Meet Omar Ezz, CFP®

oezz@olivetreeasset.com

I began my career as a financial advisor during a most inopportune time, the 2008 Financial Crisis. Those difficult days illustrated to me the consequences when financial institutions do not take their role as a fiduciary seriously. The lessons learned are at the core of Olive Tree's guiding principles: honesty, transparency, and competence.

My commitment to constant self-growth has led me to acquire a Master in Business Administration from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.

During my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, traveling the world (18 countries on 5 continents), scuba diving, and being a disgruntled Michigan Football fan.

What is the most impactful place you have visited and why?

• South Africa has unparalleled scenic beauty, but the real lessons came from the leadership of Nelson Mandela after the Apartheid Era. Unlike other African leaders in similar situations, his ability to put vengeance and anger aside kept his country together and relatively more prosperous.

What makes you happy?

• This may seem rather simple, but laughing uncontrollably with family and friends. A night of bantering back and forth with those you cherish most is always a recipe for happiness.

What is the greatest lesson you learned from a client?

• Making a lot of money does not give you power, accumulating capital does. This lesson was learned from several clients over the course of my career. Those with ordinary income, but living within their means and saving/investing have more power than those with six figure salaries and a thirst to spend it all.