We know that financial planning is personal – that’s why we take the time to get to know each of our clients’ unique goals, priorities and values. It’s more than just dollars and cents, it’s your life.
In this new series, we’re shining a light on each member of the Clarity team to help you get to know the faces behind what we do. Let’s kick it off with our newest Associate Advisor, Garrett Dresen!
Meet Garrett Dresen
Originally from the small coastal town of Brooking, Oregon, Garrett migrated to Corvallis to attend Oregon State University. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2021.
As an Associate Advisor at Clarity, Garrett meets with clients, creates financial plans, tracks client progress and helps drive the overall client experience. He uses his knack for personal finance to help people reach their financial goals.
In his spare time, Garrett enjoys long distance running, snowboarding, and other high intensity sports.
Read on or click play below to learn more about Garrett’s life as an adrenaline junkie and financial advisor at Clarity.
Welcome, Garrett! To start off, tell us a little bit about what you do here at Clarity.
Hi! My typical day involves meeting with clients, building their financial plans, looking at data and developing strategies. I also often attend educational conferences and events to learn more and increase my industry knowledge.
How did you end up working as an Associate Advisor? What is it about the job that appeals to you?
I was introduced to Kay Dee Cole (Clarity Founder and CEO) through a professor at Oregon State. After keeping in touch for a year, I started as an intern about two years ago and from there worked my way up to an Associate Advisor.
I love helping people with their personal finances. That’s such a taboo topic in today’s society, and it’s not something that’s taught in the education system. But it’s something I’m really passionate about – helping people learn what’s going on inside their personal finances.
Now onto the fun questions: What’s your secret talent?
My secret talent is that I can build a Chevy V8 engine completely blindfolded!
What do you like to do in your off hours?
I like high-intensity activities, like Jiu Jitsu, boxing, hiking and snowboarding. I always like to try new sports and get the adrenaline pumping. I even competed in a couple of Jiu Jitsu tournaments last year!
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Paradise City by Guns N’ Roses, but be warned – I’m the worst singer in the history of the world.
What’s your favorite season of the year?
I would have to say summer, because there are so many options for outdoor activities (minus snowboarding). There’s good hiking, and you can go jump in the river without freezing!
We know you’re outdoorsy, so which would you pick: mountain, ocean or lake?
I’d have to choose lakes. I grew up right by the ocean and it lost its excitement over time. I also just tried wakeboarding for the first time last summer and really enjoyed it.
What are you most excited about in the coming year, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I’m planning on doing a 60-mile Corvallis to Coast hike in just two days.
Professionally, I look forward to meeting more people and expanding my network.
Finish off the interview with a few fast facts about yourself we should know!
- I recently went back and visited my hometown of Brookings, and built a cabin with my dad, which was really cool!
- If i could visit any period in time, it would be the wild west. I could pull off a cowboy hat, right?
- If I could go out to lunch with anyone, it would be Joe Rogan. He’s one of my favorite podcasters of all time.
- Someone who’s had a big influence on me is my grandpa. He’s been paralyzed for over 40 years, and still built his own business from scratch. He still works to this day – in his 70s!
Let’s Get to Know Each Other
ThatWant to know more about your Clarity team? We’d love to chat! Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
