Howard S. Gartenhaus

40 years is a long time! I graduated from American University in 1973 with a BS in Business. I worked in advertising for a couple of years and then became a stockbroker. In 1976 I married the love of my life Lynne Yavener (Whitman class of '70) who dated my cousin Alan Gartenhaus (Also Whitman class of '70). I didn't know Lynne until I met her at a party I gave after I graduated from college.

In 1976 I also became a furrier in my family's business. There were six family members involved and it became very uncool to wear fur in the late 80's, so 1990 was the start of a new decade and definitely a good time for me to bolt!

In the interim, Lynne and I had two fabulous kids Devon (a girl) and Jordan (a boy). It was tough financially and emotionally, but I decided to start my own investment advisory/wealth management company in 1990 and called it Gartenhaus Financial.

Fast forwarding to today, with my daughter working with me in the business, we manage about $100 million, mostly for individuals and businesses. I am often quoted in the Washington Post and I have a regular column in MC Insight magazine. I was also admitted to the Paladin Registry (into which less than 10% of advisors nationwide are accepted) and I was given their highest 5-star rating. I still really love what I do.

Lynne and I split our time between Rockville and Folly Beach which is just outside of Charleston, SC where I also have an office in my home.

We enjoy traveling, fostering dogs, cooking together and taking long walks on the beach with our little dog Dixie who is a rescue.