In celebration of Father’s Day, SparkVision got to know some dynamic young professionals who work directly with their Dad and meet Zack and Barry.
As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and these stories highlight the unique and special experience that’s created when children collaborate alongside their parents. We hope you’ll enjoy a look inside their day-to-day experience as family and colleagues!
For 25 years, Barry has provided advisory services to a wide range of clients, including institutions
and high-net-worth individuals. He combines his years of experience with the vast resources of Alex.
Brown, a division of Raymond James, to deliver customized strategies that meet clients’ unique
financial needs. Barry specializes in custom portfolios with expertise in overlaying alternative
investments, including private equity, hedge funds, real estate and structured solutions.
Zack Garber has extensive experience serving a wide range of clients, from large retirement plans and endowments to high-net-worth individuals. He specializes in custom portfolios with expertise in
overlaying alternative investments, including private equity, hedge funds, real estate and structured
solutions. Zack infuses enthusiasm and thoughtfulness into his work and strives to help clients
seamlessly navigate all aspects of their financial well-being.
Describe your business. Barry: For over 25 years, our team has provided investment advisory services to a wide range of clients including institutions (endowments, foundations, hospitals, insurance companies, pensions) and accredited high net worth individuals and family offices.
How did you get involved? Barry: After completing my MBA in Finance from NYU, I began my professional career in a brand management training program with General Foods Corp followed by a management program at Bristol Myers Corp. This career path led to a senior management position with a publicly traded health and fitness company based in Baltimore. Five years later the company was sold and I was at a professional inflection point. Twenty-six years ago I realized two things. First, I wanted to own my own business. Second, I had become very proficient over the years at balancing and diversifying financial assets and risk mitigation. This led to accepting a position with Alex. Brown & Sons and ultimately the creation of The Garber Wealth Management Team.
How did you get involved in your father’s business? Zack: During my senior year of college, I decided to sell a discount food card business I had started and asked my father if he would go to dinner with me. At dinner, I asked my father if there was an opportunity to work with him in his business. To my surprise, he responded probably not. Specifically, he stated that I had no work experience and the same last name. That I would not be taken seriously unless I had “impeccable credentials”. I then proceeded to ask my father what he defines as “impeccable credentials”. He stated that if I had four years of finance experience at a large company, received an MBA from Harvard or Wharton, and became a CFA charter holder he would hire me. After our conversation, I decided to accept a job with Deutsche Bank in its global wealth management training program. After 4 years of working at Deutsche Bank, I proceeded to get my MBA from Wharton and complete the CFA curriculum. After receiving my MBA from Wharton, my father asked me if I’m ready to join him and I responded: “ I have impeccable credentials now, why should I work for you?”. I have been back in Baltimore working with my father for two years.
What did you see in your child as a kid that serves them well now as an adult? Barry: Zack was a very focused and driven child both academically and on the athletic fields. He always excelled in math which served him well over the years as a tournament caliber chess player. Lastly, Zack brings outstanding interpersonal social skills to a business that requires a very high service level to an eclectic clientele.
What qualities do you see in your dad that you now see in yourself? Zack: My father is one of the most disciplined, ethical, and thoughtful people I know. I strive to attain a similar mastery of these qualities. He also has a good sense of humor, but I like to think that I’m a little less corny.
What’s the best part of working with your child/Dad?
Barry: There is nothing more important in my life than my family. Working with Zack is truly a blessing. He brings unwavering trust, honesty, integrity, and loyalty to the office every day.
Zack: The best part of working with my father is that I get to spend every day with him. For most people, 80% of the time they spend with their parents is complete once they graduate high school and move away to college. I am very fortunate that I have the privilege of having both of my parents play an active role in my life. It is also extremely difficult to work for other people no matter who they are. When I work for my father, I know that he always has my best interest at heart.
What do you want your legacy to be?
Barry: My legacy will be the success, love and respect of my children and leaving our community in a better place than before I arrived.
Zack: My goal is to be a leader in the community that is able to help others effectuate positive change.
One day I hope my family and community look up to me as they currently look up to my father.
Happy Father’s Day Barry! In typical fashion, Zack had us cracking up this whole interview. We appreciate the peek into your work together and appreciate the humor – corny or not!