I built my career straddling two worlds—music and finance.

From working press events for Mick Jagger and designing marketing for Destiny’s Child, to helping legendary musicians choose their instruments, I learned the power of creativity, connection, and community. When the 2009 financial crisis hit, I pivoted into wealth management and grew into a leadership role, training advisors on how to build resilient, client-centered practices.

After moving to Setauket, NY with my wife Christine and our two boys, I rediscovered my creative spark—writing music again, sharing it online, and connecting with fellow professionals who blend passion and purpose. At a Phish show (my favorite band), a chance encounter with an entrepreneur sparked the idea for what would become Sandpiper Wealth: a values-driven practice built to serve ambitious families like ours.

Today, Christine and I proudly run Sandpiper together as business and life partners. She is a community advocate, PTA President, and champion for women and families, and together we stay deeply involved in our local schools—especially as parents of a son receiving special needs services through the Three Village District. That gratitude inspires our commitment to give back through PTA leadership, fundraising, and volunteerism. I also serve as a retirement specialist for local school districts through my affiliate firm Lincoln Investment, helping educators build a bright future for themselves, as they work tirelessly at building one for our children.

At Sandpiper, we focus on ESG and sustainable investing—aligning money with values to protect both people and planet. I live this commitment personally, from driving an EV and powering my home with solar, to replanting my property with native species. I love working with families who share these community-based values, and with other entrepreneurs leading B Corporations who prove that wealth-building can include building healthier communities for all of us.

Whether through finance, community service, or creative work, my mission is the same: to help people align prosperity with passion—and use their wealth to support the people and communities they care about most.

Tedd Kanakaris, CLU
Founder, Sandpiper Wealth