Introduction
Brett Bina graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He holds both the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation and the CAIA® designation. His investment industry experience spans 14+ years and he has worked for both European and American financial institutions.
He got his start as a risk analyst in the hedge fund industry and has since gained experience in managing multi-asset portfolios. Before his move to Tampa Bay, Brett volunteered at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls in Chicago. He was also a longtime contributor and writer for CFA Society Chicago and plans to continue that volunteerism here with CFA Tampa Bay. Brett is on the Finance Committee and Steering Committee at The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions (ISPS) at St. Petersburg College.
Years in St. Pete
I’ve been living in St Petersburg for about 3½ years now with my wife, daughter and 12-year-old lab mix. We’re originally from Chicago, and we absolutely love the warm weather and outdoor lifestyle. We hope to be here for many years to come.
Organizations involved in
As an investment professional, I am involved with the CAIA Association, the CFA Institute and CFA Tampa Bay.
What gets you out of bed every day?
My daughter – she’s not quite a year old and already has a wonderful sense of humor and I can’t wait to watch her grow up.
Why St. Pete?
It’s the Sunshine City in the Sunshine State, how could you not like it? I think this area is just scratching the surface of its potential and is on its way to becoming a premier destination for young professionals beginning their careers, affluent retirees and anyone who loves the unique combination of sports, beaches, hiking, business opportunities and tons and tons of things to do within a few hours drive.
What is one habit that you keep?
I’ve managed to stay somewhat pudgy despite consistently working out at the gym (and running) as one of my top habits … perhaps my other, even more devoted habit of weekly pizza consumption has something to do with that.
Who are some people that influence you?
One of my uncles, who’s an attorney and dedicated husband to my aunt, has been like a father figure to me and he continues to be a huge influence and one of my guides to life. I’ve also had the privilege of having some really great bosses (Don Feeney was one) in my career who’ve been generous enough to stay in touch, mentor me and even hang out once in a while. The best bosses really want you to continue to grow and thrive – choose wisely!
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology, practice - that you would share with our readers?
I like to read a lot of contemporary psychology books, and I’ll give you four that I’ve read recently that stuck with me: Both of Dr. Robert Cialdini’s books (“Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion” and “Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade”), “The Power of Bad” by Tierney and “Baumeister” and “Mindset” by Carol Dweck.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
I’ve found that the people you work alongside every day and learn from and grow with are going to be far more important to your happiness and long-term success than any job title or salary, or other material trapping. Also – being a really, really good advisor who can help people plan for retirement, invest wisely and thrive financially is more than a job; it’s a calling.
What’s next?
I’m looking to volunteer and join some new boards around the Tampa Bay area. More locally, I would like to find opportunities to serve my community in Jungle Terrace and continue to build business relationships and friendships across the area.
