Experience

“By genuinely caring about clients, we can help them feel more comfortable and confident. I spent one afternoon at the home of a longtime client’s widow – helping her get online, access account information, understand statements, and how she could fund 529 plans for her grandkids without compromising her wealth and lifestyle. It’s good to know we can roll up our sleeves and make a difference.”

Doug is a seasoned and highly regarded investment professional who takes tremendous pride in crafting customized goals-based portfolios for each client – individuals, business owners and, in many cases, their retirement plan offerings. A business owner when he was just 22 years old – and an entrepreneur ever since – Doug derives personal satisfaction rolling up his sleeves to help clients “balance the books, or brainstorm a new opportunity.”

Focused on preserving clients’ hard earned wealth and providing a positive experience that inspires comfort and confidence, Doug launched his financial services career in 1995 at a leading investment company. More than 95% of clients who Doug has guided through years of market volatility –and their own financial challenges – are clients of the group today.

Doug is a native of Portland and a proud alumnus of Aloha High School. Before becoming a financial advisor, Doug managed a retail food distribution business in the 1980’s. An avid salmon and steelhead fisherman, Doug also enjoys playing golf and spending quality time with his family. He and his wife, Joan, have been married since 1984, live in the Helvetia area, and are proud parents of two sons who run the regional automotive parts business that Doug founded years ago.

“When clients succeed and are satisfied, I feel rewarded. It’s that simple.”

With 15 years spent in the software and high-tech industry in product management and business development for two Fortune 500 enterprise-level companies – and having launched and managed his own business that focused on technology service for clients – Dave has a keen perspective on the challenges facing business owners, entrepreneurs and executives.

Dave’s attention to detail and knowledge of the disciplined steps required to achieve success are incorporated into his time-tested wealth management process – one that leverages the Firm’s research and resources to build a customized strategy for each client.

On behalf of top executives and employees whose qualified retirement plans are handled by the team, Dave believes in providing clear and concise communications that updates and educates.

In 2011, David joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management after being personally recruited by Doug (generations of David’s family are still Doug’s clients). Dave holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Oregon State University and attended Sunset High School in Portland, where he was born and raised (by his family, which settled in Portland in the 1950’s). Away from the office, Dave plays golf, volleyball and enjoys other outdoor activities with family and friends.

Ruth began her career in financial services and wealth management in 1989. Since then, she has been dedicated to providing her clients with superior customer service and personalized attention. In her current role with UBS Financial, Ruth works in close partnership with Doug, acting as a liaison as she connects him with both internal specialists and clients. Ruth’s experience has shaped her approach when dealing with individual clients; she understands that every situation is unique, and every asset is important. From planning for the future to preserving the legacy of the past, Ruth is committed to ensuring her clients find confidence as they navigate their finances and focus on financial security.

Born in Portugal, Ruth lived in Massachusetts before moving to New York, where she met her husband, Jared. After a time spent together in Braselton, Georgia, Ruth and her husband Jared settled in Portland, Oregon. Together with their dogs Dakota and Remy, Ruth and Jared enjoy recharging in the beautiful outdoors as they explore all that Pacific Northwest has to offer.