About Santiago
Hi, I’m Santiago! Thanks for checking out my blog. My passion lies in investments, economics, and empowering people to make sound financial choices. My journey began in 2008 when I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (The Few, The Proud!). After completing two tours in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom, I was honorably discharged in 2013 and set out to build a new career as a civilian. I envisioned doing one of two things: flying fighter jets or working in portfolio management.
My academic path started at Broward Community College in Business Finance. Despite encountering advice that said Ivy League credentials were essential for a career in investments, I pushed forward, ultimately graduating from Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering in 2019. Over the course of my civilian career, I worked as a Department of Defense contractor, piloting drones while independently immersing myself in market theory, behavioral finance, and portfolio management. I’ve always been committed to building wealth through practical, common-sense investing.
Following a 13-year drone piloting career, I knew I wanted to transfer my analytical and problem-solving skills into asset management. With this shift, I spent three years refining my investment strategies and, by 2023, began conducting full-time financial analysis. I completed my Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) examination in March 2024 and am currently pursuing an MBA at Louisiana State University Shreveport. Today, I support entrepreneurs and family offices by analyzing and managing private market investments. This blog is my platform to share investment research and insights from my experiences as an investor, portfolio manager, and financial professional. Please note, all content here reflects my personal perspectives and is not intended as financial advice.
Many people know what they need to do to succeed. The problem is they actually fear if they do it and fail, that hurts greater than not trying at all.