Where Are They Now?

P.J. Pearlstone

Ron Snyder

P.J. Pearlstone expects that his classmates from Park School’s Class of 1993 might be surprised to learn he soon will celebrate his 14th wedding anniversary. He and wife Karen, a 1993 Pikesville High School graduate, met while in high school. When they graduated, P.J. and Karen left Pikesville for different colleges — P.J. went to the University of Arizona and Karen to the University of Hartford. Before long though, both recognized their relationship was heading in a serious direction. If they wanted it to move forward, they would need to be together. After completing their freshman years, P.J. and Karen transferred to the University of Maryland. Today, they have two children, Zach, 10 and Jordan, 6. The boys both attend Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School, and the family makes its home in Pikesville’s Quarry Lake neighborhood.

iNSIDER: Did you expect to settle in Baltimore post-college?
P.J.: Actually, after we graduated University of Maryland, Karen and I lived in South Florida for nine years. But Baltimore always felt like home for us. Once we decided to have kids, we knew we wanted to come back. Baltimore is such a good place to raise kids.

You recently switched jobs, right?
I switched firms in September, and I am now at UBS Financial Services, Inc. My job is similar to what I did previously at Morgan Stanley.

What is your position?
I’m a financial adviser to individuals, families and institutional clients.

Do you enjoy what you do?
I really like my job because I’m able to help people. I really enjoy helping, whether that means doing nonprofit work in the community or assisting a family with a plan for its future.

Are you noticing any shifts now that the economy has begun to stabilize somewhat?
Yes. I think people are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things seem to be moving in the right direction, and many seem to be feeling more positive in terms of their longtime view. Some people are still shell shocked, though. And some are worse off than they were before.

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working?
When I’m not spending time with my family, I’m volunteering with nonprofit organizations. I am on the board of The Associated, the Pearlstone Center, the JCC and Sinai Hospital. I also serve on the Investment Committees at Sinai and The Associated. I’m really committed to giving back to the community.

November 2012