Douglas Nardi , CFA

My Econ professor Walter Johnson at the University of Missouri inspired me to pursue a career in finance. He taught me how interconnected the economy is and the power of the ripple effects of any decision. I found the whole concept fascinating and still do to this day.

When I was 12 or 13, my father took me and the money I had saved delivering newspapers to the local savings and loan to open a passbook savings account. It was on the second visit to deposit more money into my passbook savings account that I noticed another entry titled “interest” that caught my eye. Seemed so logical to want your money to work as hard as you do…

Complexity. In can come in the form of estate planning, wealth transfer issues, US citizens living abroad, divorce and alternative assets. Wealth transfer issues will be even more critical as the estate and gift tax exemption is set to be cut in half in 2026.

There are so many things which differentiate Cerity Partners from other firms – independence, fiduciary expertise, experienced advisors, a seasoned investment committee, access to select client solutions, and more. But the most important difference is the people of Cerity Partners and the passion they bring to their job everyday to help our clients solve their financial challenges.

Accountability. My parents always taught me to do things right and on time. If you make a mistake, and mistakes do happen, own up to it and always make it right. It’s how you respond that people remember.

A way to come together and recognize our differences for the greater good.