At Metro EDGE, we know true mentors are hard to come by these days and that our members are eager to learn what it takes to be successful. Words of Wisdom is a new series featuring some of Sacramento’s brightest CEOs, executives and leaders sharing their advice with the region’s young professionals. Flip your brain over to sponge mode and soak this up.
Kelly Brothers
Partner
Genovese, Buford & Brothers
Bio:
Kelly Brothers is not only a specialist in asset management but also a well-respected business reporter for KCRA and KFBK. Kelly joined GBB from Smith Barney, where he was a financial advisor. Earlier he was the evening news anchor at KCRA Channel 3 (NBC) as well as a radio show host with NewsTalk 1530 KFBK. His broadcast experience provides him with a powerful way to promote successful local businesses as well as sound, time-tested financial planning practices. In fact, he delivers all his reports from a fully functional news studio inside the GBB office. A dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, Kelly was named Volunteer of the Year by the Mercy Foundation, Father of the Year by the Center for Fathers and Families, and twice named News Anchor of the Year by the Sacramento Bee. Kelly is perhaps the most in-demand emcee of charitable events in Sacramento, hosting more than 50 each year. His current focus is Cristo Rey High School, a new model of values-based, college-prep education for low-income students. He is also chair of the investment committee of the Sacramento Catholic Foundation and the advance gifts chair of the Our Lady of Assumption Capital Campaign. Kelly holds a BA and an MBA in international business from Notre Dame and did post-graduate work at the London School of Business.
How did/do you handle work/life balance?
My change of career was all about work/life balance. Having gone 12 years of anchoring evening newscasts, I knew that if I wanted to really enjoy the role of “dad” I needed to be around in the evenings to coach baseball/soccer/basketball, help with homework, and attend school events. I think I have great balance, because I have the flexibility to attend the things I need to attend.
What piece of advice can you offer the young professionals in our region (age 40 and younger)?
Take advantage of the current economic conditions to get an advanced degree, build a business, buy a home. Live within your means. Work to find a career that is so enjoyable you will never want to retire, because the notion of one day just “retiring” isn’t realistic or beneficial for most people.
You’ve already achieved success. How do you stay motivated?
Four kids and the fear of paying for their college educations!
How important is it to be involved in organizations outside of work (church, networking groups, philanthropy, alumni groups, athletic groups, etc.)?
Very important. Networking is my main source of business. But you not only have to join organizations, you have to commit to real work. If you just join and attend a few meetings as a passive member, that can be a waste of time. But if you allow others to see your passion and your commitment in a philanthropic or civic setting, they will be far more likely to do business with you.
What do you love about Sacramento?
I love the weather, the proximity to Tahoe and the Bay, the neighborhoods, and the fact that even though 2 million people live in the region, I rarely go somewhere where I don’t know someone.
