Belief in community service leads John Weinstein to help out kids in need

John Weinstein was born in Westchester County, New York. His father was an orthopedic surgeon. His parents took him and his two older sisters on vacations every year where he said he developed an appreciation for diversity and travel. He said they taught him to be responsible and reliable.

Eager to be independent, Weinstein completed high school and college in six and half years. He later earned a master’s degree and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Weinstein said he enjoyed having the opportunity to volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters as a mentor and board member; It’s All About The Kids Foundation; Voices for Children, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth; La Jolla Newcomers, as the Breakfast Speaker Chair: and as a trustee on La Jolla Town Council, as the Second Vice-President and Membership Chair.

His first career included working with three, Fortune 500 apparel companies in management positions, culminating as Divisional Vice-President with Warnaco. He joined Smith Barney as a financial advisor in 1998. In April 2012, he joined long-time business colleague Michael Malvin, founder of Decision Investments, an independent firm in UTC as Managing Partner & Portfolio Manager. While Weinstein said he “misses the great La Jolla Village atmosphere, it is more than made up for by the entrepreneurial, conflict-free environment to better serve my clients at Decision Investments.”

What brought you to La Jolla?

Growing up in Purchase and Rye, New York, I always thought San Diego would be a great place to live. After my junior year of college at George Washington University in D.C., I registered to take classes at UCSD in 1979 for the summer. I then fell in love with La Jolla. In 1983, after receiving my MBA from George Washington U. and a few months in Boston, I was transferred by luck to La Jolla for a year and half in 1983. In 1998, when making a career change, I decided to make La Jolla my permanent home.

What might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

I feel so fortunate to live here, that I feel guilty complaining, but since you asked … How about warmer ocean water temperatures.

Who or what inspires you?

The foster kids that I volunteer with through Voices for Children inspire me. After going through extreme adversity and an unfair start to life, the fact that they are warm, loving, optimistic, and trusting is incredibly impressive to me.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

Warren Buffett, Martin Luther King, Jr., Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Jack Nicholson, Mick Jagger, Michael Jordan and Sofia Vergara (got to have a date – right?)

What are your five favorite movies of all time?

“Shawshank Redemption,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Pulp Fiction,” “American Beauty,” and “O Brother Where Art Thou?”

What is it that you most dislike?

Prejudice and snobbery.

What is your most-prized possession?

That would be my health, family, friends and a positive, optimistic outlook.

What do you do for fun?

I love my work, so most every day is fun. I also enjoy spending time with friends, live music, films, dining out, working out, poker, travelling, nature and volunteering with kids.

What is your motto or philosophy of life?

I’m a big Golden Rule fan.

What would be your dream vacation?

Tahiti – one of the most stunning, exotic places that I haven’t been to … yet.