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 German & English-speaking home environment.  

After obtaining 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 and understanding  of different markets and different types of institutions. My responsibilities involved, at various times, sales, analysis, trading, and management.

During my years in Germany, I attended numerous seminars and conferences (all held in German) relating to banking, securities, a variety of software applications, and last but certainly not least, photography (i.e. composition, darkroom techniques).

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 (the most prestigious "wholesale gift" building) in New York (and corresponding trade shows).  While in Germany, I also worked at a number of trade shows such as 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.
                        ----   Resume/CV available upon request.   ---