John Steffens joined Moneta Group in 2002, after working at Arthur Anderson as a consultant for patent litigation and intellectual property. "I built financial models for expert witness and intellectual property disputes," he says, "helping clients present their cases." Then Enron happened. "Many of us knew we had to find other employment."
"I took a job working in compliance. I had experience, although that really wasn't what I wanted to do. But I liked the firm and hoped there might be an opportunity down the road." Like many who came from other financial services firms, John wanted to have real contact with clients and the ability to help them make decisions about their financial lives. "Moneta seemed like the place in which that was a true possibility."
After a year, John joined Jim Blair and the Blair team. "I had technical expertise to bring to the table but found there was so much more to do and to learn." He enjoyed the pace of the work, the constant change and appreciated the opportunity to tackle new challenges. "Jim's attitude was always, 'Do what you can; then do more.' The opportunity to learn every day, stretch myself and really contribute was very satisfying. I began to develop relationships with the clients. That was icing on the cake."
John earned his CPA in September of 2009 and was promoted to professional consultant. "It is really refreshing to work in an environment where clients are highly valued and their interests are always first. It's a very dynamic place, and I enjoy the work of financial planning and being able to contribute to helping people achieve their goals."
John and his wife, Tricia, have three children. "My life is busy with the kids. Leisure time is really family time for us. I like sports, especially the Cardinals, and I love taking the kids to the zoo."