Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
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Braden Durham

San Antonio ,TX

Summary

Driven economics student with a minor in financial planning, graduating from Texas A&M University in December 2025.Graduating a semester early while taking on a large role within my fraternity. Experienced paraplanner at Pontem Financial with a strong foundation in portfolio analysis, financial modeling, and process improvement. Completed training in eMoney, Redtail, ClientWorks, and PreciseFP, with hands-on integration of AI to streamline firm operations. Proven leader as President of Sigma Phi Epsilon, where I successfully chartered the chapter, secured property, and drove major fundraising and event initiatives. Known for strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead teams through complex challenges.

Overview

1
1
year of professional experience

Work History

Para-Planner/Researcher

Pontem Financial
05.2025 - Current
  • Serving as a paraplanner at Pontem Financial, supporting advisors with portfolio creation, monitoring, and optimization.
  • Led improvements to investment model workflows, significantly enhancing efficiency and consistency in client portfolios.
  • Spearheading firmwide integration of AI tools, internal processes, and PreciseFP to streamline data gathering, onboarding, and documentation.
  • Developed automation processes that reduced manual workload and improved accuracy across financial planning tasks.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with advisors and operations staff to align technology initiatives with strategic goals.

President/Vice President

Sigma Phi Epsilon
09.2024 - Current
  • Elected Chapter President of Sigma Phi Epsilon – Texas Mu, leading the chapter through a critical rebuild and national chartering process.
  • Secured a long-term fraternity property after years of strained relations with the AVC board, restoring operational stability.
  • Revitalized chapter-alumni relations and executive structure, improving governance and strategic planning.
  • Directed Chilifest ticket sales strategy, scaling sales from 82 to 1,100+ for two consecutive years through targeted outreach and brand-building.
  • Organized and led the Aggie Greek Open golf tournament, raising over $8,000 for charity and expanding Greek philanthropy presence.
  • Managed chapter events, budgeting, and risk, while mentoring future leaders to ensure long-term sustainability.

Economic Research Intern

Pontem Financial
05.2024 - 08.2024
  • Conducted macroeconomic and market research to support advisor investment recommendations and portfolio positioning.
  • Analyzed financial data to assist in benchmarking portfolio performance and preparing client-facing reports.
  • Identified internal inefficiencies and proposed workflow enhancements to streamline advisor operations.
  • Supported the implementation of process improvements, including the use of automation and emerging technologies.
  • Collaborated with advisors and staff to align operational upgrades with firmwide goals and client service standards.

Education

Bachelor Of Science - Economics, Financial Planning

Texas A&M University
12.2025

Skills

Financial Planning & Analysis

  • Portfolio construction, monitoring, and benchmarking
  • Investment model development using Morningstar, YCharts, and eMoney
  • Cash flow, retirement, insurance, and estate plan modeling

Technology & Tools

  • Certified training in eMoney, Redtail CRM, and ClientWorks (LPL)
  • Proficient in PreciseFP, Boxai, Excel automation, and AI-enhanced workflows
  • Skilled in integrating planning platforms with firm processes

Leadership & Communication

  • Proven leadership under pressure as Fraternity President: rebuilt organizational structure, reestablished alumni trust, and guided property acquisition and chartering
  • Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills from managing executive teams and alumni relations
  • Public speaking, group facilitation, and stakeholder engagement

Hobbies and Interests

  • Golf and competitive sports
  • Cooking and smoking barbecue
  • Travel and exploring new places
  • Following college and professional athletics

Timeline

Para-Planner/Researcher

Pontem Financial
05.2025 - Current

President/Vice President

Sigma Phi Epsilon
09.2024 - Current

Economic Research Intern

Pontem Financial
05.2024 - 08.2024

Bachelor Of Science - Economics, Financial Planning

Texas A&M University
Braden Durham