Brad has more than 20 years of experience managing portfolios for individuals, families, and institutions. Before joining Agate Pass, he served as a Senior Portfolio Manager at HighMark Capital, the investment arm of Union Bank, and previously worked in real estate investment with Security Capital Group. Brad holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation and brings a thoughtful, long-term approach to each client relationship.

How did you find your way to Agate Pass?

I joined Agate Pass in January 2011. I had known the founders, Mark Byl and Dave Anderson for many years and admired their friendship and how they worked together. They were able to work with the clients they chose while remaining independent of any organization directing them on how to manage client portfolios.

I started my career in Chicago at a real estate investment company, working long hours and performing a lot of spreadsheet and analytical work. It was a great place to gain experience and learn what I really enjoyed doing. After a few years, I had the opportunity to move back to Seattle and work with an institutional money manager, Sirach Capital. There, I honed my security selection skills while working as an analyst on the equity team. I loved the work and the people, but I didn’t have the in-person client connection I wanted.

When I left Sirach, I entered the bank trust world, where I managed investments for high-net-worth individuals. This provided the opportunity to work directly with clients while managing their portfolios — truly the best of both worlds. As a bonus, I worked on many trusts and learned how estate planning goes hand in hand with investment management and financial planning. After about six years in bank trust departments, I decided to join Mark and Dave at Agate Pass. It feels wonderful to help clients with their needs while building a team around me that I genuinely enjoy working with.

What do you love most about your job or the work you do at Agate Pass?

I love the balance between analytical work and working closely with clients. I enjoy digging deep into financial plans, estate documents, and investment portfolios to ensure they’re accomplishing what the client wants. Getting to know clients and figuring out what will be most impactful in their lives and then executing on it is incredibly rewarding. It’s a joy to see a client discover something new or take ownership of their financial life.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Find something that you love and become the best at it.

Describe your ideal weekend.

Some light gardening, a round of golf, and dinner out with my wife Jen and friends. Or, driving out to the Olympic Mountains with Jen and Zadie, hiking along a river, eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (Jen’s favorite hiking meal) while soaking sore feet, hiking back, and grabbing takeout for dinner.

What’s one thing still on your bucket list?

Travel to Iceland and visit the Grand Canyon.