About Tao Financial

Jeff began his lifetime passion for learning when his grandfather, a former headmaster of the San Antonio Military Academy, began teaching him about the world’s history and wonders at an early age. This sparked a lifelong thirst for new knowledge and new experiences, which drive the standards of personal and professional excellence which guide Jeff today. His interest in the capital markets also began at an early age – Jeff was born on October 19th, 1987, otherwise known as Black Monday, which resulted in the largest single-day stock market decline (on a percentage basis) in U.S. history. The combination of Jeff’s natural curiosity, as well as his own family’s personal experience of loss from stock market crashes, launched him on the long road to understanding ‘What makes markets tick.” Jeff has accumulated extensive knowledge and practical experience in finance and accounting to better understand the risks of the financial marketplace for the benefit of his clients, family, and friends. From the beginning, the goal has been to “Be the change you wish to see in the world” and to prove that professionals in the financial services industry can succeed while always putting clients first and acting with integrity.

During his time at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Jeff studied extensively in the areas of financial reporting, analysis, modeling, and business valuation while obtaining his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting in four years. In acknowledging his academic prowess and pursuit for excellence, the UTSA College of Business allowed him to pursue PhD-level coursework focusing on Big Data-style analysis of corporate financial statements in his final semester.

Jeff’s career began in the wake of the Great Recession as an analyst with JPMorgan Investment Bank in their Fixed Income Rates, Derivatives, and Structured Products division. During this time, Jeff worked with offices around the world to track and manage the risks associated with billions of dollars of complex investments issued out of London, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Later, Jeff assisted with the creation of JPMorgan’s intermediated futures clearing operation, which focused on managing margins for custom derivative products. After completing JPMorgan Investment Bank’s rigorous analyst development program, Jeff moved to Central Florida to join Newport Group Consulting and reunite with his long-time childhood friend and love interest Sarah(they’re now married).

Newport Group Consulting, one of the largest institutional investment consulting firms in Central Florida with assets under advisement of approximately $30 billion, proved to be a valuable place to grow into the investment advisory business. During his tenure, Jeff earned the CFA charter, one of the most recognized and respected credentials in the global financial services industry and widely considered the gold standard in portfolio management and investment analysis. His work with corporate clients included developing customized investment portfolios and asset allocation programs, instituting a prudent process for monitoring and managing investments over time, and educating business leaders and plan sponsors on sound investment decision-making. He also envisioned, developed, tested, marketed, and launched innovative new services to meet his corporate clientele’ specific needs.  Before leaving Newport Group, Jeff served as the acting investment consultant to a significant number of national and regional firms totaling nearly $2 billion in total assets, many of which are a household name.

Prior to opening his own firm, Jeff served as an investment advisor for a prominent financial planning firm headquartered in Winter Park, FL. During this time, he was immersed in comprehensive personal financial planning and private wealth management disciplines. Jeff was determined, on a completely independent basis, to find a means to offer clients both:

1. Financial planning services tailored to the needs of business owners and;
2. Institutional-quality investment advice to individuals.

Understanding this vision was unlikely to be achieved without opening a new firm, Jeff decided to launch Tao Financial. An entirely new company dedicated to these standards in 2020 in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and economic shutdowns.

Personal Background & Interests:

Jeff and his wife Sarah are lovers of all fine arts varieties, from painting and sculpture to stage plays and symphonies. They are also avid travelers and cultural enthusiasts with a passion for experiencing how others live throughout the world.

On the weekends, you might come across Jeff and Sarah watching a show put on by Central Florida Vocal Arts, Mad Cow Theater, or the Dr. Philips Center. You may also find them hanging out at a number of the local dog parks with their dachshund-chihuahua mix Shorty (a.k.a. Chief People-Greeter). They are also members of the Orlando chapter of Texas Exes, the alumni association for the University of Texas, which engages in volunteer and social gatherings in the local area throughout the year.

In his spare time, Jeff likes to volunteer and give back to the community. Since his early years, Jeff has formed friendships with special needs individuals. This experience grew into regular support for organizations such as Camp Boggy Creek, the Special Olympics, and the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF).

Other interests include gardening/permaculture, hi-fidelity audio experiences, hiking, cooking, psychology, philosophy, stand-up comedy, and community involvement.