Talk to us Meet Wendy
What do you enjoy most about wealth management?
The moment of transformation ─ when a client realizes what’s possible. They exhale from that deep breath of tension and release years of worry, concern and fear. Then, the light bulb goes off. They smile and start to imagine, “What’s next on my journey?”
What do you love most about being part of Aspiriant?
I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of Aspiriant. To be surrounded by so many dedicated and talented people who are all devoted to putting the client first makes it easy to come to work.
What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
To be welcomed as a partner into Aspiriant. I’ve spent my career choosing what’s right over what’s convenient. Having the opportunity to collaborate with others who share these values and participate in the meaningful delivery of services aligned with such a vision fills me with positive energy every day.
What quality of yours makes you best suited to do what you do?
I listen and observe. I love to bring innovation to a process, making it more efficient while still remaining as detailed and thorough as it needs to be. I think successful execution of the details makes people happy ─ they worry less and can trust things are on track and under watchful care.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I like to make plans to travel with my family. I love a good, old-fashioned road-trip. When I focus on a destination, my husband and I will plan out all of the activities, particularly museums, and the anticipation and research is so much fun. I always touch the ground when we arrive and say, “We made it!”
What would you be doing if you weren't working for Aspiriant?
If happily retired, I would be traveling as much as possible and finally getting around to scanning all my family photos.
What was the most influential book you've read and why?
“The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom,” by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is so concise. I’ve given it as a gift many times.
What personal accomplishments are you most proud of?
It’s hard to think of anything more rewarding than the smiling face and strong heart of my son as I see the man he is becoming.
Bio
Wendy joined Aspiriant at the end of 2021 as a Director of Project Management in the culmination of the merger with HearthStone Private Wealth Management in Carmel Valley, Calif. As one of HearthStone’s founding members, she has over 30 years of experience in the financial services and fiduciary wealth management industry. Wendy’s practical experience combined with her drive to innovate is chiefly compatible as a director in Aspiriant’s Shared Services Team, which manages the complexities of running a national firm.
Prior to joining Aspiriant, Wendy spent 15 years at the firm eventually known as HearthStone, dedicated to wealth management and planning for families and for private professional fiduciaries as an affiliate member of the Professional Fiduciary Association of California. She previously worked for two institutions now known as Morgan Stanley, plus Merrill Lynch and the Merrill Lynch Trust Company.
Wendy has attended Northern Arizona University and San Diego State University, with studies in the fields of anthropology, history, literature and computer science. She spent nine years as the volunteer communications officer for the International Popular Arts & Comics Education League, a nonprofit organization which produces an annual convention in San Diego.
Wendy and her family live in the Ranch Peñasquitos neighborhood of San Diego. Although Wendy has retired from running the annual convention where they first met, she and her husband, Mike Towry, can still be found every year at San Diego Comic-Con.
