Employee Spotlight: Greg Robinson

What is your title at Badgley Phelps?
Wealth Manager

What initially drew you to a career in wealth management, and what has kept you passionate about it for more than 30 years?

I stumbled into this career. A year or two out of college, I met a few individuals in the industry who saw something in me that I hadn't seen yet. They recognized that my background in Accounting and Economics, combined with my genuine enjoyment of helping people solve problems, would be a perfect fit for investment management.

What has kept me passionate for over 30 years is simple: the people. It’s the clients I serve and the colleagues I work with. Building deep, long-term relationships with them has been the most rewarding part of the job, and those relationships have truly shaped who I am today.

What do you like to do when you're not at the office?

I’m not one to sit still! I spend time with my family, and I try to get outdoors as much as possible for fly fishing, golfing, and hiking. I also find it relaxing to work with my hands, whether that's fixing things around the house, experimenting with new recipes, making cocktails, or wine tasting.

You’ve built long-lasting relationships with clients over your career, what do you think is the key to earning and maintaining that trust? 

I believe it comes down to three things. First, it’s about truly listening to what they are saying so I understand their real needs. Second, I believe in managing expectations—under-promising and over-delivering. Finally, integrity: doing exactly what you say you are going to do, in a timely manner. When clients see that consistency over time, the trust follows naturally.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  

I actually find this question difficult because I don't like to think of things as personal accomplishments. I view them as the collective achievements of the groups I'm part of—my family, my colleagues, our clients and the organizations I volunteer with. My pride comes from knowing I contributed to their success, rather than standing alone in the spotlight.

How does organization and strategic planning help clients feel more confident about their financial future? 

Uncertainty is what causes anxiety. My goal is to replace that uncertainty with a clear process. By becoming organized and building a strategic plan, we give the client a sense of control. Once they know 'the how' and 'the why,' they can stop worrying about the day-to-day fluctuations and focus on the big picture. It turns a stressful unknown into a manageable journey where we can simply course-correct as needed.

If you could go back in time and give your 20-year-old self one piece of financial advice, what would it be and why? What lessons do you think young people today could take away from your experience?

Can I give two? The first is to start saving immediately—pay yourself first so the power of compounding works for you. The easiest way to do this is to maximize your 401(k) or IRA every single year.

The second is to live within your means. The lesson for young people today is to avoid 'lifestyle creep.' If you can keep your spending grounded even as your income increases, you get the best of both worlds: you can enjoy your life today while building significant security for tomorrow.

You’ve shared that helping others achieve success in all areas of life brings you great satisfaction. How do you define “success” for your clients?

Success is different for every client because every client is unique. However, what is similar across the board is the need for time and peace of mind. If I can give them more of both, I call that a success.

What is a travel destination you’ve always wanted to visit—or have already experienced—that excites you, and why?

One thing I have never done is go on a safari. I have never been to Africa and would love to experience the culture, food, and scenery, as well as see the exotic wildlife firsthand.

When it’s time to impress, what craft cocktail are you behind the bar making? 

I do not have a favorite cocktail or a cocktail to 'impress.' Instead, I prefer to make riffs on the classics that are tailored to the guest. For example, if someone enjoys an Old Fashioned, I might substitute Ancho Reyes for half the simple syrup. It adds a unique complexity that encourages them to think outside the box next time they order a cocktail.

Whether he’s working with clients, collaborating with colleagues, or spending time outdoors with his family, Greg brings a steady, thoughtful approach to everything he does. His focus on listening, planning, and follow-through continues to make a meaningful difference for the families he serves and the team around him.