Aaron joined Signature Financial Planning in 2005 as Chief Investment Officer after spending 12 years at PNC Bank as a Project Manager for the Pittsburgh market. He became a principal in 2012 and is a licensed Financial Advisor and Chartered Financial Analyst® charter holder. In his role with the firm, Aaron oversees all aspects of portfolio management and investment selections while creating customized strategies to suit each client’s unique needs.
Aaron is a student of modern portfolio theory and a longtime proponent of working to match risk to reward for every investor. As such, Aaron maintains a day-to-day watch over the ever-changing conditions in the world economy and its various capital markets to ensure client portfolios are always properly tuned to their individual goals, investment plans, and risk tolerance. He diligently researches new and emerging companies, technologies, and trends to incorporate new ideas and investment opportunities (where appropriate) for the firm’s clients.
Aaron attended Syracuse University and Duquesne University, winning a national championship in collegiate debate. He obtained his CFA® designation through the CFA Institute. Aaron is a Registered Representative of Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS) and Investment Advisor Representative of Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), and is securities licensed.
Aaron is the current Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Hillel JUC, an organization that benefits Jewish college students on campuses across the Greater Pittsburgh area. He is also on the Executive Committee of Film Pittsburgh and serves on many other Finance and Endowment committees. In his leisure time, Aaron enjoys photography, writing and reading long-form articles about macroeconomics. He and his wife Amy live in Squirrel Hill with their son Ian and their dog Teddy Burr.
A chat with Aaron
What made you want a career as a financial advisor?
I actually never saw myself as a financial advisor. I initially took this job because it was an opportunity to work with friends, and a chance to get out of the corporate environment I had been in previously. It was only once I actually started doing the work that I realized how much I loved it, and how well suited it really was for me. I think I am just the right level of math nerd to make staring at stock charts all day long actually thrilling.
What do you like best about being part of the Signature Financial Planning family?
The people. Hands down, that’s an easy one. I love my coworkers and I love our clients. I’ve been privileged to work with some truly wonderful people during my time here, and I never cease to be impressed by the intelligence, integrity, kindness, and generosity that I get to witness every single day.
How do you want your clients to view their wealth?
I always tell clients that money is a tool, not an end. Your wealth and your portfolio represent options – the ability to live your life and your dreams on your own terms. Managed properly, those tools can serve you throughout your lifetime. If you focus solely on appreciation and accumulation and only care about seeing that bottom line increase, then you’re missing the point. What is truly important is the happiness, freedom, and security that money can provide.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
For a job that often measures success down to the hundredths of a percent, I find that I actually tend to focus on accomplishments that are more abstract in nature. I’m incredibly proud of the efficiency and capability we’ve achieved at Signature, managing large sums of money for hundreds of clients in an appropriate and creative fashion. I’m proud of the way we treat our clients and our employees, and I’m especially proud of the work we do in the community. On a purely personal level, passing the CFA exams and obtaining my designation definitely stands out as one of the most difficult and satisfying things I’ve ever done. It has made me a better advisor and investor.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I am a voracious reader and I love movies. I also love spending time with my family, playing soccer with my son, and maybe even occasionally getting to use the more creative (non-mathematical) parts of my brain.
What are you passionate about in your personal life?
Cooking. I love to cook. A glass of wine, a little olive oil, some fresh vegetables, and a nice cast iron pan is all it takes to make me happy. Well, maybe a little bit of garlic, too…
What is your most memorable travel experience?
My honeymoon: 17 days, seven stops, five countries, and countless memories. Neither my wife nor I had ever been to Europe before, so we decided to go big and see as much as possible in a single trip. In just over two weeks we toured Dublin, London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre. It was an incredible journey and one we’ll treasure for a lifetime. I’ve also been fortunate enough to visit Europe a few more times with Marc and we’ve crisscrossed the continent. Most recently we drove through Switzerland and the Alps (magnificent) and caught a U2 show at the Olympic stadium in Barcelona.
