Becky Renner Anderson. Courtesy Becky Renner Anderson
Editor’s note: Each Q&A in the Influential Women enewsletter will feature a woman from the region who’s influential, a rising face in her industry or doing interesting work. Submit tips on potential Q&A subjects to tgortsema at grbj dot com.
Becky Renner Anderson is a financial advisor who works with families to help them achieve their serious long-term financial goals.
Anderson is a Grand Rapids-based partner in the financial services firm Edward Jones and heads a branch downtown.
As part of her role with the firm, she provides mentoring and training that currently focuses on practice management and relationship development.
Biggest career break?
When I was in college, when I worked for the Southwestern Company selling books door to door. I learned how to be an entrepreneur and business owner. I was introduced to books by Zig Ziglar, Og Mandino and Dale Carnegie. It was my biggest break, because I learned that my own efforts and hard work would drive my direction and success. I learned how to take ownership of my success.
Proudest moment?
Professional: My team and I being ranked in the top one percent of client satisfaction by J.D Power and Associates by the families we serve.
Personal: In Stockholm, we went into the antiquities museum in the Royal Palace and my 10-year-old, Tommie, started naming the 300-year-old statues of Greek gods, name by name. My husband and I don't even know them. I'm so impressed. We're managing to raise our children to be smarter than us — our travels, their readings, their exposure to culture.
Best advice you've ever received?
"Be where your feet are," by a colleague, Ted Simpkins. I'm a busy person with a fulfilling career, young family and lots of community engagement. The only way I get things done is to be exactly where I am.
How did you make your first dollar?
Docking boats in South Haven, at the municipal marina
Most treasured-possession?
I'm not really attached to material things. I really cherish memories and experiences more, so we're always either on a trip or planning our next trip.
Dream job?
Doing exactly what I'm doing. I know, crazy, right? I've always dreamed of owning my own practice and making a difference for families and in my community. I love what I do and the families I serve.
If I were president for a day, I would…?
Ask a lot of questions and take time to learn as much as I could. I find people fascinating. We live in such interesting times. I really want to learn more perspectives to build my own understanding.
Last book you've read?
“Grit” by Angela Duckworth
Last thing you Googled?
Oslo Bergen Railway schedule (my family and I are currently on a two-week trip with backpacks in Scandinavia)
Your worst habit?
I am a midnight snacker
To unwind, I like to…?
Exercise
Dream vacation?
My favorite vacation is always the one I'm on 🙂 We love to travel. We're currently on our 30th country in Norway. Today, we checked fjord safari ride off our list in Flam, Norway. We also were in Sweden and Denmark. We've been to most of Europe now and North America. I think our next trip will be Australia or Thailand.
Favorite food?
I love food! All food, really. Thai food is currently my favorite (hence the trip to Thailand).
Person you admire most?
My dad. He is a man of such strong character. He is always kind to everyone. He always expects the best in people and always gives everyone the benefit of the doubt.