Professional Experience
Joseph’s professional journey began in software engineering, pivoted into portfolio and risk management, and has culminated in applying his expertise across both subject areas to develop synergies to navigate complex market dynamics and innovate within the financial sector.
Professional Beginnings in Software Development
Joseph's professional journey began as a self-taught software developer, quickly advancing from a data-entry position at The Doctors Company to a role in software development. Frustrated with uninspiring software projects, he seized an opportunity to become the Chief Technical Officer for Card2Net Inc. during the dotcom bubble. Unfortunately, poor timing led to the company's failure. Joseph then joined WAVSINC, another startup, as a software developer, where he faced similar challenges.
In 2002, Joseph returned to The Doctors Company, this time in a marketing role, focusing on Adobe print work and website development. This role served as a pivot to more substantial enterprise data and pricing projects, deepening his expertise in enterprise software development and migration. Throughout these experiences, Joseph learned the intricacies of navigating and innovating within the evolving landscape of technology and enterprise solutions, inching away from mundane development tasks that had previously stifled his creativity.
While working full-time, Joseph completed his Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics at the University of San Francisco, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and earning the prestigious Father Maraschi Award in 2007.
Entry into Risk & Management and Pursuing His PhD
In 2011, while pursuing his PhD, Joseph served as a Quantitative Risk Analyst at the University of Washington’s Investment Management Company (i.e., the university’s endowment). In this role, he merged academic theories with practical applications, designing and implementing investment systems that addressed diverse financial needs. His work led to the creation of a sophisticated investment analysis tool that led to better decision-making and outcomes for the plan.
Joseph’s tenure at the University of Washington was not just a career milestone but also a period of personal growth. He leveraged his neurodivergent traits, such as unique problem-solving abilities and pattern recognition, along with life’s requirement for pragmatism, to tackle complex analytical challenges and achieve professional success.
Joseph completed his PhD in Economics at the University of Washington in 2014.
The following year, he expanded his role at the University of Washington into teaching as an instructor in Computational Finance & Risk Management. His ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in investment management was well received. Joseph taught a curriculum that emphasized real-world relevance, integrating case studies and practical projects, which garnered high praise from graduate students for its practical application and exposure to professionals.
Leading Innovation in Portfolio Management, Teaching & Giving Back
In 2016, Joseph transitioned from academia to industry by joining The Fremont Group as the Head of Quantitative Analytics. At Fremont, he spearheaded the development of 'Q:' a cutting-edge software for portfolio management. This innovative tool revolutionized the company's approach to multi-asset aggregation and risk assessment, enabling remote, real-time insights into asset ownership, performance evaluation, and strategic adjustments. This advancement proved particularly advantageous during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for timely and informed decision-making from afar.
Joseph now leads and manages a diverse team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning. His hiring philosophy prioritizes intellectual horsepower and specialized talent, resulting in a team where no two resumes are the same—a natural outcome of his focus on unique capabilities rather than uniformity. This leadership approach has cultivated a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Recently, Joseph returned to the academic world part-time, serving as a visiting scholar at Stanford University. He is actively involved with the Stanford Research Initiative on Long-Term Investing (SLTI) and the Center for Sustainable Development and Global Competitiveness (SDGC) in the School of Engineering, where he continues to impact the field with his insights and expertise.
