This month, we sat down with John Day, Managing Director of Equities, to discuss the evolution of the industry and his career, shift to the Curi Capital team following the acquisition of KDI, and where he finds joy outside of work.
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.
COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE WITH CURI CAPITAL AND WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN LIKE SO FAR?
My role on the Curi Capital team is Managing Director of Equities, and I function as a co-manager with Colin Kelly of our Core Equities portfolio— a primary vehicle used for many of our investors
Since Curi Capital acquired KDI and we joined the team, I’ve been able to forego the administrative duties that I had as a Partner of KDI, allowing me to devote more time to the investments. I think our clients appreciate that I have more freedom to spend time on them and their portfolios.
WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CAREER?
I’ve always enjoyed finance, specifically the quantitative side. As I got deeper into finance in my career, I was drawn to investments. It is a fascinating business in that you are constantly learning. It’s a forever kind of business that I enjoy.
I began my professional career in accounting, as a CPA with KPMG, LLP, then earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation I joined Carolina Securities, where I worked for 10 years.
WHAT DID YOU DO IN YOUR CAREER BEFORE JOINING CURI CAPITAL?
I founded KDI in 1998, a firm focused on always putting our client’s interests first. Our firm had a group of people who lived and worked with that client focus at the forefront, which stemmed from our roots of being a part of Investors Management Corporation (IMC), the parent company of Golden Corral
When we began thinking about the future of our wonderful team, we found a strong synergy with Curi Capital, and felt they were the right partner for us. The company cultures and way we treat people aligned perfectly. There was a lot of connectivity between Curi and IMC as well, and a good relationship that helped build the foundation for the acquisition to take place at the end of 2021. It has been beneficial for our employees and clients ever since the transition was made.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FIRM?
I’m excited about the shared vision for the firm inspired by leadership. The KDI team joining Curi Capital is a puzzle piece to help in the overall firm growth process. One of the main ways we can help is by getting great returns and providing an individual stock selection alternative for Curi Capital clients.
Being able to do take what we did well for years at KDI and provide access to a larger audience through Curi Capital is the goal for me.
WHAT SETS CURI CAPITAL APART FROM OTHER FIRMS?
A lot of firms are focused on profitability first and what they can earn from a client, but Curi Capital truly lives and works in the mindset of putting the client first and allowing profitability to follow. It’s something that is easier said than done and that’s why the “client first” approach sets us apart from others.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I really enjoy spending time with my grandkids and family and playing golf with my friends. I have three grandsons and one granddaughter all under the age of four, and they are such a joy in my life. I have four siblings, each with large families who are all close. It’s a lot of fun when get together.
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.
