A solid, all-weather portfolio is the minimum every investor should expect from a financial advisor. Exceptional is having a dependable strategy to get what you want most out of life.

It's the difference between being happy with your last earnings statement and the feeling you have when you see your child walk up to accept their diploma at a graduation ceremony.

It's the security of knowing you will have a retirement income that will open up a wonderful new chapter in life that includes travel, time with family and making memories with friends.

It's a tax-sheltered estate that provides an enduring legacy.

My clients - business owners and professionals, individuals and families - have their own personal goals and priorities. So, it's essential for us to have an open, friendly relationship. I need to know when someone is getting married, starting a new job or is worried about their grandparents' health.

It all starts with a conversation. Close to 100 per cent of the relationships I have with my clients started with me asking, "how would you feel about having a discovery meeting?" That first conversation sets the tone and begins a process that is the hallmark of working with an Edward Jones advisor.

We established that process over the last 100 years of successfully serving our clients' needs. I use it to provide custom tailored financial strategies - rising income in retirement, risk management, pension, tax and estate needs.

If you think you would like to start that conversation, it is my promise, and my assistant, Heather McCulloch's promise, that we will never stop striving to provide the best service of your life.

On a more personal note: while I am proud of my work and my leadership positions with Edward Jones, my greatest joy is being the father of two kind-hearted boys who love skiing, old cars and penguins, passions I also share, except the penguins. Although I do like water sports.