Jacob Cadena, CFP®

I grew up in a small agricultural town in eastern Washington that provided very little in the way of financial planning education or access to financial services. Yet perhaps it was this very lack of exposure that fueled my desire to make a difference in this field.

My journey into financial services began somewhat unexpectedly. Upon stumbling into a career fair while a student at the university of Washington, I met a recruiter who introduced me to the role of a financial advisor. Having never met a financial advisor, and in fact, having very little idea what an advisor did, she educated me on what this opportunity could look like, which all very much intrigued me, but what solidified my decision was seeing, during an office tour, an advisor meeting with a couple in a glass-walled conference room. They were attentive, engaged, each of them listening carefully. I didn’t hear what was being said, but I could tell from the body language that whatever was happening in that meeting was important. That moment left a lasting impression on me and shaped my understanding of what a meaningful career in financial services could look like.

Over the years, working with New York Life, R.W. Baird, and LPL Financial, I’ve developed a strong foundation in financial planning, and expertise in investment and securities. Today, as part of the Harris Private Wealth (HPW) family, I continue to use my skills and experience to guide individuals and families in making smart financial decisions, ultimately toward meaningful, thriving lives. For me, this work is not just about numbers — it’s about making a difference.

Leaving my home state for the Bay Area to join this team was driven by a desire to pursue a path focused on financial planning, and to reignite my interest and passion to help grow a practice. HPW stood out to me as a successful firm with a family culture — shaped by deeply held values about service and responsibility to clients. Since joining the firm, working with the team, and exploring my new surroundings in sunny California, I am more certain than ever that this is where I belong.