InvestED | Lessons From a High-Altitude Adventure

In the spring of 2008, my wife and I spent several days trekking through Peru’s Andes Mountains on our way to Machu Picchu. The climbs were steep, the air thin, and the scenery breathtaking. But what we remember most is the team of sherpas who turned a demanding expedition into an unforgettable journey—while staying completely out of the spotlight.

From the first morning, the sherpas set the pace and prepared us for each leg of the climb. They balanced heavy packs on donkeys, cooked full meals at 10–15,000 feet, and somehow managed to bake a surprise birthday cake for my wife halfway through the trip. Their skill with the tools of the trade—sturdy ropes, perfectly packed gear, and altitude-tested cooking equipment—kept us comfortable and safe while we focused on the views and the experience.

At every scenic overlook, they urged us to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty. Yet when it came time for photos at the summit, the sherpas quietly stepped behind the camera. They were happiest as the experts behind the scenes, making the journey possible while letting us enjoy the moment.

That trek mirrors how our wealth-management team serves clients. We realize how hard you have worked so hard to get to the point you have and why you are now seeking professional guidance.  We begin by understanding your goals and mapping the route.  We then take over and carry the load through this next lag of the journey—investment research, tax strategy, regularly trading to take advantage of the trends, keeping your portfolio wisely diversified,  estate planning—and we bring the right tools and partnerships so you can focus on life’s vistas. When markets shift or unexpected challenges arise, we adjust the path and keep you moving toward your destination.

Just as our sherpas found joy in seeing us reach the amazing view at the end, we find fulfillment in helping clients achieve their financial summits. The amazing view you have of seeing your kids and grandkids enjoy experiences you have worked so hard for and the celebrations are yours; we’re the steady, experienced guides working quietly in the background to make the climb safe, rewarding, and memorable.