Emerson J. Fersch

I began my career in the savings and loan industry in 1986, working my way up to branch manager, eventually earning my first securities license in 1992 while working as a financial advisor for Great Western Financial Securities in Long Beach, CA.  In 1995, I left to start Capital Investment Advisers LLC. I felt the need to provide a broader array of products and services and a desire to establish relationships that were less transactional and more personal with my clients and those I worked with. I felt I could have a greater impact working on my own. I completed a master’s degree in financial services from the American College and have an undergraduate degree in general studies from Saint Louis University. I am a Certified Financial Planning Practitioner (CFP®) and hold several other professional designations. I served in a variety of leadership positions for my church, and as an elected official when I was based in Southern California.

Over the last nearly four decades, I have seen and learned a lot. I have worked through some of the most extreme financial market conditions experienced in the last 50 years, beginning with Black Monday in 1987. It became clear to me early on that a blue print, one size fits all approach does not work—every client is different, and their specific needs are unique. For this reason, our firm limits the number of clients we work with and gratefully accepts potential new clients that are referred to us by existing clients or professional relationships only. We do not advertise or market our firm.

I have also learned that it is critical to be able to adapt our investment philosophy and allocation strategies to not only address the various changes that occur in the lives of our clients, but also to adjust to ever-changing economic and geopolitical influences. Embracing this truth is a big part of why I was recently invited to be a member of the LPL Research Advisor Council.

I am blessed to work with a business partner that is ethical, caring, faithful, and one of the brightest women I know in life. Our support staff is equally competent and dedicated. Because of their expertise, I devote my time to monitoring accounts, meeting with clients, and speaking with analysts and product providers.

Currently, I reside in the Southern Utah area with my wife Darci and son Ethan, along with our two Malamutes Storm and Tulok. We love CrossFit, the St. Louis Blues, and are unapologetic seekers of truth!

Get to know me...

What makes me laugh?: Our dogs when they play!

Favorite Quote: "Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change the world which yields most painfully to change." - Robert F. Kennedy

Who is your hero?: Robert F. Kennedy

My favorite memories:

2018 Trip to Gobi Desert, Mongolia

2019 Stanley Cup Finals Game 4 at Enterprise Center St Louis, MO

2019 Trip to Tasilaq, East Greenland