CEO David L. Blain grew up with an appreciation for the value of money, developing quite the work ethic between cutting grass, delivering newspapers, and laying sod as a young man. With the help of his father, David learned to invest his hard-earned dollars and quickly developed a passion for investing. His self-guided study of finance continued as he pursued engineering at West Point, and even while he led soldiers as an officer in the U.S. Army.
Throughout his military career, David encountered the challenges of managing complex finances while balancing a demanding profession. He struggled to find financial advisors who prioritized his best interests. Instead, he encountered sales-driven advisors pushing high-commission products, unresponsive CPAs who failed to plan, and attorneys who made estate planning needlessly complex. Rather than accept the status quo, David set out to build the kind of firm he wished existed—one that puts clients first, offers transparent guidance, and delivers real financial expertise.
- David L. Blain, CFA is the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Wealth Advisor at BlueSky Wealth Advisors, a fee-only, independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) he founded in 1999.
- David received a Bachelor of Science in 1989 from The United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was a Distinguished Honor Graduate and member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
- He attended the University of Notre Dame between 1984-1985.
- He served with distinction for 10 years in U.S. Army Airborne, Ranger, and Special Operations units.
- Participated in operations and deployments around the world, including locations such as Panama, Iraq, Somalia, Bosnia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and Liberia.
- He has jumped out of an airplane approximately 500 times.
- Walked over an estimated 10,000 miles during his military career.
- Received many awards and decorations including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Master Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Ranger Tab.
- Graduated from the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course.
- Serves as the North Carolina 3rd Congressional District Field Force Liaison for the West Point Admissions Department.
- Serves on the Service Academy Selection Board for Congressman Murphy of the North Carolina 3rd Congressional District.
- Was a Company Commander at the US John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Ft. Bragg North Carolina.
- Has owned 12 different companies.
- Studied Russian at West Point and the Special Forces Russian Language School at Ft Bragg, North Carolina.
- Wrote an engaging personal finance book, Invest in Your Life, Not Just Your Portfolio.
- Quoted and interviewed for numerous publications including Business Week, U.S. News and World Reports, Money Magazine, The Wall Street Journal.
- Former host of “All things Money with David Blain” a weekly television and radio program in New Bern North Carolina.
- He currently serves as Chairman on the Board of Directors and Chair of the Investment Committee for CarolinaEast Health System in New Bern.
- Served on numerous other charitable boards including as Treasurer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern North Carolina, Treasurer for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, Member of the Board of Advisors and Finance Committee of West Point Association of Graduates.
- Is an amateur race car driver most recently winning the 2021 South Atlantic Road Racing Championship in the GTL class.
- He has coached youth league baseball and soccer teams in the New Bern area for more than fifteen years.
- Led the West Point Rugby team to a collegiate final four appearance in 1989. Subsequently played for the All-Army and Combined Services Select Rugby teams.
- As a young boy and teenager, he delivered the Washington Post newspaper, cut grass, and repaired and sold bicycles he recovered from the trash.
- Bought his first investment, a CD yielding approximately 12%, in 1980.
- He is married to his beautiful wife Caroline and is raising five wonderful children.
