He is such an avid mountain biker that his bikes have names! Who can blame him? (A lot of us are partial to a bit of adrenaline, mud-filled and often painful fun on the trails in this office...)
What’s your job title?
Financial Adviser, but I am more like a Coach
What sort of duties do you have at work?
Client engagement, Financial Planning, Cashflow modelling, Motivator, Coach and Investment specialist
Do you have any mentors in your professional life?
Yes two, one from outside the industry and one in our industry
What was your first paying job?
A milk run as a kid, 4.00am start
Who inspires you?
Many people, those that push themselves physically and mentally and are always learning. My dad is one.
What kind of music do you like?
Very eclectic, rock to classical - although recently I am on a techno buzz!
What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
Rolling Stones
Do you like traveling?
Yes!
What’s the best place you’ve travelled to?
Spain
Do you like reading? If so, what genre of books do you like?
Autobiographies
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
How to Solve Our Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Seeing my clients achieve their dreams and aspirations
Where did you work before this position?
Financial Adviser with FoxPlan
What’s your most-used productivity hack?
Collaborate
What is your favourite animal?
Black Panther
Do you have any vacations planned?
South Island Road trip with my two youngest
What’s something you’re proud of?
My four children
What’s your favourite food?
Lamb shanks
What’s your favourite movie?
Pulp Fiction
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Making furniture from reclaimed timber
Do you have any pets?
A Persian cat called Cracker
Are you a sports fan? Who are your favourite teams?
Yes, I love any sports especially F1, Rugby, Football, Tennis, Mountain biking. I am a huge Redbull F1 team fan
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
A bit of both, it depends on what event I am training for.
What can you be bribed with?
Craft Beer
Are you a coffee or tea person?
Coffee stove top expresso pot, I love the process
What’s something you find challenging about your work?
Keeping up with all of the regulatory changes
Who do you look up to within the company?
People with similar interests and the culture here
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
More time with my grandparents so I could learn more about their lives
What’s your biggest fear?
Immobility. Movement is life for me, after surviving a serious mountain bike accident in 1994 I was told I may not ever walk again or ride a mountain bike again.
What motivates you at work?
My amazing clients
What’s one thing you’re really bad at?
Grooming Cracker.... He had so many knots that I couldn't comb out, so I tried shaving him. Epic fail......
What’s one thing you’re really good at?
Cooking
What show are you currently binge-watching?
Queens Gambit
Have you ever met anyone famous?
Sylvester Stallone
What’s a skill you’d like to improve on?
My written skill
If you could have a career in anything, what would it be?
Professional Mountain Biker
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
My Friend's daughter said I looked like George Clooney!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Fighter Pilot
What’s your least favourite chore around the house?
Vacuuming!
What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekends?
Mountain biking
What’s your favourite holiday?
Camping
Can you speak more than one language?
I speak teenager (aka. grunting)
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Where I am now, working how and when I want to and living an active, healthy lifestyle
What was your favourite subject in school?
Maths. Yes, Maths.
How would your friends describe you?
Caring, Loyal and hopefully funny
Do you play any sports?
Mountain biking, Open water swimming and recently taken up snorkelling (free diving)
Are you able to keep a secret?
Yes!
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Probably an extrovert
It is great to have you on board with us, Dean.
Book a friendly chat with Dean today :)
dean@velocityfinancial.co.nz