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, world traveler + seeker of balance
My family and closest friends will be the first to say that I am always thinking about what is next. Whether it is a trip I would like to take or more likely what book I will read next from my overflowing stack on my nightstand, 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. After becoming a mother, my perspective shifted as did my expectations. While my brain is constantly processing things to do, how to do it, where to go, how far can I go, and what’s next, parenting has forced me to slow down and ground myself in the present. I am still learning how to live in the moment while maintaining my inner sense of “what’s next and what if?” It’s a constant tug-of-war game that I wouldn’t change for anything.
I want as much out of life as possible, so if that means maintaining a stack of 30 books on my nightstand and a bucket list that continues to grow, I’m good with that. I have a lot of ground to cover and want my kids to learn by witnessing firsthand the power of self-awareness, fulfillment and believing in your unique self.
LISA: Aspiring photographer, golden retriever fanatic + devoted mama.
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.
Growing up in a respectful household where I was inspired by the grace and discipline of ballet, I learned the importance of hard work and a strong work ethic, values my parents instilled in me through their own kindness and willingness to help others.
Now, as a mother raising two young sons, two dogs and helping my husband with cows on our family farm, I strive to pass down these lessons of dedication, respect, and hard work. Just as I expressed myself through dance, I encourage my children to embrace their passions while nurturing a sense of responsibility and empathy for those around them, ensuring that the commitment to embodying integrity and cooperation continues in our family lineage.
CORY: Audio connoisseur, rookie dad + golf enthusiast.
Growing up in a vibrant musical home, where my father was a DJ, I was surrounded by melodies that filled our home with joy and connection. This rich upbringing ignited my passion for music and connectivity between people. I believe it is music that launched my desire to understand how things work and why things function as they do.
While music fills my creative cup, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to help other people. Financial planning was not at the center of my upbringing but it was an area that I saw so many of my peers struggling to comprehend.
I have found balance in these two seemingly divergent paths; finding inspiration in the harmony between creativity and precision, and a constant need to understand the underlying “why”. My wife and I have made it our number one priority to instill such values in our daughter – a thirst for life and everything it has to offer while always looking out for other people.
TARYN: Joy seeker, mother + perpetual learner.
While working in the financial services industry, I have spent my career helping people achieve their financial goals in a very personal way. Often times this includes long hours of crunching numbers, working on spreadsheets, holding hands through life’s many chapters, and weathering volatile markets. It’s a career that demands attention to detail, empathy, and an ability to multi-task in an ever-changing environment. But beyond the scope of my job that brings immense joy and satisfaction to my life, there is another side of me that brings my life into balance.
At the heart of everything I do is family and friends. They are my greatest inspiration and my strongest support system. Their love and encouragement drive me to excel in my profession, while also reminding me of the importance of balance and joy.
My family and friends, including my amazing pets, provide an everlasting source of unconditional love and emotional support. The important people in my life have made me into the person I am today. They continue to inspire and guide me through the ups and downs of life and empower me to reach my full potential as a financial professional, mother, and friend. I believe it is this blend of professional dedication and personal fulfillment that continues to shape who I am while keeping me grounded, motivated, and inspired every day.
