Brian Sirota, CFP®, ChFC, MBA

Education:

— Auburn University: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance

— Nova Southeastern University: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

— College for Financial Planning: Certified Financial Planner™ curriculum

— American College: Chartered Financial Consultant curriculum

Industry Experience:

— Investment Consultant: Fidelity Brokerage Services

— VP of Wealth Management: Camarda Wealth Advisory Group

— Private Wealth Advisor: Cary Stamp & Company

Licenses and Affiliations:

— Certified Financial Planner ™ (CFP®): CFP Board

— Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)Advisors (NAPFA)

— Investment Advisor Representative (U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission)

— Registered Financial Advisor: National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)

What does "comprehensive" planning really mean?
"To me, it means really understanding a client's goals before giving any advice. That's why I earned the ChFC® and CFP® designations - I wanted the expertise to match the responsibility."

And how does FirsTrust do that differently?
"We actually put clients first, not Wall Street. At an independent firm I can offer better options, and giving up my sales licenses makes it clear my advice is only about what's best for them."

People say you build unusually personal relationships. Why is that?
"Because clients are more than numbers. I like hearing their stories and values - it helps me understand what really matters to them."

What bothers you most about the financial industry?
"Advisors who hide behind the word 'fiduciary' while still holding sales licenses. Until regulations improve, I think you just have to do the right thing."

How do you put your expertise to work today?
"I’m always stress-testing plans to make cash flow as efficient and predictable as possible. The goal is simple - steady, tax-smart income so clients can relax."

How did you get interested in the financial industry?
"I got interested in finance in sixth grade, watching my grandfather study the Wall Street Journal. I asked him why stocks went up and down, and even though his answers didn’t fully satisfy me, that curiosity sparked my passion for finance."

Tell us one interesting thing about your personal life.
"I used to play competitive AAU baseball, and now I get to relive the fun by cheering on my two boys in just about every sport you can imagine."

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.”

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.

-George Petrie (1943)