Just like our financial situations, sometimes our career aspirations evolve. When this happens, it is best to reassess the situation to see if it’s time to make any adjustments. Such was the case for Pierre, who joined us as a Financial Planner in 2018. Since then, he has earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation and has worked with dozens of clients on their financial planning needs and goals. Combine this with his previous education, work and life experiences – and his beliefs about what financial planning should entail – makes Pierre more than qualified to help our clients achieve their goals.

When Pierre was younger, he wanted to become an international businessman. His father set the stage by relocating his family from Belgium to the United States for a career opportunity. At the time, Pierre was 10 years old, and from then on, international travel and multicultural experiences became part of his life. He ended up studying abroad, living and working in Paris and Hong Kong, and extensively traveling internationally for IBM and on adventures with family and friends.

On the career change to becoming a Financial Planner, Pierre has a few observations: “It may sound simplistic, but I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives – and to make that impact over and over again,” he explains. “I dove into a big unknown after a successful career at IBM for 17 years. Thanks to my wife’s support – and patience and commitment – I now have this wonderful opportunity to pursue my chosen path to help clients realize their goals.”

Pierre graduated from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. After working for a couple of years in Marketing in the gaming industry, Pierre earned his MBA at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. His educational and work successes taught him that achieving challenging goals requires planning, dedication and usually help from others. As such, collaboration and teamwork are important to him. “I truly believe in the team win. I’m fulfilled when we make a difference in our clients’ lives, whether I had a small part or large part in that success.”

Pierre resides in East Cobb with his wife, Meredith, twin sons, Jake and Nico, and their two golden retrievers – Guinness and Sterling. In addition to traveling and enjoying quality time with family and friends, he enjoys outdoor activities, such as biking, running, tennis, golf, and kayaking. Pierre also completed the Chattanooga Ironman Triathlon in 2019 (talk about planning, hard work and dedication to meet a goal!).