Over the course of his 10-year teaching career, he taught middle and high school students, specializing in advanced placement U.S. history, government and world history. Outside of the classroom, he was a coach for every season — including football, girls basketball, and track and field.

Now, he brings all the passion and experience of an educator and motivator to his role at Verus.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to make a mark in the community in a different way,” says David. “You can walk with people, live life with them and have that shared experience.”

David — who holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in teaching from James Madison University — joins Verus as an associate financial planner. Call it a full-circle professional moment, as he teaches a new type of class while cracking the books for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) exam and completing 6,000 hours of professional experience.

“I’ve been in the classroom, and teenagers have come to me with questions about anything from history and government to life and sports. That hasn’t necessarily changed. The only thing that’s changed is the questions and the age of the people that I’m working with.”

He says guiding a new group of clients at a different stage in life and planning is equally rewarding.

“I don’t want to go through this life and look back and think, ‘Man, I could have given more of myself away.’ I believe life is found in relationships with other people in the community — friends, family, acquaintances,” he says. “The importance of relationships will always come through in the way we work with clients.”

“It’s really about how can we help people live the best version of their life,” says David.