My Story:

Grit, Growth, and an
Unconventional Path
to Success
.

From a Tornado in Texas to a Tornado of a Journey

Born in Houston, Texas, I grew up just outside DeLeon, in a trailer surrounded by cow pastures. Life threw us a challenge early on when a tornado tore through our home when I was 13. Against the odds, we all survived—a reminder that resilience has been with me from the start.

School Days and the First Whiffs of Rebellion

After a series of attempts at college—including an infamous semester at Howard Payne University, where I “majored” in Whiskey, Weed, and Women—I made a decisive shift and joined the Marine Corps, where I trained as a Spanish Cryptologic Linguist. These experiences weren’t linear, but each taught me lessons I’d need later.

Breaking into Finance (One Rough Step at a Time)

My journey in finance began in 2005 at American Express Financial Advisors. I quickly learned that I didn’t fit neatly into traditional finance roles. After being fired for “not believing in the company’s business model,” I bounced between roles, learning bits and pieces of financial strategy and tax planning along the way.

Going Back to School: Getting Serious About Finance

I enrolled in the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned a Master’s in Finance, supplementing it with courses in accounting to broaden my skill set. A job with the Texas Comptroller taught me the finer points of state taxes and led me to become a CPA.

A Decade of Mastery in Tax and Financial Planning

Over the next decade, I was employed at various CPA firms, refining my tax expertise. During this time, I pursued certifications as a Chartered Financial Analyst® and Personal Financial Specialist™.

These accomplishments broadened my skill set, allowing me to delve into estate and
retirement planning and other facets of comprehensive financial planning.

The Birth of Basin Wealth

In January 2020, I founded Basin Wealth Management with no clients, no office, and just a home computer. COVID-19 hit just months after I opened, and the timing couldn’t have been worse. My first tax season was saved by a client who walked in with cash in hand, allowing me to keep my tax software active. That simple transaction meant the difference between staying open and closing my doors.
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Gaining Respect in the Industry

Today, I’m proud to hold CPA, CFA, and CFP credentials, a rare combination in the Permian Basin. My journey has led me to become a trusted advisor to clients of all backgrounds, including Forbes 400 members. I’m also the founder of the region’s only dually registered RIA and CPA firm, offering clients a unique blend of financial and tax expertise.

Full Circle: A Story of Redemption and Relationships

In a twist that could only happen in real life, I now employ two former bosses, including one who fired me years ago.

I work closely with leading financial experts and authors of books I read early in my career. They are now my mentors, colleagues and friends.

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Looking Forward

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