Dane was born in Central California and grew up splitting his time between suburban Modesto and nearby farmland in the valley. When not in school, he spent summers working in walnut orchards, playing sports, and practicing guitar.
Upon graduating college, Dane had a brief career as a College Prep and AP US History teacher, before joining a major insurance provider and broker-dealer as a Financial Representative.
Dane quickly found that his love of education, along with his desire to help people align their values with their finances, were a natural fit.
After spending 15 years working for some of the largest banks in the country, Dane co-founded AYA Wealth with the purpose of supporting his clients in a more meaningful way. This also gave him the opportunity to relocate from the Portland, Oregon area to a small homestead in East Tennessee while maintaining relationships with clients located in many different states.
When not with clients, Dane spends his time with his wife and four children, playing music, and learning about regenerative agriculture.