This month, meet Director of Financial Planning and Wealth Manager Julie Parisio Roy, who will be happy to put together your IKEA furniture in addition to providing expert financial advice.
Q: Briefly describe your job.
A: The majority of my days are spent working with clients to craft financial plans and educate them on the best paths to achieve their goals.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about your position and/or about working at Badgley Phelps?
A: The people! After 15 years with the firm, I definitely have a “work family,” and its members are always entertaining. We collaborate to find the best financial solutions for our clients. I also enjoy working with clients, new and long-term alike. Their stories inspire me!
Q: Who is one of your role models and why?
A: Oprah Winfrey. I love her work ethic, relentless pursuit to know and understand people for who they are and commitment to highlight the successes of people for the betterment of others.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?
A: My favorite roles include: wife and mom, aka taxi driver; chef; household manager; travel agent; social secretary and laundress. When my second shift is done, I enjoy mindless reality TV or the latest Netflix/Amazon series, running in my neighborhood and catching up with friends! My favorite weekend getaway is Hartstene Pointe in South Puget Sound.
Q: Where else besides the Seattle area would you like to live?
A: Tuscany
Q: What is the song title that best describes your personality?
A: “She Works Hard for the Money.” Just kidding! I try hard to always have gratitude for the small and big things in life, so “These Are the Days” by 10,000 Maniacs probably best describes me. Life is short and I want to enjoy and honor my blessings—and remember to lean into the challenges.
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: The letters after my name are professionally gratifying, but my favorite titles are wife and mom.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Happiness for my family and friends, my colleagues and for our clients. The definition of happiness is different for everyone, and evolves with time, so happiness as a motivator is both interesting and challenging!
Q: What’s a little-known fact about you?
A: I learned important life lessons at my first jobs. Working at Hallmark in high school, I learned to write tear-jerker card messages and wrap perfect presents. At IKEA, my college job, I learned that I can assemble furniture without instructions—just toss me the Allen wrench.
Q: What’s been your best moment so far this year?
A: Taking an extended vacation this summer in Italy. My hubby and I loved introducing the country and culture to our kids.
Q: What’s your favorite app?
A: Instacart
Q: What’s your favorite cause?
A: Susan G. Komen and Northwest Hope and Healing are both very important to me, in memory of my mom who lost her battle with breast cancer 10 years ago.
Q: What advice to you have for others in financial services?
A: The dynamic nature of this industry and the responsibility we have to our clients can be very heavy. When I feel the weight of my role, I try to remember we are trusted with clients’ fears and dreams, and let into a corner of their lives few usually see. It is in this reflection that I feel the privilege and sanctity of our client relationships.