet, also great adventure. I watched my parents create something out of nothing. And for that, I am forever grateful. At a very early age, I learned the value of simplicity and the value of a dollar. I learned how to take care of people, be aware, and most importantly, welcome differences in culture, background and values with open arms. I think that is why my wife, Corinne, and I make such an amazing team. Her own kindness and selflessness is now my greatest joy and inspiration. She and I met when we were both in television. We fell in love on our first date and were engaged less than three weeks later. We were married that same year, 1986, just as I decided to move to Saratoga Springs and start my Financial Advisory Firm.
Corinne and I see the world through a similar lens – one that is optimistic, yet realistic; one that is full of wonder in spite of whatever flaws we may view. I feel so fortunate that I can share my passions and dreams with Corinne, because she is in lock step with me at every turn. More than anything, I am inspired by her every day. I have never met anyone more selfless, eager to help others, ready take on the world, and passionate about everything life has to offer. She will always be my source of inspiration for seeking and creating something magical in every day.
My parents believed in family. And so, I created my own and then did the two key things that are the best expression of our shared inspiration. I created a business designed to help other families pursue and realize their dreams and goals while living by the principles they hold most dear. And I believe I have done so by building a business that exists as its own family, where everyone is valued, respected and encouraged to make their own special mark on our effort to help whomever honors us by seeking our guidance.
BONNIE: Family cheerleader, photography + scrapbooking fanatic, and supporter of the arts.
I am inspired by my children and their passion for the arts. Both of my sons are entertainers who love music and theater and enjoy being “on stage,” in most any capacity. Many people may not know this but my sons are both award winning Elvis Tribute Artists! Yes, I said Elvis! So, when my husband Glenn and I are not at a concert, a musical theater production, a community event or an open mic night, we can be found at an Elvis competition or show somewhere in the U.S. or Canada.
We are so grateful to live in an area that values the arts. Our community welcomes opportunities to explore creative outlets in both the town and school district. Given the boys’ love for theater, I have been a long-time volunteer and board member of a local community theater, the Saratoga Children’s Theatre. I can often be found at the ticket counter, assisting at a fundraiser or videotaping the shows! Those that know me best, know that I always have a camera in hand. So, beware if you run into me at an event! Yes, I am crazy busy – no time to cook. Maybe that’s why I married a chef!
In my free time, when we are not at a show or local event, I love to escape with my closest friends on long scrapbook weekends – documenting my family’s crazy lives.
CAMERON: Book fanatic, exercise + health enthusiast, and world traveler.
My family and closest friends will be the first to say that I am always thinking about what is next. Whether it is the next book I’d like to read, a trip I would like to take, or a new recipe to cook, my brain is wired to perpetually ask, “what’s next?”
I have found that what inspires me on a day to day basis is not a singular thing – it is the possibility of more; an opportunity to try something new, and the potential to make a difference.
Current items on my bucket list include: visiting every continent (I have been to four), becoming fluent in another language (I speak reasonable Spanish), re-read as many classic novels of all time as possible (reading a book for the second time around often makes it possible to pick up on interesting details and nuances otherwise missed) and running the NYC marathon (completed Boston in 2012).
In particular, it is running that has stuck with me throughout my life – from competing at a high level in high school to running for charity in the Boston Marathon – for me, running is about personal betterment and finding tranquility in the rhythm of my stride. In high school, my focus was track and cross country. I ran on multiple national championship teams in cross country and was a member of a 4×1 mile relay team that set a national record. Looking back, I think my athletic achievements and ambitions helped mold much of my outlook on life – my dreams, passions, expectations and goals. Running gave me the strength to dream big, and my family and teammates gave me the support to make it happen.
I want as much out of life as possible, so if that means I need to keep running to cover more ground, I’ll meet you there!
LISA: Aspiring photographer, golden retriever fanatic + ballerina at heart.
When I think about what has shaped my own values and passions, I can’t help but think how much ballet taught me growing up. I danced for 16 years – and now see how much ballet shaped who I am today, and what I am inspired to be tomorrow. For me, ballet was about partnership, trust, poise, and simply learning to take the next step. I strive to see the positive side of things and maintain an attitude that encourages graceful problem solving. I’ve learned to always set and keep the bar high for myself and people around me.
Much of my inspiration comes from being raised in a respectful household. I was taught to always be kind, help others whenever possible, make the best of everyday and never take advantage. It is this combination of values and how I was raised, that inspires me to be as good as I possibly can be.
Although ballet was a significant part of my life growing up, now, if you don’t find me running around with my two golden retrievers in the hay field, you will most likely find me taking their photograph. My aspiration in life is to be the person that my dogs already think I am.
SHARLENE: Believer that everything happens for a reason, family cheerleader + avid reader.
I am inspired by goodness. Whether that is being the best person I can be, providing excellent support to my clients, or raising my boys to be empathetic kind people, I believe in the power of good.
While I have a tendency to be a perfectionist, I have recognized that perfection is not the end goal – it is the journey, people we meet along the way, how we use our skills to give back to the world, and promote goodness. With the perspective of time and experience, I have learned to let go of things I cannot change, but control what is within my own power – which is my attitude, effort and ability to give back.
