Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Skinner.
Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a Florida native, I was born and raised in Tampa before moving to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida. Before pursuing my career in financial advising, I worked in hospitality management for several years at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and The Ritz Carlton. My experience taught me how to build a goals-based team focused on collaboration and always do what suits our guests.
In 2015, I joined the financial services industry as a Financial Advisor. Since then, I haven’t looked back. I pride myself on making service my differentiator. I help people identify obstacles to their goals and transform their challenges into potential opportunities. In 2022, I became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. This designation is hard to achieve and culminates in six different areas of study, including investment planning, insurance, tax planning strategies, investments, retirement planning, and trust & estate planning. I decided to pursue this designation out of a desire to continue learning and better serve the clients who have entrusted me with their financial well-being. In 2023, I joined Ameriprise Financial as an Associate Vice President and obtained my Accredited Portfolio Management AdvisorTM designation in 2024. I am grateful and humbled to be recognized with the 2023 ATHENA Emerging Leader Award at the Women Who Mean Business Awards hosted by the Orlando Business Journal in March of 2023, the Ameriprise Digital Experience Award, and the Ameriprise Client Experience Award for 2023. Beyond my job duties, I care deeply about what I do and the people I serve. I’ve lived my entire life by this motto, “Do the right thing, and good things follow.”
Orlando is the place where I met my husband, fostered lifelong friendships, and launched my career. My husband, Allan, and I have been together since 2010 and will celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary this year. Outside the office, we love to cook, travel, and experience different cultures worldwide. We love all sports and avidly fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the UCF Knights. I love our diverse and inclusive community that encourages entrepreneurship and growth. Supporting our community through volunteerism or attending events is also very important to me. We’re always looking for great new restaurants, local breweries, and craft cocktails, so please share any recommendations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In all honesty, who hasn’t experienced their fair share of obstacles and challenges? No road is easy; life is full of unexpected changes and some uphill battles you can’t avoid. When I face a mountain that I think is too big to climb, I slow down and focus on taking one step at a time. My faith and family have helped me tremendously in times of trouble or doubt. I control what I can control and let go of what I can’t. In 2023, I took a leap of faith and bet on myself when I transitioned to Ameriprise Financial. Change is most often uncertain, which creates fear. I’ve learned that I must be comfortable being uncomfortable if I want to continue to grow. In hindsight, it was the best professional decision I have ever made. It was not easy, and there were many sleepless nights, tears, frustration, and doubt, but to be successful, you must believe in yourself. The best advice I ever received from a mentor was, “Yes, you can.” Never let that doubt in the back of your mind control your self-worth. There have been many times in my life where I’ve questioned myself or become my worst critic. In times like these, I focus on changing the narrative in my head. I can do this, and I will succeed. Sometimes, it takes me to say it out loud to believe it myself. Tough times don’t last; tough people do.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about your practice?
I’ve created a team of experienced professionals passionate about helping people reach their ultimate financial goals. Who we are as individuals reflects who we are in business. Our primary objective is to become an essential lifetime resource to those who have entrusted our team with their financial well-being. We surround ourselves with people that encourage, motivate, and make us better people. We strive to provide our clients first-class customer service and extensive financial resources. Family is an integral part of our success, and we consider every client an extension of that. Our mission is to always act honestly, with integrity and genuine care, to ensure our team’s actions are in the best interest of our clients. We focus on performing effectively and efficiently through personalized service so that each of our clients would be proud to recommend us to their families and friends.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I start every day with prayerful reflection and meditation. I am incredibly grateful for all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. My favorite book is called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, a daily reflection book with relatable passages. I use this book to set the tone for my day ahead because I never know what it will hold. I have had this book for almost 15 years and have read it multiple times. It has gotten me through some of the darkest times in my life, and I wouldn’t be the person I am without it.
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