Team Member

Richard grew up in Concord, California, where an early sense of duty, discipline, and service shaped the path he would take. In 2009, he enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a decade of service that started with an assignment in Korea. He later served at Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne Division and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During that deployment, he was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart. Throughout his military career, Richard served around the world, supporting humanitarian missions across Asia, and concluded his service in Hawaii as a Platoon Sergeant and Senior Lead Instructor.

Even while on active duty, Richard was committed to serving beyond the military. He became the first State Director for a nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, growing its Hawaii chapter into the largest in the United States and leading it for eight years. That same commitment to service and leadership inspired his transition into financial planning. After his honorable discharge, Richard earned his Associate Degree in Business Management from Kapiʻolani Community College and his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He is currently pursuing his MBA at the University of California, Davis.

Richard was drawn to Bright Lake because it allows him to continue doing what he has always done—serving others during some of the most important moments of their lives. He believes financial planning is about more than numbers; it is about helping people navigate uncertainty, make informed decisions, and build confidence in their future. His military and leadership experience taught him the value of trust, preparation, and long-term planning, principles he strives to bring to every client relationship.

Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife, Yuki, and their daughter, Lilly. Whether on the golf course, in the kitchen, or exploring new destinations with his family, he values the opportunity to create lasting memories and embrace new experiences.