Brett Gookin JD, CFP®

Director in Wealth Management, Partner

Meet Brett

What do you enjoy most about wealth management?

Having thoughtful, insightful, quirky colleagues.

What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

Being voted by my colleagues as most likely to succeed.

What quality of yours make you best suited to do what you do?

Being left handed.

How should people think about their wealth?

Wealth creates opportunities and responsibilities, but it shouldn’t be a burden.

What do you love to do outside of work?

Dig in dirt, explore and laugh.

What would you be doing if you weren't working for Aspiriant?

I’d be an archaeologist and farmer living on a plot of land with lots of rescued animals.

Career highlights:

Invented the Internet.

What was the most influential book you've read and why?

I believe the true measure of a person is how they respond to adversity. “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage,” by Alfred Lansing, is the story of unrelenting adversity and unwavering leadership. My favorite quote from the book: “For scientific leadership give me Scott; for swift and efficient travel, Amundsen; but when you are in a hopeless situation, when there seems no way out, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton.”

What personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

Im not through yet!

Bio

Brett joined Aspiriant’s predecessor firm, Kochis Fitz, in 2000 and became a Partner in 2008. In addition to client responsibilities, Brett serves on Aspiriant’s Board of Directors.

Brett co-authored the book, Wealth Management, A Concise Guide to Financial Planning and Investment Management for Wealthy Clients, now in its second edition, and has served as a mentor to students in Golden Gate University’s Financial Planning Program.

Brett graduated from the University of California-Berkeley with an A.B. degree in Political Economy of Industrial Societies and was a Distinguished Military Graduate from its Army ROTC program. He earned a J.D. degree from the University of San Francisco
School of Law and is a member of the State Bar of California. Brett served in the United States Army, both as an enlisted soldier and an officer. As an enlisted soldier, he had the privilege of serving two years on 1st Relief at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

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