Q&A: Getting to know Ryan Boudreau
Tell us about your role at Reynders, McVeigh
I’m a portfolio manager, and my focus is on guiding both the investment process and client relationships, advising primarily individuals and law firms. I joined Reynders, McVeigh in August 2022, so I’ve been with the firm for three years.
What I love about my job is not only “nerding out” on company research reports, or asset-allocation and the nitty-gritty numbers, but then translating all of that into plain, actionable language for clients. It makes the work that I do feel much more meaningful knowing that our clients are relying on it for their own financial planning and wellbeing.
What is a memorable accomplishment from your time at the firm?
I’ve always been passionate about thematic investing, the idea that if you can identify big-picture, long-term trends, you can understand why you want to own certain companies in your portfolio and how those companies play into the theme.
I get to bring those themes to life when I build and present theme-driven presentations. This gives clients confidence about what they own in their portfolio, especially when they’re facing short-term uncertainty and volatility.
When I presented to our law firm clients on this idea of thematics, I was excited that I could bridge something that they might read about in the newspaper with exactly actually how that topic is reflected in their portfolio. You can see the lights turn on for them. Seeing that moment of understanding never gets old.
What drives you in your role at Reynders, McVeigh?
I love working with clients who might be newer to investing. Finance is full of acronyms and jargon that can feel intentionally intimidating. My job is to make everything transparent and as accessible as possible.
I think when you provide that transparency, that's how you build trust and long-lasting relationships. I love guiding my clients through various life stages, whether it's buying their first house or getting ready for retirement, and being that person that they rely on to explain all those situations. It’s truly what drives me in my work every day.
What advice would you give to someone looking to break into financial planning?
First, learn to listen. The most valuable planning conversations often start organically, not from a checklist. For example, asking about a client’s recent vacation led to them sharing a dream of buying property in the spot they were visiting. That kicked off a whole new conversation about mapping out how to make that happen. All from asking genuine questions, listening for the details, and tailoring the advice to what we heard.
Tell us about a time you got out of your personal comfort zone.
One would have to be the time I ran the Chicago Marathon with my dad. He's been a lifelong runner and has done countless marathons and triathlons. I, on the other hand, am not a runner. In four months, I went from only ever cracking two miles to the full 26.2.
Being able to run a marathon with my dad was always a major goal of mine. On race day, it went well. Around mile 20, it started to hurt, but finishing that race with him is something I’ll never forget.
How about a time you got out of your professional comfort zone?
The time that I served as an internship mentor is work that I love doing, and it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I find it incredibly important to help guide newer associates in our industry, and I certainly was the beneficiary of a lot of that type of guidance early on in my career.
When mentoring, I try to encourage someone while helping them set realistic goals and expectations. This dynamic adds a little bit of pressure, but it's also some of the most fulfilling work I do.
What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?
For me, staying active has always helped me unplug. I love skiing at Sunday River in Maine or Bretton Woods in New Hampshire or hitting the trails with my dog for weekend hikes.
I’m also a regular at Everybody Fights, a strength and boxing gym in Seaport. These activities help get me away from my screens to detach every now and then.
I grew up in Medfield, Massachusetts, and now live in South Boston with my wife, Lucy, and our 1½-year-old Bernedoodle, Vince. Fun fact: Vince is a cousin of Jamie Hobkirk’s dog—they came from the same breeder! I've spent most of my life in Massachusetts, and my family's also still here. I love the area and hope to be here a long time.
Do you have any favorite Boston food spots?
For pizza, I’d go with Santarpio’s in East Boston—it’s the best slice around, hands-down. If you’re after an Italian sandwich, Monica’s Mercado in the North End is the best I’ve had anywhere in the country.
DISCLOSURE: The commentary provided by an employee of Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC (“RMCM”) in the Q&A above is subject to change and represents the current, good-faith views of the employee and RMCM at the time of publication. The commentary is educational in nature; these views are not intended to forecast future events or guarantee future results.