Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Yvenson Bernard | Private Client Manager at Capstone Wealth Advisors LLC

Yvenson Bernard, is a Private Client Manager with extensive experience in managing the wealth and financial portfolios of high-net-worth individuals. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to tailor investment strategies, optimize financial planning, and deliver personalized solutions to meet his clients’ unique objectives. Well-versed in areas such as risk assessment, tax planning, estate management, and luxury brand management, Yvenson brings valuable insights into financial markets that benefit his clients.

Blue Ocean: Tell us about your professional journey. What inspired you to pursue a career in wealth management, particularly catering to high-net-worth individuals?

Yvenson: Growing up in Boca Raton, Florida, with Haitian immigrant parents, I was immersed in hard work from an early age. My parents transitioned from janitorial jobs at IBM to owning dry cleaners, which made me explore my neighborhood and form friendships. This exposure led me to baseball and football, where I excelled enough to earn a scholarship to Oregon State University. After a brief stint in the NFL and the Canadian Football League, I realized the unpredictability of a sports career wasn’t for me.

I interned at Nike, but the corporate environment didn’t feel like the right fit. Transitioning to coaching revealed the challenges of working with young athletes, often influenced by social media. I then ventured into fundraising at Oregon State. Initially uncertain, I discovered my passion for connecting with people and advocating for student-athletes.

This experience laid the groundwork for my current career in wealth management. I was drawn to the challenge of building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and helping them navigate their financial journeys. My background in athletics taught me the importance of teamwork and resilience–skills I now apply to empower clients in achieving their financial goals.

Blue Ocean: What recent market trends have you found most impactful when advising clients, and how do you anticipate the financial landscape evolving for high-net-worth individuals?

Yvenson: Navigating the wealth management landscape has been a fascinating journey, particularly as I’ve witnessed significant market shifts. Recently, I’ve observed a surge in interest among high-net-worth individuals in alternative investments, especially outside traditional stock markets. Many clients are now seeking opportunities in private equity and real estate, driven by a desire for higher returns and diversification.

During my time at Edward Jones, I learned that to truly serve clients–especially those with substantial assets–it’s essential to go beyond conventional offerings. This insight led me to adopt a more boutique approach with a registered investment advisory firm, allowing me to provide personalized strategies without the constraints of larger corporations.

Another impactful trend is the growing importance of transparency and fee structures. High-net-worth clients prefer clear, flat fees rather than commission-based models, which can sometimes lead to conflicts of interest. This shift has allowed me to build trust and foster stronger relationships with clients, as they appreciate the straightforward approach.

Looking ahead, I anticipate that the financial landscape will continue to evolve, with a greater emphasis on holistic financial planning that integrates lifestyle goals with investment strategies. As clients increasingly seek sustainable and socially responsible investments, wealth management will need to adapt to these values. My goal is to stay ahead of these trends, leveraging my extensive network to provide clients with the best opportunities while ensuring their wealth grows sustainably.

Yvenson Bernard : Private Client Manager at Capstone Wealth Advisors LLC

Blue Ocean: What does a typical day look like for you as a private client manager at Capstone Wealth Advisors?

Yvenson: My typical day as a private client manager at Capstone Wealth Advisors begins with an early morning routine, though I admit I’m a night owl. I often find myself getting a lot of work done between 8:00 and 10:30 PM, which makes mornings a bit challenging. I kick off the day with coffee, review my calendar, and check market futures. If I anticipate a rough day in the markets, I proactively reach out to clients to check in and reassure them.

From 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, my focus shifts entirely to managing relationships. I stagger client meetings based on prior interactions to ensure consistent engagement with everyone. I handle follow-ups, discuss ongoing portfolios, and assess whether adjustments are needed, such as increasing exposure to real estate or other investment opportunities.

In addition to client interactions, I review new deal flows from my colleagues, sourcing potential investments that align with client goals. I also keep track of important dates, like birthdays, to add a personal touch to my professional relationships.

Amidst all this, I prioritize my health with workouts, usually fitting them in either before the market opens or after my workday. Evenings often involve my sons’ sports practices, but the core of my workday is dedicated to nurturing and expanding client relationships, ensuring they feel supported and informed.

Blue Ocean: Managing high-net-worth portfolios often involves diverse and complex responsibilities. How do you ensure your strategies are aligned with each client’s goals while navigating the challenges of fluctuating markets and risk?

Yvenson: Managing high-net-worth portfolios requires a careful balance of understanding each client’s unique goals and risk tolerance. I begin with a detailed questionnaire to gauge their preferences, including retirement timelines and risk appetite. This initial assessment is crucial, as it informs our approach and strategy from the outset.

