My dad (pictured left) and his brother, Timothy (right).
I am a third-generation investment advisor, following in the footsteps of both my father and grandfather, who built their careers on principles of integrity, discipline, and long-term vision.
My father began his career as a stockbroker after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration. He worked with Smith Barney in Boston and later in Portland, Maine, before deciding in 1997 to strike out on his own, turning our guest bedroom in Kennebunk into his office. Watching him build his business from home gave me my first real taste of entrepreneurship, even if I didn’t fully grasp the significance at the time.
He wasn’t just an investment advisor—he was also a natural educator. My father wrote a column, "The Populist Economist," and contributed to various publications on economic and political issues, using his technical expertise to make complex topics accessible. He served on advisory boards and economic committees, always eager to share his knowledge with the community.
Equally strong as his passion for finance was his love for birds. A self-described “bird nerd,” my dad never left home without his binoculars, always ready for the next sighting. He could identify the subtlest differences between bird species, and he often took my sister and me on winter bird counts with the Audubon Society. I wasn’t much help, but I wanted to be there—he was a loving father who made everything an adventure, and I was eager to join him wherever he went.
One of my most vivid memories is from our long car rides. My father had a habit of playing cassette tapes of bird calls, and once he’d memorized them, he would try his hand at mimicking the sounds himself. To us kids in the backseat, it felt like an endless concert we hadn’t signed up for, but to him, it was another chance to learn. His mimicry was pretty impressive, though—so much so that it wasn’t just confined to the car. When we were out in the field, among other birding and nature enthusiasts, he’d often break out his bird calls, drawing attention and, much to his delight, adding enthusiasm to the hobby. It was hard not to notice him. If there was a group of birders nearby, my dad’s impromptu performances of warblers, owls, or gulls quickly became the center of attention.
While I may have rolled my eyes at times, those experiences taught me a lot about dedication and the ability to fully immerse yourself in what you love, no matter who’s watching. My dad didn’t care if others found his dedication to birding a bit eccentric—he approached it with the same focus and intensity as his work in finance.
Looking back, I see that those moments were my introduction to self-directed learning. My father taught me that success—whether in the markets or out in nature—requires patience, discipline, and the courage to embrace your passions, even when others don’t fully understand.
Just as with birding, my father approached investing with meticulous care—always prepared, always observant, and always learning. Whether tracking a rare species or analyzing financial trends, he showed me that true success comes from staying focused on what matters and immersing yourself in the process, no matter how unusual it may seem to others.
My grandfather, Larry—whom we affectionately called "Papa D"—was a man of grace, wisdom, and quiet strength. He spent over 50 years in the investment business, starting his career at Paine Webber and later managing offices for firms such as Hornblower and Weeks and H.M. Payson in Maine. He continued to work with my father at Dwight Investment Counsel until my father’s passing and eventually finished his career at Seacrest Wealth Management.
Papa D was a community leader, always active on advisory boards and dedicated to service. His calm demeanor, careful deliberation, and unwavering integrity shaped his approach to both business and life. He was frugal, yet generous with his time and wisdom, and always thoughtful in his decisions.
In his personal life, Papa D was a talented singer who brought joy to his community through his voice, leading hymns at church and participating in choir groups. His love of music was a reflection of the harmony he sought in all aspects of life, from family to finances.
In his personal life, Papa D was a talented singer who brought joy to his community through his voice, leading hymns at church and participating in choir groups. His love of music was a reflection of the harmony he sought in all aspects of life, from family to finances.
My family’s history of managing wealth stretches back over a century, beginning with my great-great-great-grandfather, who built a substantial fortune as a banker and cotton broker during the Civil War. His financial acumen continued through the Reconstruction Era and the Gilded Age, and since his passing in 1907, his heirs have carefully stewarded that fortune.
Growing up in this environment, I learned the value of prudent financial management and long-term thinking. My father and grandfather instilled in me the importance of serving clients with the same care and attention they devoted to their own investments. This deep-rooted understanding of wealth management, coupled with the values passed down through generations, guides my practice today.
As their successor, I am committed to upholding this legacy of thoughtful, disciplined investing and providing the same level of care and attention to my clients' financial futures.