Why I Became a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)

Somebody asked me a while back how I ended up in the investment business. That got me thinking. Today, I wanted to share my story with you. I grew up in a small town in Indiana where my father was an attorney. There, I saw firsthand the power of helping others at a young age. While his practice was law, I realize now that the personal care and treatment he gave to his clients isn’t much different than what I do today for mine. I learned how to work with people from him, including the value of being honest and forthright, even when delivering bad news.

A Winding Career Path

I graduated with a double major in English and Political Science from DePauw University in 1983. I followed in my father’s footsteps and obtained my Juris Doctor degree in 1986. However, when I had the opportunity to work as a stockbroker, my career changed directions from law. I ultimately became intellectually interested in how markets work and designing portfolios geared towards a client’s unique risk/reward characteristics. Early in my career, portfolios were entirely comprised of common stocks. When, as I learned more about other options such as Exchange Traded Funds, I began creating my own investment systems based on these fascinating securities.

After nearly 15 years in the industry, I formed my own firm in 2001. My goal then as now is to offer clients professional investment management of their portfolios. I understand that the investment landscape is changing and strive to build portfolios that take advantage of this new world. I believe personal working relationships are critical to client success. I created Lumen Capital Management, LLC to provide a transparent, structured, and systematic investment process. When people understand the composition of their portfolios and the reasoning behind recommendations, they can feel more confident about their financial future.

Taking Money Management Off Your Plate

As an RIA, my goal is to create portfolios designed how my clients want their money invested; the same way they would if they had the time or expertise to do so themselves. This serves as my firm’s guiding principle as we assist clients in defining, implementing, and managing a customized investment strategy focused on their personal financial objectives. There’s no greater feeling than helping clients reach their goals. I love knowing that I can add value to my clients’ lives.

I’ve now been in this industry for nearly three decades and my passion for what I do has never wavered. I love the markets and the intellectual challenge of investing. I get the same feeling of excitement and wonder every morning when the markets open as I did when I first started in the business.

While I love my job, it’s not always easy. Market volatility is challenging and it can sometimes be difficult to keep clients from making short-term decisions that may hurt them down the road. I view this as a challenge, to help my clients stay on track with their goals and to maintain an open line of communication. My clients will hear from me both in good market times and bad.

How I Can Help

Based in the greater Chicago area, I work with clients throughout Illinois, as well as across the country. Whether you’re based locally or in another state, I’d be happy to speak with you about your investment goals and personal values, and how we can integrate them into a customized portfolio using our investment strategies.

About Me

Christopher R. English is a money manager and the founder of Lumen Capital Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory firm. Specializing in investment management and developing customized portfolios that reflect a client’s values and needs, he has nearly three decades of experience working with individuals, families, businesses, and foundations. Based in the greater Chicago area, he serves clients throughout Illinois, as well as Florida, Massachusetts, California, Indiana, and other states. To schedule a complimentary portfolio review, contact Chris today by calling 708.488.0115 or emailing lumencapital@hotmail.com.