Introduction
What is your role at IR+M?
I wear many hats at IR+M, which is awesome. I am a Senior Portfolio Manager, people manager, mentor, member of the leadership team, and on the Sustainability Committee. As a Senior Portfolio Manager and leader of our Securitized Team, I love staying on top of the markets, uncovering our best relative value opportunities in the securitized sectors, and building our strategy around those ideas. As a manager, it’s amazing to show up every day and feel like you're working together to drive the success of your team, developing and growing people, and supporting the objectives of your clients. As a mentor, I love being able to work with folks who are new to the firm, helping them transition and adjust, and making them feel welcomed and excited about all that IR+M has to offer.
What excites you the most about hybrid work?
Walking into the office last June was surreal after not being there for 15 months. As an extrovert, I get my energy from other people, so it’s been awesome to be back in the office a few times a week. I love seeing and connecting with people in person, especially our new colleagues who've joined during the pandemic. When I meet new IR+Mers in person for the first time, it feels like we’ve known each other for years. Thanks to technology – we certainly haven’t skipped a beat.
What makes IR+M special?
IR+M is an exceptional place because of the people. Not only is everyone extremely talented, bright, and hardworking, but we all genuinely care about each other professionally and personally. You truly feel like you’re a part of a family, which is really unique. I’ve been at the firm for over 14 years, and I continue to be amazed by how strongly we support each other, whether it's a wedding, baby shower, or our kids' sporting events – an IR+Mer is always there for you. During the pandemic, my daughter got COVID, so my entire family had to quarantine. A day into our quarantine, IR+M sent a package that included flowers for my daughter and soup and food for our family. Whether you're celebrating a high or navigating a low, you're always surrounded by IR+M’s warmth and compassion.
What do you love most about your job?
I love being a player-coach and balancing that equation. Becoming a strong and effective manager takes time and commitment. At IR+M, we place a premium on getting to know your teammates and developing their talent and those relationships. As a coach, it's not enough to just have the right processes in place; you also need to build connections with your team. As a player – in my case, a Portfolio Manager – I love staying on top of the markets, looking for opportunities within the securitized market and creating new strategies.
What do you do in your free time?
For many years, my wife and I spent our free time raising our three children. Now that they’re older, we have more time to explore other interests. I love all things outside – biking, hiking, golfing, or going to Boston sports events. I’ve never been into cooking, but during the pandemic, we subscribed to a meal subscription service which really helped me as a novice chef. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy it!
