Reason you got into this business?
My fascination with market psychology began with a stock selection assignment in a high school business class.  After college I realized I had a personal need for financial advice I could trust.  In my search for answers I discovered the field of financial planning and became involved professionally. Even with increased technology and the information explosion, the need for trusted advice still remains today.  

Primary way of advancing my career knowledge:
I am committed to lifelong continuous learning. Early in my career I completed my Certified Financial Planner designation, and have earned numerous other investment related designations over the years.  I particularly enjoy the language of finance, accounting, and economics.

One thing I’m doing to help the planet:
Over a period of time, my son and I have adapted our backyard garden to native plant species. We are doing our small part to help preserve biodiversity, thereby supporting the birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects losing habitat.  Each year we introduce additional plants into this chemical-free ecosystem. We have learned that the attraction of insects to native plants is based on centuries of ecological evolution.

One goal I’m saving for:
While helping clients succeed financially, and having raised six children, my wife and I continue to save for our own financial future.

Favorite Quotes
“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

One project I worked on recently that I am really proud of:
I am proud of the transformation of our financial planning practice to an open architecture product platform. Offering a full spectrum of investment choices with sophisticated allocation methodologies is an added benefit to clientele.

Hobbies / Passions
I have always had a passion for language and culture. I first realized this back in high school when I won the top award in the Illinois State Latin Contest.  Over the years I have also learned Spanish and some Mandarin.

What’s your biggest accomplishment? I earned a third degree black belt in the ancient Japanese martial art form of Aiki as an adult. This training developed my self-discipline, balance, and respect for others.

Who is your ideal client and why they should connect with you? Within a team concept, I work best in collaboration with successful people who are open to new ideas, committed to their financial future, and who recognize the value we offer. Clients say they choose to work with us because they feel comfortable, they trust us, and they see us as different in a good way.

Reason you got into this business?
When I was young, I once sat in on an appointment my parents had with their financial advisor. I was a fly on the wall as they discussed a strong financial plan for our family, and instantly hooked. It was in this moment that I knew I wanted to pursue business and eventually earn a degree in finance.
Later on, I was hired as an intern at a financial planning firm by Glenn Stears, who eventually became my co-partner in founding 360 Blue Financial Strategies.

Primary way of advancing my career knowledge:
In my spare time I try to learn everything I can about people’s money mindset. I read on a daily basis and follow industry thought-leaders through blogs and publications. In addition to this, I network with fellow financial professionals who are mutually committed to bettering the overall client experience in financial planning.  

One thing I’m doing to help the planet:
Today, we are faced with pollinators disappearing at an alarming rate. I recently replaced my landscaping with native prairie plants to create a habitat for these pollinators. I also support the Cornell Lab of Ornithology of Cornell University (www.birds.cornell.edu) as they work very hard to educate the younger generation in ornithology.

One goal I’m saving for:
My husband and I are saving for a trip to go to Romania and Croatia.

Favorite Quotes
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. ~Alexander Graham Bell
Things do not happen. Things are made to happen. ~ John F. Kennedy

One project I worked on recently that I am really proud of:
I coordinated the transition to our new broker-dealer, United Planners. This was huge because the transition happened just weeks after I got married. I had two life-changing events happen in such a short span of time.

Hobbies / Passions
I’m currently obsessed with learning about the art of Ikebana.  I also practice yoga and meditate to keep a clear and focused mind.  

What’s your biggest accomplishment?
I paid for my own college education.

Pat enjoys traveling with her husband, John, whenever they can.  A favorite memory from traveling was a sunset in Santorini, Greece. Other activities she enjoys include camping, biking, kayaking and being outdoors.  She is also an active member of the Pleasantdale Garden Club and the Timberlake Women’s Club.

Her favorite guilty pleasure? A Cosmo – 1 part Vodka, ½ part Cointreau, 2 parts Cranberry juice, squeeze of lime – shaken to perfection.