PAUL Dame
Favorite Part of Job? I help people. And usually I get to help people in one of the areas of their life that has the biggest impact on everything else: their finances. It's great to help people see how a good strategy can overcome their concerns.
Most Inspiring Mentor: When I got into the business my mentor and friend Mark Bourgeois was absolutely instrumental in my success. He has always challenged me to be better than my competition, to raise the expectations of both my clients and my self and has always encouraged me that my family and my faith are an asset for my business never a liability or distraction.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: In 2005 I attended more UVM sporting events than anyone else and because the very first "Cat Pride Club" member
Favorite Vermont Escape: Lake Dunmore
Favorite Social Media: Depends on the purpose. I've been a long-time facebook user, but recently have been more engaged on twitter. LinkedIn is still the gold standard for me for any professional use, though.
Vermont Business Person you would like to have lunch with: Adam Hergenrother. He was a guest speaker at an event I organized for the Vermont Young Professionals, and if you ask anyone at that meeting 90 minutes was not enough.
Career Highlights: I was the #1 agent in the New England region my first year in the advising business before I left the national firm I was with. I then started my own firm, Shepherd Financial, in 2011. I also became the first elected President of the Vermont Young Professionals earlier this year when our founder stepped down.
Community Involvement: I serve on the board of civil authority in Essex Junction and have participated in multiple community events sponsored by the Essex Heart & Soul committee. I have recently been participating in StartUpVT meetings to help develop the business economy in my town. I also have volunteered in the past with a middle and high school summer camp which was always one of my favorite weeks of the year.
