Next Up Columbus 2023: Alexander Reed
Interview by Derek Grosso
Name: Alexander Reed
Age: 32
Profession: Chief Investment Officer of Envisage Wealth
Neighborhood: German Village
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
Community Involvement: Board Member CFA Society of Columbus “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.”
Connect: LinkedIn
Give us a snapshot of your career path:
I was lucky enough to be exposed to the power of financial literacy/education from my parents at a young age. This education bloomed into a full-time career while I was in college. Envisage Wealth offered me an internship my junior year of college and I worked in the financial planning team until I graduated.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
Our new puppy Zula is the first to get us up in the morning! Kidding aside, I love my job. It truly is at the crossroads of care and competition. My passion is the client – I have witnessed, both personally and professionally, how the lack of financial education can dramatically alter a person’s life and we are in a position to help prevent that from happening. There is nothing more satisfying than working alongside someone through their career, getting to know them and their family, and then see them achieve their financial goals.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
The 5Ps – I have heard since I was a kid (Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance). Ironically plays very well into my professional career today! My entire career has been with the same firm so I would be remised not to mention those that have helped me along the way (Kevin, Andrew, Kerry, Dara, Emily). Jeff Chaddock, our CEO, has been the biggest mentor to me in my professional career. His passion and commitment to our clients and their well-being is second to none. He taught me how to talk with people – not at them. In my early years he would tell me to make myself uncomfortable and you’ll be surprised how you rise to the occasion – that always stuck with me.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
Exercising – at the gym or running and roller blading the Scioto Mile with my wife. And when we might not feel up to the gym, cooking a meal at home and watching our favorite shows will do the trick!
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
We love to walk and ride the Scioto Trail. My wife and I are BIG foodies, so we love to try new restaurants. My favorite spots (in no particular order): Wolfsridge, Agni, The 1126, Jeff Rubys, Alqueria, Speck.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
I think I wanted to be a doctor – my dad was an Optometrist. I took science classes early on and knew that was not for me.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia – highly recommend as it provides practical measures that we can all adopt in our lives. Breathe: A Life in Flow by Rickson Gracie, Masters In Business (Podcast), Business Breakdowns (Podcast)
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
An honor and extremely humbling. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and the Envisage Wealth family.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
Ambitious – I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life and in Columbus for 14 years. The positive change from a culture and economic perspective over that time period is second to none. The city is not afraid to embrace change – I think residents of Columbus truly embody that.
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. The Columbus Young Professionals Club would like to offer special thanks to our 2023 co-presenters, Discover Financial, Ohio Dominican University and Quantum Health for their support of this year’s awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2023” »
MORE PEOPLE
