The Perfect Mentor: Bernie Puckhaber's Continuing Leadership
Although he passed away in 2014, Bernie Puckhaber ’50 continues to be honored as an integral member of the Nicholson Wealth Management Team.
Above (l–r): Joe Nicholson ’87 and Bernie Puckhaber ’50
The Nicholson Wealth Management Group on Adgers Wharf in downtown Charleston has an air of welcome seldom found in offices. At the entrance is a screen that continuously scrolls through pictures of the pets of staff and clients. No one leaves without an offer of the Nicholson-branded Liquid Assets beer with taglines that include “especially refreshing in down markets” and “the most delicious way to reinvest your dividends.”
At Nicholson WMG, relationships matter. Clients call for help with everything from buying cars to sending emails. They drop by to check their assets and socialize. Without fail, they leave with a smile on their face, something that would make Bernie Puckhaber ’50 proud.
“Bernie was the perfect mentor,” says Joe Nicholson ’87. “He was a great source of wisdom who taught me the importance of honesty and putting clients first. He drilled into me that your reputation is your greatest asset. His values of integrity, humility, service and stewardship serve as my guiding star in my professional and personal life.”
Puckhaber and Nicholson started working together in 1995. In 2008 they had planned to spin off on their own, but the 2008 recession forced them to delay.
“The great thing about having a mentor with almost 50 years of experience in wealth management is that he keeps you grounded,” says Nicholson, who opened the doors of the business in 2017. “Among the many things he shared, he taught me not to overreact during a bear market and how to use the time as an opportunity, not a threat.”
The quintessential gentleman, Puckhaber came to work every day in a suit and tie. When Nicholson recommended trading Fridays off, Puckhaber was game. On his first day off, he arrived at the office at 2:30 p.m.; he just couldn’t do it.
Playing pranks was another thing Puckhaber couldn’t stop doing. A computer luddite, he relied on Nicholson to type up his written pranks, such as an edict condemning a friend to no donuts for not wearing a tie to church. Nicholson left Puckhaber to his own devices for his more diabolical pranks, including placing a live goat in a friend’s house.
Puckhaber, who starred as a guard on the College’s basketball team and earned First Team All-State honors that landed him a place in the College of Charleston Athletics Hall of Fame, also taught Nicholson the importance of service to his community and alma mater.
In addition to his dedication to his church and civic organizations like the Exchange Club and Hibernian Society, Puckhaber was steadfastly loyal to the College. Over the years, he served on the Foundation Board, as president of the Alumni Association and on the Board of Trustees. His commitment to service rubbed off on Nicholson.
“I had never been involved with the College, and then Bernie introduced me to Karen Jones,” says Nicholson of Jones, a 1974 alumna who worked at the College for more than 30 years. “Karen was someone you couldn’t say no to.”
Through Jones, Nicholson served on boards with the Alumni Association and the Cougar Club (now the Charleston Athletic Fund). His experiences made him understand the value of service to his alma mater.
“Bernie had a lifelong love of Charleston and its community,” says Nicholson. “His passion for the city flowed into his work. He was committed to improving the lives of his clients, and we are committed to continuing his legacy.”
