Matthew Shahady, MBA

Matt Shahady has always believed one of the most valuable aspects of any profession is having the opportunity to build lasting relationships. So it's no surprise that Matt would ultimately choose a career where he could both build deep relationships and make a difference in peoples lives.

As with most things in life, Matt faced a series of decisions and choices that eventually led him to a profession that fit perfectly with his desire to help people. Initially it began with Matt’s decision to attend a small private college in West Virginia. “Most of the friends I grew up with went to WVU, but I was looking to step out of my comfort zone.” It was an important decision that Matt felt paid lifelong dividends. Not only did he get a great business education, but the smaller college environment allowed him to build strong relationships with his professors, and he made lifelong friends from all over the country.

After completing his undergraduate degree Matt credits his sister, who already received her graduate degree and was now in law school, for helping him decide to further his education and pursue an MBA. Matt received his graduate’s degree two years later.

Fresh out of grad school Matt was excited to enter the business world and initially pursued a career in technology. Several years later a conversation with a childhood friend led to Matt’s interest in the financial services industry. Matt recalls; “I enjoyed working in technology sales, but I was looking for a way to use all of my skills and education to make a bigger impact in people’s lives.” After discussing it with several financial advisors from the firm, Matt started his financial advisory career with Edward Jones. Matt spent the next 3 years advising individuals and families to the best of his ability. “I gained valuable experience, but something still felt like it was missing. Although I was able to build trusting relationships with my client’s, the company culture seemed too transactional and only focused on the investment part of the client’s financial needs.”

Matt has always realized that the client’s best interest was his primary focus. “I saw my role as someone who wholeheartedly represents the client’s best interest and is their trusted advocate.”

In addition to the experience Matt gained while at Edward Jones, he also gained valuable skills while working with the planning firm Waddell and Reed. Although the structure at Waddell and Reed wasn’t perfect, it did allow Matt to focus more on comprehensive financial planning and take a more holistic approach with clients.

Matt never imagined back in 2011 that a chance meeting would lead him to what he describes now as “the perfect fit”. “I wasn’t looking to make a change at the time, but a friend introduced me to Tim Alessi, who had a similar background and experience in the financial services industry. He had started the independent advisory firm Derse Morgen six years earlier and we shared a common belief about how clients should be served. After several conversations, I knew it was the right place for me.”

Derse Morgen has an environment and philosophy focused on helping clients attain complete financial well being. Their team approach combines each advisor’s experience and expertise to truly advise the client and to do what’s in their best interest.

Originally born and raised in West Virginia, Matt credits his family’s entrepreneurial spirit as a key factor in his career. Specifically, Matt credits his father who’s been self employed his entire life for showing him the importance of hard work and always doing right by others. Matt feels fortunate to have had a strong up bring focused on character, values, and where you were always encouraged to do your best. “My mother and father taught me from an early age to always help people in need and to give back.”

Ultimately it comes down to making a difference in people's lives in an ethical and moral way. Matt’s grateful he has a career where clients put their full trust in him because they know he will represent them honestly and to the best of his ability.

When Matt is not helping his clients accomplish their goals, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 1 year old son. Matt is also an avid sports fan, loves to cook, golf, and spend time with family and friends.

For more information about Matt Shahady or Derse Morgen, visit our website at www.dersemorgen.com 

Education and Credentials:

• West Virginia Wesleyan College; BS Business Administration,
• Wright State University; Masters of Business Administration
• General Securities Representative Examination; Series 7
• Uniform Combined State Law Examination; Series 66
• Investment Advisor affiliated Registered Investment Advisor
• Life, Health and Long Term Care License