I am a U.S. citizen, born and raised in NYC. Although English is my native language (mother tongue), I grew up in a multi-lingual home environment.
After I obtained my BBA in finance and marketing management in 1979 from Baruch College (CUNY), I worked for a well-known broker on Wall Street for 2 years, during which time I obtained my Series 7 & NYSE/NASD certifications.
In September 1981, I moved to Cologne, Germany to work for Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. on their International Securities Desk. In 1986, I moved to Frankfurt, where I worked for several well-known, highly respected firms (Bankers Trust, James Capel, Credit Suisse, ABN-AMRO) until 1996. (Yes, I missed out on all of the CDS & CDO "excitement".) This experience provided me with an in-depth knowledge of different markets and different types of institutions. My responsibilities involved, at various times, sales, analysis, trading, and management.
In Germany, I attended numerous seminars and conferences relating to banking, securities, a variety of software applications, and last but certainly not least, photography (i.e. composition, darkroom techniques), all of which were held in German.
I also have extensive sales/marketing experience in the areas of showroom sales and trade shows. For more than eight years, I worked at two showrooms in the 225 Fifth Avenue building (wholesale gifts) in New York (and at corresponding trade show exhibits). While in Germany, I also worked at a number of trade shows such as the Photokina (Photographics), Eisenwarenmesse (Hardware) and the Schmuckmesse (Jewelry).
I moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1997, which is when I began translating on a freelance basis. I founded www.translategerman.com in March 1998.