At Capstone, we take a disciplined approach to investing, akin to institutional investors like Stanford or Harvard. We don’t chase market trends; instead, we focus on what works best for our clients. This means while we may not always achieve the highest returns, we ensure we avoid the lowest either. Our strategy emphasizes stability and risk management.

Throughout the year, I continually reassess client portfolios, especially in response to market fluctuations. If clients express a desire to take on more risk during a bullish market, I carefully evaluate that against their long-term goals. I believe in maintaining a conservative stance, especially since a significant portion of their retirement savings is tied to market performance.

Ultimately, my goal is to ensure clients are not placed in precarious positions that could jeopardize their financial future. By staying aligned with their objectives and adopting a prudent investment strategy, I can help navigate the complexities of the market while prioritizing their best interests.

Blue Ocean: Working in crafting customized financial strategies for clients from various sectors, what is something unique that you offer to your clients and stakeholders?

Yvenson: In my role as a Client Relation Manager at Capstone, the cornerstone of what I offer is trust and genuine relationship-building. It’s not just about crafting customized financial strategies; it’s about understanding my clients as individuals and creating a partnership based on mutual respect and confidence.

I focus on being accessible and approachable, ensuring my clients know they can reach out to me anytime. This level of accessibility fosters trust, which is essential in our industry. Clients often seek a financial advisor not just for expertise, but for the assurance that someone is looking out for their best interests. Even if they could find slightly better returns elsewhere, the comfort and confidence they have in our relationship often outweigh those numbers.

Additionally, I collaborate closely with my team, including seasoned advisors like Ryan and Rob, whom I trust implicitly to manage client portfolios. This shared trust and synergy within our team enhances the overall client experience, allowing us to provide tailored advice and solutions that truly reflect their unique needs and goals.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is my commitment to building lasting relationships grounded on trust, accessibility, and a deep understanding of my clients’ financial aspirations. This approach not only helps navigate the complexities of their financial landscape but also ensures they feel secure in the decisions we make together.

Blue Ocean: You’ve built a highly successful clientele by providing tailored wealth management solutions. What do you believe has been the key to your success in such a competitive industry, and how do you manage to stay ahead of the game?

Yvenson: The more I go through this world, the more I realize that trust is the most crucial factor. As Client Relationship Manager, it’s about truly understanding your clients’ needs—and knowing them as people. The relationship you build is the center of everything. I’ve met people who say, “Just talk to my financial advisor,” no matter the business decision, no matter what it is, they’re going to their financial advisor. They tell you to meet their financial advisor, because they hold immense trust in that person. It’s not just about what you do for them; it’s also about being genuine and accessible. At the end of the day I’m never too busy for any of my clients, and I ensure that they have full confidence in me and my team.

Blue Ocean: Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self or anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in wealth management particularly with a client here, which is quite affluent?

Yvenson: I think my time working at the Oregon State Foundation taught me one of the hardest skills—learning how to ask people for money. That’s a very hard thing, you’re not selling it actually. You’re selling a product, Oregon State University. It’s emotional. I’d approach someone and say, ‘Hey, we need your donation, and it’s going to change a student-athlete’s life.’ That’s a tough sell.

If you’re entering this business work in sales, you have to have sales in your background. If you can’t sell, you’re done. That foundation in sales has been instrumental in launching my career in both private equity and real estate. It all comes back to knowing how to sell.

Blue Ocean: Outside of work, what passions or hobbies do you pursue, and how do they contribute to your overall well-being?

Yvenson: Working out is a hobby I embraced recently, though it wasn’t always a priority for me. Getting back into fitness has not only improved my physical health but also benefited my mental well-being. On tough days, I can tap into my workouts to release all the tension, and that makes a big difference. Another passion of mine is traveling. I love exploring the world and meeting new people. I’ll admit I also have a bit of an addiction to clothing, but I particularly like traveling with my clients, family and my friends. Being able to spend time with clients– who I also consider friends–is always the best thing.

Yvenson Bernard with Family

Blue Ocean: Is there a quote or philosophy that you live by?

Yvenson: I give credit to Drake for the phrase “YOLO.” It’s true—you have to make the most of it. It may sound cliché, but I think it’s one of the best quotes or sayings out there. I love it and I often go back to it when things get tough. I remind myself: you only live once, so make tomorrow better, move on, and take risks. For me, it’s all about taking risks in life.

Conclusion

Yvenson Bernard’s professional journey reflects a dynamic transition from sports to wealth management, shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to client relationships. His experiences, from navigating a sports career to fundraising and coaching, laid the groundwork for his specialization in advising high-net-worth individuals. Yvenson’s dedication to building trust and crafting personalized strategies has driven his success in managing complex financial portfolios. His approach combines professional expertise with a personal touch, ensuring that clients not only achieve financial success but also feel supported and understood throughout the process.