Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro Richardson
Hi Alejandro, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Where do I Start? Well, I grew up in Jersey City right across the river from Wall Street. So, growing up the whole financial market, NYSE Always intrigued me. Fast forward to joining the military, I came back home, and my older cousin and I opened a hat store. I was at the store full time, and he still had his other job. With the family story business starting up I had to supplement my income somewhere. At the time I didn’t have a car. So, I took a train, light rail and bus twice a day back and forth. Due to the bus schedule, I arrived either 9 am or 11am. I chose to arrive at 9 am and be 2 hours early because I opened the business at 11 AM. It’s better to be an hour early, than a minute late!
To buy time I read books. That’s when I read “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert K. that book gave me a better understanding of the personal financial world. Well after my 2-hour long transportation journey to the store, I still had 2 hours to burn before we opened doors officially. I used that time to turn on the tv and watch Squawk box. Basically, it’s stock market news. As time went on, I started understanding what the news anchors were talking about. I purchased books specifically in the stock market and opened a brokerage account and put my nickel and dimes in an account and started trading.
Over time I did some research on a company that was China based and owned about 80% of the Chinese E-commerce space. They were owned by Yahoo. and so, I purchased Yahoo stock because I believed that once this private company goes public it’s going to be big. I remember telling everyone I knew that had capital and did some investing. All of them shut me down in my analysis. I saved for 2 months to purchase shares on IPO day. That stock was named” Ali BABA”, it soared! The success of that company gave me the confidence and the realization that I have a Nache for Finances.
I shifted my focus from US based Stocks to Global currencies. I started trading in the Forex market. It’s a larger, more liquid market plus the hours worked better for me at the time. By 2016 I left the family business, and I went into full time Trading. Fast forward to Dec. 2018. I’m in NYC at a bar talking markets with a fellow Trader. A woman comes over to our booth introduces herself to us. Says she is a financial advisor and thinks we would be great at the business. Her friend is currently recruiting that I should give him a call. I gave him a call. The job is in VA. I leave to go to VA I get the job. few weeks later I’m moving to VA. Settling in northern VA started the job program. About 3 months in Pandemic is full on effect. 80% of America is laid off, at home etc. I’m one of them.
I find myself part of the PPP loan program. Simultaneously I continue my studies for financial advisory. Get my licenses, a year passes by and I’m fully licensed. Sitting on the sidelines, studying and learning about the industry while I’m working for PPP Loans. The world starts to open, and I start interviewing again. An opportunity opens in Jacksonville FL. I always wanted to move back to FL; this is my chance. I applied and took the job. Now I’m sitting in the bank acting as a hybrid banker slash Advisor. I grew in the business quickly maturing and having deep conversation with Ultra High net worth individuals.
I wanted to relocate to a market that was closer to my personality. Thats when I saw Orlando, saw the diversity, and many opportunities. I noticed the sports, entertainment & entrepreneurial environment. It’s growing and I want to be part of that journey. Hence I relocated to the area and I love it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No such thing as free lunch! Every step forward is a struggle. From me saying Yes to the opportunity in VA, to getting fully licensed, moving to FL, to relocation in O-Town area. To going to war with supervisors over my fiduciary responsibilities. Sometimes other entities want you to push a product that is not always in the client’s best interest and well I’m quick to stand in the way and advocate for my clients without them knowing it. Why well I’m paying it forward. There are many people that stood in the Gap for me, and I never knew it. And I’m grateful for that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Perspective. I always have a positive perspective.
As an infant I had open heart surgery. Doctors said I wouldn’t be able to do any physically demanding sports. I did combat sports, and I even excelled in them.
In my early years I was given to another woman (my mom) who raised me. And throughout my childhood I bounced from house-to-house couch to couch.
At 20 I found myself sleeping on a park bench. and it sucked!! That’s when I decided to join the Navy.
I always had and still do have a very strong belief in myself. I have strong Faith in God and a purpose. I’m sort of like the financial Blind side meets Pursuit of Happyness. That Faith helps me advise people properly in a way that they need it. That helps them grow and connects them to their goals.
I’m proud of the people around me. I’m proud of my environment. I’m proud of my clients. pursuing their dreams and goals. I’m proud of my younger me. His faith helped him achieve the impossible. and is now being the bridge helping others.
I have a Motto a saying if you would” Faith, Family, Finance” and it’s something I live out every day and it’s in that order. if you’re my client and we are actively working together you have more than an advisor. You have an advocate standing in the way before anything trying to block you from achieving your goals. When you get me as an advisor you have someone that believes in you, your goals and wants to see you win. Wants you up on stage in the spotlight receiving your awards. while he is in the back of the audience clapping for you while you’re all in your glory.
I advise from experience. I pulled myself out of the gutter. I made something out of nothing. I pushed back at life, and I won. So, unlike other advisors I’m not advising from theory. I advise from proven concepts that work. Anyone can through a punch, but not everyone is a fighter. And like my industry anyone can open an account but not everyone is an Advisor.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
what are you pursuing? Protect it by going after it.
