Growing up as the oldest of 8 kids, Ray formed a sense of responsibility and leadership early on. Ray became an Eagle Scout before heading off to James Madison University (JMU), where he majored in Accounting and soon thereafter earned a CPA license while working at a Big 8 Accounting firm. Later he earned his MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He continues to cheer on the JMU DUKES and VCU RAMS in person whenever he gets the chance. It came as no surprise when Ray followed in his dad’s footsteps and entered the world of finance in 1999. When he made the move into Wealth Management, he continued to embrace the same professionalism, ethics, and fiduciary principals in his prior roles. Ray prides himself on taking a personal approach with each of his clients, tailoring his services to their specific needs.
His wife, Cammie, has always supported his devotion for helping others and growing this business. Early on, she became fully licensed to assist the company as needed. Our clients enjoy seeing her by his side at the firm’s private events. Now empty nesters, they love to travel across the globe. Their favorite trip is to New York City to spend time with their daughter, Stephanie, a nurse in NYC. Their youngest daughter, Julia, currently located in Charlotte, has embarked on a career in finance as well.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? In business, concentrate on doing one thing extremely well and master it. Don’t get sidetracked by other businesses unrelated to yours.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Investor Returns = Investment Returns – Investor Behavior.”
— Warren Buffet
This is probably the best and simplest summary of investing. We like to say that “We’ve solved the investment problem, but not the Investor problem.”
When you are not at the office, you can often be found doing what? JMU football, being active outdoors, especially Wintergreen skiing & hiking, golfing and tennis. Indoors, I enjoy playing the guitar and binge watching some new show.
What is your most treasured memory? Meeting my wife Cammie on the beach at the Outer Banks!
For what in life do you feel most grateful? How fortunate I am to live the life I have while others in this world are not so lucky. And for my family — Cammie, Stephanie, and Julia.
If you could spend the day with anyone, who would it be and what would you like to learn? John F. Kennedy. I always looked up to him since I was a boy during the Civil Rights Era. I’d want to know what advice he could impart on leadership as well as working and caring for others who are different from you.
Why do you do what you do? I love helping people achieve their different dreams. With my background I get so excited putting those skills to work to help them map out an individualized plan. While, I have always loved investing, I have learned that it requires much more than building portfolios. I have a deep level of caring and enjoy problem solving, I actually prefer listening to talking, and find great satisfaction in helping others succeed in life.
Review Ray’s Education and Work Experience on LinkedIn »
Ray has been featured on the Admired Advisor Podcast and quoted in the Wall Street Journal.