Seth leverages his multifaceted expertise serving as the Chief Counsel of Signature Financial. He joined the firm in March 2011 after earning his law degree and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Not only is Seth a licensed attorney in the state of Pennsylvania, he is also a CFP® professional. Seth’s diversified educational background makes him uniquely qualified and well equipped to advise clients through various transition stages in life, such as divorce, retirement, or career changes. In addition to these credentials, he is also a Registered Rep of Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS) and Investment Advisor Rep of Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS).
Seth’s perspective and approach is particularly valuable in high-net worth divorce situations. He is an active member of the Collaborative Law Association of Southwest Pennsylvania, which specializes in alternative divorce resolutions. A member of the Estate Planning Council, Seth also specializes in estate planning.
In recent years, Pittsburgh has been reinventing itself as a hub for technology. To better serve Signature’s clients, Seth has become an expert in navigating the unique challenges technology professionals face with their various compensation structures and packages.
A firm believer in giving back to the community, Seth teaches financial planning courses for CMU and Pitt adult education programs. He also serves on several nonprofit boards and directorships, currently as the Vice Chair of FamilyLinks and the President of the Associate Board of Ambassadors for the American Cancer Society.
In his spare time, Seth performs standup comedy at local clubs and won Gilda’s Great Comic Search in 2009. Seth is a local through and through, currently living in Shadyside after growing up in Squirrel Hill.
A chat with Seth
What made you want a career as a financial advisor?
The idea of interacting with people on a daily basis, and truly making an impact on their lives was extremely appealing to me. As a financial advisor you are able to be involved within so many aspects of your client’s lives, and it makes for an incredibly rewarding experience.
What do you like best about being part of the Signature Financial Planning family?
Signature offers a very good support system, so between all of us there is never a problem that we can’t find a solution to. When brainstorming solutions to client issues, it is always helpful to have other experienced, knowledgeable professionals to bounce ideas off of, and with whom to discuss solutions.
How do you want your clients to view their wealth?
Clients should view their wealth as a means to create flexibility. It is a tool that they have worked extremely hard to forge, and our job is to figure out how best to use that tool to accomplish their goals.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
I am very proud of my various education and certification accomplishments. By putting myself through law school, business school, and obtaining my CFP® designation, I have put myself in a position to offer true expertise on a variety of different topics. The time and work involved in achieving this is something I am very proud of.
What do you love to do outside of work?
When I’m not at work I try to relax and decompress. This mostly entails spending time with friends. I also enjoy traveling as much as I can. I used to perform stand-up comedy, so I still have a soft spot in my heart for that and will occasionally find myself getting back on stage and performing.
What are you passionate about in your personal life?
I’m constantly trying to improve myself in some way. Whether it’s learning a new language or new skill, I constantly strive to make myself better.
What is your most memorable travel experience?
In 2012 I visited Europe for the first time. While I had different geographical destinations planned, I did not have a pre-set agenda for what to do in any of the locations. I was able to experience the cities on my terms at my pace, and for the first time got an idea of another culture.
