Erik Peterson: A Journey of Education, Finance, and Global
Strategy
Biography of Erik Peterson:
Erik Peterson embarked on his financial services career in
1995, later joining Financial Alternatives alongside Gene & Julia Hoon in
1999. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Washington State
University and FINRA securities registrations under his belt, Erik is committed
to offering comprehensive retirement and wealth management planning services
tailored to school district employees, individuals, and small business owners.
Education and Expertise
A proud alumnus of Washington State University, Erik holds a
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, equipping him with the
foundational knowledge essential for navigating the complexities of financial
planning. Additionally, Erik has obtained his FINRA securities registrations,
demonstrating his expertise in the field
Educational Journey
Mastering Business at Wharton
Attending The Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania from 1989 to 1991, they pursued an MBA with a focus on
International Business. Known globally for its comprehensive business education
programs, Wharton provided them with valuable knowledge and skills.
Diving into International Law at Johns Hopkins
From 1979 to 1981, they studied at The Johns Hopkins
University, earning an MA in International Law and Organization. During this
time, they played a pivotal role in establishing the SAIS Review, a respected
journal focusing on key global issues.
Exploring International Law at The Hague Academy
In 1980, they participated in the Hague Academy of
International Law program, focusing on international law and its application in
addressing global challenges. This experience provided them with insights into
diplomacy and cooperation.
Diving into Diplomacy at Oslo
In 1978, they obtained a certificate in International
Relations from the University of Oslo, deepening their understanding of global
affairs and diplomatic relations.
Specializing in Eastern European Studies
From 1977 to 1978, they pursued a certificate in East
European Studies, specializing in Russian and East European affairs at
Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburg. This program equipped them with
specialized knowledge about the region.
Foundations in International Relations at Colby College
Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in International Relations
from Colby College from 1975 to 1979, they actively engaged in extracurricular
activities such as the Student Judiciary Committee, enriching their collegiate
experience.
Learning Strategic Planning at Oxford
In 2012, they completed a certificate program in Scenario
Planning at the University of Oxford's Said School of Business. This program
provided them with valuable insights into strategic thinking and planning under
the guidance of esteemed experts.
Professional Background
Erik Peterson entered the financial services industry in
1995, marking the beginning of a career dedicated to assisting individuals and
businesses in managing their wealth. In 1999, he joined Financial Alternatives
alongside Gene & Julia Hoon, solidifying his commitment to providing comprehensive
financial solutions..
Erik Peterson: A Journey of Education, Finance, and Global Strategy / Biography of Erik Peterson:
Academic Journey
Mastering Business at Wharton
From 1989 to 1991, they pursued a Master of Business
Administration (MBA) specializing in International Business at the renowned
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Wharton is highly respected
worldwide for its business education programs.
Delving into International Law at Johns Hopkins
Between 1979 and 1981, they attended The Johns Hopkins
University, where they earned a Master of Arts (MA) in International Law and
Organization. During this time, they were instrumental in launching the SAIS
Review, a journal focused on key global issues.
Exploring International Law in Cameroon
In 1980, they participated in a program at The Hague Academy
of International Law in Cameroon. This program emphasized the importance of
international law in addressing global challenges, providing valuable insights into
diplomacy and cooperation.
Diving into Diplomacy at Oslo
In 1978, they obtained a certificate in International
Relations from the University of Oslo. This certificate program helped them
deepen their understanding of global affairs and diplomatic relations.
Specializing in Eastern European Studies
Between 1977 and 1978, they pursued a certificate in East
European Studies with a focus on Russian and East European affairs at
Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburg. This program equipped them with
specialized knowledge about the region.
Foundations in International Relations at Colby College
From 1975 to 1979, they earned a Bachelor's degree in
International Relations from Colby College. Alongside their academic pursuits,
they actively participated in extracurricular activities such as the Student
Judiciary Committee.
Learning Strategic Planning at Oxford
In 2012, they completed a certificate program in Scenario
Planning at the University of Oxford's Said School of Business. This program
provided them with valuable insights into strategic thinking and planning under
the guidance of esteemed experts.
Range of Services
Erik offers a diverse range of financial services tailored
to meet the unique needs of his clients. From retirement planning and college
savings to mutual funds and annuities, he provides comprehensive wealth
management solutions designed to secure his clients' financial futures.
