Employee Spotlight - Scott Middleton, Innovest Principal

1. Why did you choose investment consulting?

   I enjoy working in an environment that is in harmony with fiduciary responsibilities. The ability to work for clients without any conflicts of interest is something I really value. I try and bring a combination of trust and expertise to my clients and their investment objectives. Innovest’s approach to conflict-free investment consulting makes my work extremely rewarding. 

2. How did you get started in the industry?

   In the early 1980s I began learning about investments from my father, and soon thereafter began investing on my own. Over time, some friends and associates began asking me for advice regarding their personal portfolios. I started my own investment advisory firm to serve these clients and pursued the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.  

3. Where did you go to college? What did you study?

   I received my bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in business from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. 

4. What did you do before coming to Innovest?

   Before Innovest, I spent seven years as a portfolio manager serving high-net-worth families and non-profit organizations in the Denver area at Northern Trust. Previously, I was a portfolio manager for clients of another trust company, both in Colorado and the region of eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia.  

5. What was your most interesting job?

   All of my jobs have been interesting and engaging. The financial markets are constantly changing, and clients’ needs and objectives change over time. I am thankful for those experiences, as I have been able to build upon them while working at Innovest.

6. Do you have any certifications? What are they? Why did you choose them?

   I hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts and the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute. I chose to obtain these certifications because I wanted to deepen my investment knowledge and be of better service to clients.

7. Do you do any continuing education?

              One of the most gratifying and challenging aspects of investment consulting is continually learning.      I endeavor to stay on top of market news and trends so I can help clients understand the markets and have the discipline to be successful long-term investors.

Source: Innovest