Meet Kim Camarda, ChFC: President
What do you do at Camarda Wealth?
I assist in the daily management of the office and act as technology liaison between the firm and our outside IT and software vendors.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position?
I received a B.S. in Merchandising with a minor in Business Administration from Centenary College and then completed a year of graduate studies in Finance and Investing at Farleigh Dickenson University. I currently hold the Chartered Financial Consultant designation (ChFC®) a comprehensive educational program comprised of eight college-level courses that address all aspects of financial planning, with a focus on the practical applications of those principles based on real-life case studies.
Previously I completed coursework for and maintained industry certifications such as Certified Fund Specialist (CFS®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Board Certified in Mutual Funds (BCM™).
Prior to joining Camarda Wealth Advisory Group, I practiced personal financial planning as a Preferred Advisor for Prudential Preferred Financial Services, and served as Vice President/Branch Manager for TD /Waterhouse Securities, where I was responsible for all branch operations in downtown Jacksonville before relocating it to its current location in Ponte Vedra.
What do you like about working at Camarda Wealth?
The people I work with! It’s a great learning environment where we all share and learn from each other on a regular basis. I love the fact that I have gotten to learn about or work in so many aspects of our business.
Favorite Podcasts / Books:
I love TEDx Talks. So many topics and interesting speakers! I also read all kinds of business books on various subjects that I want to learn more about. Currently on my Kindle – DotCom Secrets, Rocket Fuel and Sell or Be Sold. When I read for pleasure I like Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (Relic authors)- those are fun!
What is your background?
I spent most of my life growing up in Northwest New Jersey. Truly the “garden” part of the state. Not the yucky industrial parts you see when you fly into Newark! As a young girl, I enjoyed playing outside with my friends until it was dark and someone’s Mom rang the dinner bell. You know, the good old days. I was a girl scout, played the guitar and had a natural talent for art. I had aspirations to go to art school in NYC but my parents wanted me closer to home so commuting to college in rural New Jersey was the path ahead of me. I worked at the local banks as a teller and customer service rep to pay for some expenses while in college and that was how I came to enjoy the banking and finance industry. There was something interesting about that guy in the corner of the branch who sold these things called “mutual funds” that I wanted to learn about and the rest is history….
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I love to garden and have a large greenhouse. The quiet, simple task of planting helps me think. Plus, I find it so amazing that a small seed can turn into intricate beautiful flowers or food that sustains life. I am also intrigued by the world of technology and digital marketing. I enjoy art, dancing and exercise. And until recently was a Certified Jazzercise Instructor. As a family we boat a lot and enjoy spending time with our children on their chosen activities – rowing & tennis.