Don Heishman
Don joined Acorn Financial Advisory Services in June 2018. Based in the Harrisonburg office, he serves clients throughout the Shenandoah Valley with a focus on comprehensive wealth management and financial planning.
A James Madison University alumnus with a B.S. in Computer Science, Don holds his Series 66 and Virginia Life and Health insurance licenses. Don brings a unique perspective to the firm, following a 30-year career in Information Technology that spanned the defense, transportation, and healthcare sectors.
Outside of the office, Don is a dedicated community member who has spent years coaching youth and high school sports. He is an avid golfer and outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, camping, and playing bluegrass music with friends.
What is the most rewarding part of your relationship with our clients?
The most rewarding part of my work is the privilege of walking alongside families as they turn their hard-earned resources into realized life goals. Building that foundation of trust through every season, celebrating their greatest accomplishments, and navigating their toughest challenges is what makes this profession truly meaningful.
When faced with a complex or unprecedented problem, what is your process for finding clarity?
I do extensive research to determine possible solutions and try to educate myself on how to obtain the most successful outcome. Whenever possible, I like to talk with others who may have gone through a similar experience and may have wisdom to share. My wife would say that I “research everything”, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
What is the most important financial or life lesson you hope to pass down to the next generation?
Success is rarely, if ever, “overnight”. Every successful person I know has put in many hours of hard work and has been consistent in staying with a plan of saving and growing wealth. Begin saving and investing early in life, stick with it, and watch the power of compounding over the years.
Are you a cook or a reservation-maker? What is your signature dish or favorite local dining spot?
I enjoy cooking rather than eating out in most cases. My signature dish would either be my smash burgers made from hand trimmed ground beef brisket or an Italian-style Chicken Francese.
What was your very first job, and what humbling or valuable lesson did it teach you?
My first real job was working on a dairy farm as a teenager. It taught me the discipline of getting up at 4 a.m. every day and the consistent work ethic of showing up and doing whatever was required. No two days were ever the same and some days were not always fun, but it was rewarding to me that, at the end of the day, I had done my best and I usually learned something I could use tomorrow.
If you could have front-row tickets to any event in the world, where are you going?
Attending the Masters golf tournament is on my bucket list. The beauty of the course itself is truly a work of art.
Are you a dog person, a cat person?
Dog person. Anyone who is that happy to see you when you return to the house after being gone 10 minutes has got to be good.