Describe your very first job.
My first job came in high school, when I worked at a retail clothing store at the Paradise Valley Mall. I learned to appreciate and respect all customers, and that they were always right.
Describe your first job in your industry.
While studying economics at Arizona State University, I realized that I wanted to follow in my grandfather’s and father’s footsteps and become a financial adviser. Fortunately, my father gave me an opportunity to begin working at his company in order to gain experience. I learned that all things of great quality come over time and you must be patient with yourself.
What were your salaries at both jobs?
I made $4.75 an hour at the clothing store and less than $15,000 my first year out of college.
Who is your biggest mentor?
My father, Bill Gold, has been the biggest mentor of my career. He taught me lessons of money management and business skills that otherwise would have taken me decades to learn on my own. He also gave me the encouragement to start my own company and to write my first book.
What advice would you give to a person entering your industry?
The responsibility of managing the investments for major corporations and individuals is not for the faint of heart, especially after the economic collapse of 2008. You must be able to analyze situations, create a strategy and then be able to effectively communicate your conclusions to others.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
If I was not a financial adviser, I would surely be teaching economics at a college or university.
