Brian Robertson '04

Major at EC: Business Administration
Current Position: Managing Director at Laidlaw & Company

Tell us a little about your career field?
I am an Investment Advisor working with high net-worth individuals and families. I spent the majority of my career with Smith Barney before moving my practice to Laidlaw & Company, which is the second oldest brokerage firm in the United States.

What are the challenges of your career field?
I’ve built my practice through one of the worst recessions that has hit our economy in decades, which poses challenges for business development, relationship expansion and investor confidence.

If someone wanted to get into your career field, what advice would you have for them?
Building a wealth management practice takes time so you have to be patient and stay focused on growing every day. There is heavy turnover in my industry because it is not for everybody, but if you can make it through the first few years it can be very rewarding.

How did your academic life prepare you for graduate school or your career?
Elmira College prepared me very well for my career. I had great professors like Alison Wolfe, Jim Mullen and Phil Hurdle as well as a great experience playing basketball for EC. I feel that being part of a sports team and going through the ups and downs that go along with winning and losing help you in future endeavors. One thing I look for when I hire recent graduates is if they have experience working in a team setting like sports or business organizations like SIFE for example.

What have been the highlights of your life and career?
I can’t draw a circle around anything specific other than I enjoy working and living in the New York City area and I can see myself here for a long time.

What hobbies, activities, community service, foreign travel, etc. are you or have you been involved in?
Two of my favorite hobbies are playing golf and playing guitar.

What are your fondest memories of your days at Elmira College?
My fondest days with Elmira would have to be playing basketball, which is the main reason I came to EC. I had great teammates which I’m still close with today and a great coach in Pat Donnelly. Third Term was also memorable; the workload was lighter and of course intramural softball was in season.

What advice would you give students about preparing for graduate school or careers?
Don’t waste your time pursuing something if it’s not 100% what you can see yourself doing. Also, get a mentor who has experience in the field you are pursuing. He or she can advise you in the right direction.