Chris Warren practices with dance partner Loreta Kriksciukaityte, owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Boca Raton. Warren will be one of eight contestants in the annual fundraising event benefiting the George Snow Scholarship Fund. Photo provided
By Amy Woods
One of the eight contestants in Boca’s Ballroom Battle has two daughters enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Rachel is 20, and Grace is 19. The contestant’s 14-year-old son, Christopher, attends St. Andrew’s School.
Higher education comes at a high price, and that is one of the reasons Chris Warren, dad to all three, agreed to participate in the George Snow Scholarship Fund benefit.
“It’s a great cause,” said Warren, a founding partner of Lawless, Edwards & Warren Wealth Management. “I’m able to provide an education for my children, my parents provided an education for me, and if I can help some other kids get to school, wow, that’s awesome.”
Warren, a graduate of Michigan State University, does not like the spotlight. He would rather let his actions speak to who he is and what he is about — a financial planner helping clients reach their goals and discovering what is important to them.
“I said no last year, and Tim came back,” said Warren, referring to the nonprofit’s president, Tim Snow. “Saying no again would be me just chickening out.”
So in the spotlight he will be during the Dancing With the Stars-style fundraiser, set for Sept. 14 at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.
He will cut the rug with seven other contestants — Samir Changela, Nancy Dockerty, Matthew Maschler, Cristina Mata, Jamie Rosemurgy, Tracy Tilson and Joseph Veccia — in the quest for the coveted Mirror Ball trophy.
“I do like to dance, but it’s not like I’ve done anything like this before,” Warren said. “I feel like I have two left feet.”
What is the 55-year-old’s game plan?
“I’m going to try to have my routine down cold, but you know, prayer — practice and prayer,” said Warren, who bikes, runs, swims and practices yoga. “The physical part of this is not the issue — it’s more the repetition of learning my routine and then making it look good.”
Q. Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you?
A. I grew up in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. Went to Michigan State University. Great education. Great place to grow up.
Q. In what professions have you worked, and which ones make you the proudest?
A. Started a landscape business in high school. Grew it to 80 clients. Started my career as an auditor for Domino’s Pizza, then assistant controller in Pompano Beach. Wanted to start my own business, so I got into the wealth-management space 29 years ago. Along with my partners, I have built a successful business providing great service and value to our clients/friends.
Q. What advice do you have for young adults selecting a career today?
A. Where you start is not where you will finish. Take a chance. Don’t be afraid of failing, and work to find your passion.
Q. How did you choose to make your home in Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club?
A. We had a growing family and needed a bigger home. Royal Palm is a great quality neighborhood.
Q. What is your favorite part about living in Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club?
A. My office is just across Federal Highway. I love being east — easy access to the beach. So many reasons.
Q. What books are you reading now?
A. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future. He’s a very impressive / driven guy. The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results. A great book about the importance of focus. Also He’s Not Lazy: Empowering Your Son to Believe in Himself.
Q. What music do you listen to when you need inspiration or want to relax?
A. I like all types of music. Classical helps me relax. Also I like rock ’n’ roll, blues, bluegrass, etc.
Q. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?
A. Two: Never give up. The Lord is my shepherd.
Q. Have you had mentors in your life — individuals who have inspired your decisions?
A. My mom and dad.
Q. If your life story were made into a movie, whom would you want to play you?
A. Matt Damon. Mark Wahlberg is pretty cool, too. Clint Eastwood?
If You Go
What: Boca’s Ballroom Battle
When: 6-10 p.m. Sept. 14
Where: Boca Raton Resort and Club, 501 E. Camino Real
Cost: $185
Information: 347-6799 or scholarship.org.
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