Financial Advisor at Sound Financial Group

Seattle

Business Administration major 2008

As a financial advisor at Sound Financial Group, Shepherd teaches clients to implement financial technology to help their money work harder, smarter, and safer. In doing so, he gives clients greater economic confidence now, and greater certainty going into retirement. Shepherd also coaches a team of advisors to help them be the best they can be for their clients.

How does your time at SPU connect to the work you’re doing today?

While at SPU, I utilized the Center for Applied Learning’s Mentor Program twice, both related to financial planning and investing. One of those relationships turned into the first job I had in the industry, and the partners at that firm were instrumental mentors as I launched my own practice. SPU was both instrumental in helping me find my path, and helping to pave the way in front of me.

Who made a difference in your SPU education?

I took Dr. Todd Rendleman‘s Introduction to Film class Winter Quarter of my senior year. This was not on my business-track of course, it was one of the few classes I got to take only because it was an interest of mine. He eventually recruited me into his International Film class the following quarter to keep the conversations going. This is a perfect example of the benefits of a liberal arts education – I was able to drill down and be expert in many areas of my chosen major, and because professors like Dr. Rendleman are willing to invest in students not in their regular cadre, I was able to experience ideas and perspectives in wide ranging areas outside of my major.

What advice do you have for students about life after graduation?

Cultivate habits of action. It takes just a few “I’ll do that later” moments to wake up having passed through several years with little to no progress. Now is almost always the perfect time!