Introduction
Tash Elwyn has been a part of the Raymond James family for nearly 27 years. As a fresh graduate from Emory University in Atlanta, Elwyn started as a cold caller for Raymond James. A year later, he entered the financial advisor training program and became a financial advisor, a role he stayed in for 10 years. Elwyn continuously worked his way up the ladder and around the South, from Atlanta, to Tennessee and finally to St. Petersburg, where he became President and CEO of Raymond James & Associates in 2018.
Years in St. Pete
15
Organizations involved in
Pinellas Education Foundation, USF Corporate Mentor Program, St. Pete Opera Board, St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.
What gets you out of bed every day?
The opportunities in ways big and small to really make a difference in a community. And I enjoy that I have opportunities to do that both professionally and from a community standpoint as well.
Why St. Pete?
We love St. Pete, my wife and I and my two children. I grew up in Atlanta, and when we moved here 15 years ago, the kids were age 4 and 2, and they didn’t necessarily have a vote at the time, but the way we sold it to them was “How would you like to live in St. Pete where A) it’s never winter, B) we live 15 minutes from the beach and we’re about an hour an a half from Mickey Mouse.” That about sums it up, it’s the quality of life here that makes it such an attractive place to raise a family, to grow a business.
What is one habit that you keep?
I’m an early riser, I love getting up before anybody else, tackling email, feeling like I’m getting a jump start on the world. And then after tackling my inbox, heading over to the gym to try to get some exercise in before the day begins.
Who are some people that influence you?
I’ve had a number of mentors in my life and career, one of the most memorable was a state representative that I worked for back in Atlanta when I was in college. I was both a summer legislative aide as well as a campaign aide. What he taught me most of all was the importance of being selfless and the importance of giving back to the communities in which we live and work.
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology, practice - that you would share with our readers?
I’m a student, not an expert, but a student of emotional intelligence. I’m a huge believer in the importance of being really intentional, intentional in the physical signals, the verbal signals that you send people. And then reciprocally, being a student of how to properly interpret the signals people send you as well, and making sure everyone is aligned in terms of intent.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
Exactly which stocks to own, like Marty McFly from “Back to the Future.” Aside from that, to really recognize the pace of change, pace of technology and regulatory change and the importance of really leading and innovating in that regard.
What’s next?
To continue to really affirm St. Petersburg as the destination that it is and continues to become, for firms and families of all shapes and sizes and ages and so forth. Continuing to position us for success in the many, meany years ahead.
