My dad was my biggest influence in growing my love for wrestling. He was a high school wrestling coach and huge fan of the sport, so my brother and I were exposed to wrestling from day one. Dad took us to matches all over the state any time he could. My first trip to the Pennsylvania state tournament with him was in 1984 and I have gone every year since, other than the few years that I lived out west.
What do you do professionally? Tell a little about your professional journey. Feel free to promote yourself or your company/business. Include website, etc.
I am a financial advisor working closely with businesses sponsoring retirement plans for their employees, and also individuals on their personal wealth management needs. I have been working with retirement plan sponsors for over 25 years, and have been with Duncan Financial Group for the past eleven years. www.duncangrp.com
What made you choose that path and why do you enjoy it?
I always had an interest in finance and economics when I was in high school and college. When I first began my career at Vanguard working with 401(k) plan sponsors and participants, I realized the difference I could make in their lives by helping them towards a more meaningful retirement outcome. I enjoy seeing my clients succeed throughout their life stages, and ultimately retiring with dignity.
How did wrestling prepare you for your professional career? What were the intangible benefits you learned through the sport (discipline, goal-setting, commitment, resilience, etc)?
Wrestling is the ultimate individual sport where self-accountability is critical. When you step on the mat, it is just you and your opponent. It is not always the biggest, strongest, or fastest wrestler that gets their hand raised, it is often the most prepared for the moment. The one that put in the extra practice, passed up that snack, that ran the extra mile, so they had something left at the end of the 3rd period. I was not a spectacular wrestler, but I learned then and in real life that there is no replacement for commitment, preparation, and self-motivation. Dan Gable said that once you have wrestled, everything else in life is easy. Maybe not easy, but definitely easier once you have that unique experience.
