1900 Wealth is proud to launch a Q&A blog series highlighting our incredible team members and their pivotal roles within the firm. Each month, we will feature a different team member, sharing insights into their journey in the wealth management industry, their experience at 1900 Wealth, and more. Follow along to get to know our advisors and team members.
Meet Mike Sierra, Senior Vice President, Senior Investment Advisor, a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP), and Juris Doctor (JD). With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Mike is responsible for developing new business client relationships, providing advice, and servicing clients.
Q&A
What drew you to the industry and, more specifically, your role within the industry?
I worked for a Houston-based mutual fund company after graduating from college. I worked in their Austin office, and through that experience, I was introduced to servicing customers’ accounts, placing trades, and dealing with inheritances and property transfers. This was the impetus for my decision to go to law school. While in law school, I learned that the graduate school offered a joint degree in personal financial planning. By then, I was aware that this line of business was primed for growth and expansion due to the baby boomer generation, their impending retirement, and the transition of wealth to the next generation.
What type of expertise/skills do you bring to your position and to servicing your clients?
I bring a unique blend of legal and financial experience combined with a background in operations and customer service. This allows me to assist clients with their wealth management needs and enhance their experience and relationship with 1900 Wealth. Like many businesses, wealth management is a lot about relationships. Often, it takes time to build trust and confidence, but it can quickly go away or be eroded. So, I appreciate that and strive to be a good steward and servant by being attentive and staying engaged.
What, in your words, differentiates 1900 Wealth from your competitors?
In my opinion, 1900 Wealth is an investment advisory firm that functions much like a boutique family office. We aim to be a one-stop shop for our clients’ needs, whether it’s investment management, trusts, tax, or banking-related services and products offered through our parent company, Jefferson Bank. I believe the main differentiators are service — operationally and advisory — and culture. We are a team of seasoned professionals with various fiduciary skills and backgrounds who complement one another. Our alternative investment platform has helped set us apart with the offerings we can provide to our existing and future clients.
What do you see as current market trends?
Two items come to mind: (1) Investing in private markets or alternative investments as a supplement to or in place of publicly traded markets, and (2) more legacy planning with younger generations getting involved or taking a proactive role in understanding the family business or sources of wealth.
What do you enjoy most about working at 1900 Wealth?
The answer is twofold for me. First, I enjoy what I do for a living because I can use my education and experience to help our clients with an essential part or aspect of their lives. You get to know the people, their stories, and their goals and aspirations, and try to help them achieve those as best you can. Second, I can do this in a setting where the ownership, management team, and my colleagues respect, support, and believe in you and what you do. In short, it’s about relationships with the people you work for and the people you work with.
Outside of 1900 Wealth, what are some of your favorite local spots or activities you enjoy in or around San Antonio?
I enjoy spending time with my family at sporting events or over dinner. Some personal favorites include dining at The Pearl, Julian’s, Paloma Blanca, La Fonda on Main, and Soluna or watching a movie at Santikos. Fishing is my passion, and I love any opportunity to fish on the Guadalupe River or escape to the Hill Country.
