We’ve always believed that the best financial advising feels like family. It’s how we strive to treat each of our clients, and it’s the way we’ve built our firm as a father-son team with Mike and Colby. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the news that the Valenta family is growing: Max, Colby’s brother, is joining the firm as the Vice President of Business Development.
Max brings extremely valuable experience from his work on Wall Street, and he’ll work closely with our entire team to help grow the business, make us more efficient, and deliver even better client service. We can’t wait for you to get acquainted with Max and see firsthand the value he will bring to Valenta. In the meantime, we compiled a quick Q&A with Max to help you get to know him a little better. Check it out below!
When did you decide you wanted to become an advisor?
I have always known I would become an advisor because I’ve had the pleasure of watching my father work in this industry my entire life. Once my brother, Colby, joined Valenta 15 years ago, I became even more interested. Having the opportunity to take Personal Financial Planning classes during my time at The University of Colorado, Boulder (Leeds School of Business), only fueled the fire.
What are you most excited about contributing to as you join the Valenta team?
I am most excited to contribute my Wall Street experience with Morgan Stanley and my CFP® acumen. I believe that my background will allow me to immediately contribute to Valenta and execute for clients and the business itself. I’m looking forward to implementing a financial planning process that mimics the one that I helped create at Morgan Stanley. I’m also looking forward to learning from my father and brother, who have over 50 years of combined experience.
What part of the financial planning industry interests you most right now?
I am very interested in the upcoming wealth transfer from older to younger generations and am curious to see how younger generations, who have more access to technological advancements, will use and grow this wealth. As advisors, we are in a perfect position to educate those inheriting wealth and provide them with the proper steps forward to not only retain the wealth but build it so that their heirs and their heirs’ heirs can inherit financial freedom.
What do you think clients value most in an advisor relationship?
I think that clients value peace of mind and time most in an advisor relationship. Clients enjoy having access to us to ask questions, clarify difficult concepts, and solve problems for them. At the end of the day, the client is entrusting us with a major portion of their livelihood. Clients deserve white-glove service, and it’s our goal at Valenta to service our clients in the best way possible.
What is one thing you wish more people understood about financial planning?
That it is important and worthwhile to spend the time to get everything in one place. A financial plan helps establish a roadmap for accomplishing the goals you’ve set. Financial plans also provide quite a bit of peace of mind as well. I wish people understood that a financial plan is a tool to be used constantly — not a document you review once and then forget about 10 years later.
Why do you think 401(k) education matters so much for employees?
401(k)s, the inner workings, the rules, and the role that an employer plays are pieces of information that can be difficult to understand for anyone. So much happens in employees' lives that they sometimes pay little attention to their 401(k)s or benefits. Our goal is to educate them because this vehicle is an incredibly efficient tool that, when properly leveraged, can provide ample financial freedom to someone who has worked their entire career for freedom in retirement.
What does it mean to be able to work alongside your family?
It means everything to me. To be able to come into the office every day and know that I am working with people who truly care about me, have my best interests in mind, and have a wealth of experience is something that I never take for granted. It humbles me to know that God has put us all in the same place with the goal of helping others and of making our business a ministry.
What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am a very big “sneaker-head.” I absolutely love the history, storytelling, and connections with others that sneakers provide. In my off hours away from the office, I am constantly checking eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and thrift stores for the next rare sneaker. My older brother and I share a collection of at least 200-250 pairs of shoes.
What is your go-to coffee order or workday drink?
An iced black coffee or a Peach Sparkling Celsius.
What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Going around to different sneaker shops, thrift stores, and 2nd Street locations, and trying to find extremely rare sneakers. I’m also a big fan of trying out new restaurants, connecting with the chefs and restaurant staff, and exploring new cities with my girlfriend, Hannah.
What is your favorite Denver spot, restaurant, or activity?
One of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday is heading to a Denver Broncos game with my dad, then meeting our family at the local Mexican restaurant, Las Delicias, afterward.