Nothing shapes your experience working with RMB more than the people who make our work possible every day. The Meet RMB series offers a chance to get to know our team a little better.
RMB: Can you give us an overview of your role at RMB?
Brian Phillips: As a wealth management associate, I build financial projections, create recommended asset allocations, implement investment decisions, and foster relationships within the wealth management team and with our current clients. My goal is to make our advisors’ lives more efficient and to see our clients succeed.
RMB: What does a typical workday look like in your role?
BP: It depends! I start by confirming all material needed for the day’s meetings are intact and prepared. Then I confirm any trading activity, allocation shifts, and/or new investments from the previous day. I then prioritize work for the day by returning calls, emails, and any other client inquiries as efficiently as possible. As a wealth management team, we delegate and collaborate on outstanding tasks and are in constant communication with our team, advisors, and clients.
RMB: Tell us about the education and career path that brought you here.
BP: I majored in finance with a minor in financial planning at Illinois State University. I was actively involved in Alpha Kappa Psi, an on-campus business fraternity, which encouraged me to look for internships right away. That eventually led to me completing five internships while in college, two of which were with RMB. After my junior year internship with RMB in Denver, I was fortunate enough to receive an offer to join the Oakbrook Team as a Wealth Management Associate.
RMB: What keeps you busy outside of work?
BP: My family! I have eight sisters and two brothers, so I’m constantly spending time with my siblings. I have a passion for teaching as well, so I do volunteer work with the Chicago Public Schools teaching students about personal finance as a level II Volunteer.
RMB: Is there something that you’re especially passionate about in life?
BP: I’m passionate about fitness, along with teaching and learning from others. I grew up playing basketball and spend a good amount of my free time working out. My eventual goal is to run the Chicago Marathon. I also enjoy passing knowledge on to others and making a difference in people's lives, which ignited my desire to start volunteering. Lastly, my primary way of learning is by direct mentorship, which is why I’m involved in RMB’s mentorship program. I have the best mentor I could ask for (Sarah Tims!).
RMB: What makes you most proud to work at RMB?
BP: The work we do and the people we work with. It makes me proud to see the comfort, value, and ease we bring to our clients’ lives. I’ve been lucky to form such great relationships with my colleagues and our clients at RMB these past four years.
