Doug Bonaquist

My father inspired me to become a financial advisor. My father was a distinguished attorney who retired in his early 50s. Six years into retirement, he realized he had more to give. He became a Financial Advisor to assist families in need, families that did not have the financial means to hire an advisor.

Yes, early in my career the department of labor forced a company to spin-off (divest) one of their businesses. Some 400 employees had to make an important decision; roll their 401k savings into an IRA, roll their savings into the new company, or take a distribution. The decision was complex as the company match was in company stock. The stock within the retirement plan further complicated their decision. I spent several weeks on that campus providing one-on-one support. Each family I served showed great appreciation for the objective and comprehensive advice provided.

Firms like ours, and the people within, do their best every day to ensure their friends, family and clients achieve their desired goals. Goals go well beyond retirement planning and asset allocation. We help families minimize risk, ensure their estate planning documents are in order, help find the least expensive ways to fund higher education, start a business and much much more.

There are several key differentiators that make Cerity Partners a special company. In my opinion, finding a professional that truly cares for you and your family is paramount. That person must be objective, always acting in your best interest, independent, free of conflicts of interest and willing to act as a fiduciary in all aspects of the advice provided. These are some of the characteristics that led me to Cerity Partners.

Interacting with a diverse group of people. Meeting and making new friends and keeping in contact with old friends. Having deep relationships with a great many people and the ability to share those relationships when and if needed.

My best days generally involve helping a client, friend or family member make an important financial decision. Providing the appropriate context to ensure the decision was made while fully understanding the pros and cons of that decision.

The world needs peace more then anything else. Love, compassion, and a sense of community for each other and the environment would be welcomed qualities.