Gordon Bernhardt was born and raised on a farm in Nebraska where the importance of hard work, focusing on what you can control, and being of service to others, were instilled. Though he left behind the rural lifestyle of his upbringing long ago, those midwestern values have remained with him and continue to influence both his personal and professional life.
In the early 1980s, Bernhardt journeyed to Washington D.C. for a job in The House of Representative, and where he would eventually embark on a successful career in finance. Bernhardt completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia. He currently holds CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) credentials.
Experience at a leading accounting firm and different brokerage companies, proved valuable but not purposeful—Bernhardt learned a lot but could not make the kind of difference in people’s lives that he had hoped to make. So, in 1994, he once again struck out on a new adventure. This time it was to establish Bernhardt Wealth Management, an independent investment management firm. He built a company based on the principle of fiduciary care: providing investment and wealth management guidance, service, and advice that places clients’ needs ahead of everything else. By adhering to this higher standard, he removed the conflicts of interest that were prevalent elsewhere, and created a business whose first priority is to serve the client’s interests before the interests of any company. In addition, rather than be restricted by a large company’s cookie cutter methodology, he and his team are able to create customized plans that are far more appropriate for individual clients. Today, Bernhardt Wealth Management is recognized as one of the top fee-only wealth management firms in the Washington D.C. region.
In addition to being a wealth advisor and entrepreneur, Bernhardt is the author of several professional papers and a weekly blog. His is also the author of a book series titled Profiles in Success: Inspiration from Executive Leaders, and is the host of a podcast with the same name. The series shines a spotlight on executives from a wide range of industries who demonstrate character-based leadership qualities. He developed the concept as a way to give back to the community by highlighting its outstanding leaders and expanding their influence. They also serve as inspiration and connections for the next generation of business leaders.
Bernhardt believes that while fulfilling work is important, the greatest rewards come from living a well-rounded life. Enjoying the excitement of college sports, he cheers for the Virginia Cavaliers and his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers. As an amateur photographer he feels privileged to capture the serene beauty that surrounds him on his many hikes. He has been blazing trails ever since his departure from that Nebraska farm. But the 618-mile hike on the Camino de Santiago, was undoubtedly the best experience of Bernhardt’s life and one that continues to influence his journey, today.
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