Experience

Tom joined UBS in February 2009, after 19 years at Smith Barney. He heads up the teams efforts regarding risk management, estate planning and wealth transfer. Tom is a native of Buffalo, N.Y., and graduated from Syracuse University in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in economics and finance. Tom began his career on Wall Street in 1988 and moved to San Diego in 1991. In 2019 Tom obtained the designation of Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) from the Exit Planning Institute. This designation recognizes the longstanding work and commitment that Tom has exhibited in helping business owners to understand their business value and how to best monetize that value. Tom is active in the San Diego community and supports several organizations involved with women’s health issues. Tom enjoys spending time with his family who collectively enjoy hiking, golf, live music and theatre.  Tom and his wife Lauren reside in Del Mar.

CA Insurance License #0A99470

Piet joined UBS in February 2009 and has 20 years of experience in the industry. His primary role on the team is portfolio management and investment solutions. Piet moved to the US from South Africa in 1987 to pursue a career in professional tennis. As a result of grand slam titles at the U.S. Open and Australian Open in 1990 he was the number one ranked doubles player in the world at the end of that year. He graduated summa cum laude from UCSD in 1998 with a B.S. in Computer Science. In addition, Piet hold the designations of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) and Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC®) from the College of Financial Planning. Piet and his wife Krista, a yoga instructor, reside in Solana Beach with their two boys, Holden and Ramsey. He enjoys standup paddle boarding, golf, pickleball, hiking, and traveling.

CA Insurance License #0E71758

Benjamin joined UBS in 2012 and strives to provide sophisticated wealth management strategies accompanied by distinguished service.  As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Benjamin has extensive training in financial planning, education funding, estate planning, insurance, investments, taxes, employee benefits and retirement planning.  He earned an M.B.A from The University of Massachusetts, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from San Diego State University, and is currently pursuing the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA) designation through the Yale School of Management.  Benjamin is a fitness enthusiast and currently resides in San Diego with his wife and their three children. In his spare time Ben enjoys traveling and coaching his children’s sports teams.

CA Insurance License #0I93467

Nicholas has been a Financial Advisor since 1980 and currently serves as the team specialist in alternative investments. He received his B.A. in economics from the University of Michigan, his Certified Investment Management Analyst designation from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Nicholas has four children, is a life member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association, and volunteers in UBS's local San Diego efforts to help needy children. 

CA Insurance License #0I48226

Lea manages all operational aspects of the practice and ensures the highest quality of client service in handling our clients' daily needs. She has been with Highlands Wealth Management since 2018, but originally became a part of the UBS family in Honolulu while earning her bachelor’s degree in business at Hawaii Pacific University. She is happy to still be with UBS, but now in her home state. Lea currently holds her Series 7 and 66 Securities Licenses as well as insurance, long-term care and annuity licenses. As a former collegiate athlete, she enjoys staying active, playing beach volleyball, and exploring San Diego.

 CA Insurance License #4171531

Julie joins us from Morgan Stanley where she’s had over 29 years of experience as a Support Professional/Portfolio Associate and most recently as a Financial Advisor/Relationship Manager. Julie prides herself on being proactive in client outreach and providing outstanding client service. Julie graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Business/Economic and has her Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. In her free time, she enjoys pet-sitting for friends, hiking, walking and travelling