Emerson J. Fersch

LPL Registered Principal, CFP®

I began my career in financial services in 1986. After 5 years working in the Savings and Loan industry in both the retail banking and investment securities areas, I became securities licensed in 1992. After nearly three years working as a financial advisor for Great Western Financial Securities, I left to start Capital Investment Advisers LLC in 1995. My primary motivation at that time was the internal sense that “I could do better for my clients” starting my own firm. I completed a master’s degree in financial services from the American College and have an undergraduate degree in general studies from Saint Louis University. Additionally, I have earned several professional designations over the years. Within the community, I served in a variety of ecclesiastical leadership positions, and as elected City Treasurer for 12 years when I was based in Southern California.

Over the last nearly four decades, I have seen and learned a lot. I have worked through all of the most extreme financial market conditions experienced since 1986, beginning with Black Monday in 1987. It became clear to me early on that a blueprint, one size fits all approach does not work—every client is different, and their specific needs are unique. Additionally, it has become clear to me that financial goals are very personal and subjective, and that societal norms do not apply to everyone. In order to truly honor each of our clients very unique circumstances and desires, we are committed to remaining a small, boutique type firm and gratefully accept potential new clients that are referred to us by existing clients or professional relationships.

I have also learned that it is critical to be able to adapt our investment philosophy and allocation strategies to not only address the various changes that occur in the lives of our clients, but also to adjust to ever-changing economic and geopolitical influences. We are fortunate to be affiliated with a firm (LPL) that supports and encourages our independence and welcomes our input to the direction of the broker-dealer as members of the LPL Research Council.

I am blessed to work with a business partner that is ethical, caring, faithful, and one of the brightest women I know in life. I trust her implicitly. Our firm continues to evolve and adapt in its approach, not as an old established 30-year-old business, but as Amy puts it , as a “youthful 30-year-old entity,” very open to unique and non-mainstream viewpoints.

Currently, I reside primarily in the Southern Utah area with my wife Darci and son Ethan, along with our two Malamutes Storm and Tulok. We love weightlifting and fitness, the St. Louis Blues, and are unapologetic seekers of truth!

Get to know me...

What makes me laugh?: Our dogs when they play!

Favorite Quote: "Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change the world which yields most painfully to change." - Robert F. Kennedy

Who is your hero?: Robert F. Kennedy

My favorite memories: