At Curi Capital, it’s our mission to help clients build true wealth, however they define it. Our team brings the knowledge, experience, and passion to help clients meet their goals through a wide range of financial services and solutions—and we’d love for you to meet them.
Each month, we will engage a different member of the Curi Capital team to learn more about their experiences, their insights, and their perspectives, while providing an opportunity for you to get to know them on a more personal level.
This month, we sat down with Jessica Vester, Wealth Advisor, to discuss the unique experience that led her to the industry, how she envisions the team evolving, and where she finds joy outside of work.
COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE WITH CURI CAPITAL AND WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN LIKE SO FAR?
I joined Curi Capital in November of 2021 as a Wealth Advisor and specialize in financial planning. I’m able to work with the team to get to know clients closely, uncovering their goals through the financial planning process. We aim to ensure that all their assets are coordinated in the most efficient manner possible to help them reach financial success.
My experience on the Curi Capital team has been wonderful. It’s great to work with a team of professionals who are extremely knowledgeable about the industry. Our strong team approach creates an inclusive environment that brings about cohesion and productivity.
WHAT LED YOU TO THIS INDUSTRY?
I majored in Spanish and Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, so I came into this industry in a roundabout way. When I graduated, I moved to Spain to teach English at a public elementary school for two years. Upon returning home to the U.S., I wanted to find a job that allowed me to use the Spanish that I’d worked so hard on. I became a bilingual Relationship Banker, which opened the door to the financial world. Through that experience, I started to see first-hand how being financially healthy spills over into every aspect of people’s lives, and my career continued down that path.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN YOUR CAREER BEFORE JOINING CURI CAPITAL?
I most recently worked with First National Bank as a Relationship Advisor. Prior to that time, I spent over four years with First Citizens Bank as a Senior Wealth Planning Analyst. I also worked at Northwestern Mutual as an Associate Wealth Management Advisor after my experience teaching English abroad and becoming a Relationship Banker at BB&T.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FIRM?
My vision for the firm is that we continue to grow organically and thoughtfully in the way that Curi Capital has over the past two years. I, along with Frances Cronlund and Erin Rogers working diligently as the wealth planning team to reach more clients and help more families with the wealth planning services and strategies that we offer. If we continue down the path our leadership team has guided us on, I believe the firm’s future is in great shape.
WHAT SETS CURI CAPITAL APART FROM OTHER FIRMS?
Being part of Curi Capital is exciting because the firm has such an entrepreneurial spirit. I was initially drawn in listening to Dimitri talk about our values and the importance of staying relevant and innovative. This is a change from the traditional banking world where I have prior experience, and I enjoy being able to feel the difference that we make in clients’ lives.
With the backing of Curi, we have the resources of a much larger firm. Coupled with the strength of our team, it’s a wonderful combo. We can reach more clients and be more specific and tailored in the advice we give and the solutions we provide.
WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
Over the years, I’ve had certain clients that have stood out to me, and that’s the most rewarding part of my job. Getting to know clients and their families and to have them confide in me with their worries, concerns, and opportunities is fulfilling.
The client-advisor relationship is one built on trust, and I take that responsibility seriously. We know that money isn’t everything, but at the same time, if you can make good financial decisions, it will spill over into every area of your life. Being able to help ease the fear of one area in a client’s life brings me joy.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I’m an artist and focus on acrylic paintings of abstracts and florals in bright color palettes. About five years ago, I was looking for a creative outlet from the typical routine of work and life and decided to pursue the passion that I’ve always had for art. I started a business, worked hard to get it off the ground, and have enjoyed seeing it evolve over the past several years. I typically release collections throughout the year on my website and attend local art shows to share my pieces.
This piece was created and published prior to the merger of RMB Capital Management and Curi Capital in January 2024. We are posting them here so clients can get to know our staff. Please note that the employee’s current role/position at the merged company may be different than the ones described in this historical piece.