Specialized Offerings
One of Erik's specialties lies in retirement planning,
particularly for school district employees and individuals associated with
educational service districts (ESDs). Through an exclusive partnership with
NCESD, Erik educates school and ESD employees on the intricacies of Washington
State retirement systems, empowering them to make informed decisions about
their financial future.
Commitment to Client Education
Erik takes pride in his role as an educator, ensuring that
his clients are well-informed about their financial options and the evolving
landscape of Washington State retirement systems. By staying abreast of changes
and sharing his insights, he empowers clients to make confident, informed
decisions.
Transition to Global Business Policy Council
Transition to Business Sphere
After spending 17 years in a notable non-profit organization
focusing on foreign affairs and national security, the individual shifted gears
in 2010 to join Kearney's Global Business Policy Council (GBPC), a private-sector
think tank. This move presented an exciting and important set of new
challenges. The primary goal at the GBPC is to provide insights into current
and future trends, enabling clients to make strategic decisions in a world
undergoing significant and disruptive changes.
Establishment and Purpose of GBPC
The GBPC, established in 1992 by the visionary Paul
Laudicina, aims to assist leaders in business, government, and non-profit
sectors in anticipating and preparing for the future. The rationale behind the
GBPC remains as compelling today as it was at its inception. With the global
landscape undergoing dramatic transformations in geopolitics, economics,
society, and technology, the need for leaders to discuss and advance their
understanding of major issues like globalization, trade, and innovation becomes
increasingly crucial.
Positive Experience at GBPC
For the individual, transitioning to the GBPC has been a
positive experience. Moving from one exceptional group of colleagues to another
has been rewarding. They now enjoy the challenge of not only deciphering
overarching trends but also determining their implications for specific
businesses and industries.
Recognition and Future Goals
In recognition of its efforts, the Council has been
consistently acknowledged as one of the top for-profit think tanks in the world
by the University of Pennsylvania's "2020 Go To Think Tank Index
Report" for the eighth consecutive year. This recognition further
strengthens their resolve to foster connections between the realms of business,
government, academia, and civil society.
Personal Interests
Beyond his professional endeavors, Erik enjoys an active
lifestyle with his family in North Central Washington. They delight in a myriad
of outdoor activities, including skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, and
snowmobiling, fostering a balanced and fulfilling life outside of work.
Some companies where Erik Peterson invested
- Shark Wheel - Consumer Durables
- Foodology - Restaurants and Bars
- Sniffspot - Services (B2C Non-Financial)
- Current Foods - Food Products
- Sable - Commercial Banks
- Four Growers – Hardware
- Vendease - Business/Productivity Software
- Boundry Layer Technologies – Marine
- Vicarious Surgical - Surgical Devices
- Nelo - Financial Software
- Zestful – platform for companies to reward their team with the products
- Locomation – Driverless truck startup
- Current food - Plant-based seafood
- Farmstand - improve human health by delivering nutritious meal
Timeline of Erik Peterson
1975 - 1979:
Erik earns a Bachelor's
degree in International Relations from Colby College, actively participating in
extracurricular activities.
1977 - 1978:
Erik pursues a
certificate in East European Studies with a focus on Russian and East European
affairs at Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburg.
1978:
Erik obtains a certificate in International Relations from
the University of Oslo, deepening his understanding of global affairs and
diplomatic relations.
1979 - 1981:
Erik attends The Johns Hopkins University, earning an MA in
International Law and Organization, and plays a pivotal role in establishing
the SAIS Review journal.
1980:
Erik participates in
a program at The Hague Academy of International Law in Cameroon, focusing on
international law's role in addressing global challenges.
1989 - 1991:
Erik pursues an MBA with a focus on International Business
at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, known for its
comprehensive business education programs.
1995:
Erik enters the
financial services industry, marking the beginning of a career dedicated to
assisting individuals and businesses in managing their wealth.
1999:
Erik joins Financial Alternatives, solidifying his
commitment to providing comprehensive financial solutions.
2012:
Erik completes a certificate program in Scenario Planning at
the University of Oxford's Said School of Business, gaining valuable insights
into strategic thinking and planning.
2010:
Erik shifts from a
non-profit organization focusing on foreign affairs to Kearney's Global
Business Policy Council (GBPC), a private-sector think tank, presenting new
challenges and opportunities.
2020:
The GBPC, where Erik now works, is recognized as one of the
top for-profit think tanks in the world by the University of Pennsylvania's
"Go To Think Tank Index Report" for the eighth consecutive year.
