Jose Reyes

Global Wealth Management Investor Analyst

From his childhood in Honduras to his current office in Miami, Jose Reyes has always strived to be a trusted advisor to the people around him. As the first person in his family to move to the U.S., Reyes has spent the years since he emigrated advising friends and family members on how to navigate the tricky waters of immigration.

In college, an even wider group of people asked for his help, as his classmates became aware that he was a natural born advisor. “People that I didn't even know started reaching out to me and saying, 'Hey, can you help me with my resume, or interview skills, or prepping for an internship?,'" he recalls. "I really do enjoy it. I can see the fruits of my labor."

Since COVID-19 struck, Reyes advising skills have come in handy. As he advises his clients through the uncertainty that has clouded the market, he's tried to help them see the current situation in the context of their personal long-term goals. “Sometimes we don't even talk about the market. I'll reach out just to say, 'Hello, hey, how are you doing?'" he says. “Sometimes I just entertain them."

What does success look like to you?

It's constantly changing, because we as humans are constantly changing. When I was in college, which wasn't that long ago, it's even different than how I look at it now. Right now it's about feeling accomplished and happy, and at peace with myself, both professionally and in my personal relationships. It's super important to have that balance. Feeling that what I'm doing matters, and that it's something I really enjoy doing.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

I think my parents have a really good blend of who I'm trying to be. I get to pick which qualities I like from each. My mom is very sensitive, super caring, super empathetic. This part I'm getting from my mom, the soft side. My dad showed me how to not just be a business leader, but a conscious business leader. He's a great living example of: If you fall down ten times, you have to get back up eleven. Knowing that you are going to fail, but that the important thing is how you react.

What do you consider the most valuable piece of advice you've ever received and where did it come from?

Everything happens for a reason, but going hand-in-hand with that, whenever you fail, you have to take the opportunity to learn from it. Just growing up, I've heard it from my parents, and more recently, from my girlfriend. I actually read it again in a book that I'm reading now, called Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey. He said it very nicely: Mistakes and failures are an amazing opportunity to reflect on yourself. It's an opportunity that most people let go to waste because they focus on the bad, instead of actually focusing on their response.

What is the biggest obstacle you've overcome in life?

I grew up in Honduras. I was in the U.S. with my student visa, and I knew from the start that I wanted to stay in the U.S. because of the amazing opportunities that are here. I can't explain to you how many times in college I prepared for interviews. I studied, I did my part, and then when it came time to interview, the first question was: Are you international? And that was it. They said, Sorry, we won't be continuing this interview. Just because I was international. Overcoming that was super tough, but like I said, things happen for a reason.

What has been your most important work?

It might not be a specific job that I did, but something I'm really happy and proud of, and that I continually see the impact. Being a mentor. Naturally, I like to help people. I went through a hard circumstance, so now I like helping others who are going through it, saying: Hey, I was there. There's an easier way you can do this. I helped a friend who wanted to apply for his masters. Two weeks ago, he texted me, “Hey, I got in. I got a full ride. Thanks so much for all your help." Seeing the impact that my help is actually having on other people is really, really satisfying.

What personal actions have helped you through the pandemic/quarantine?

It's been surprising. You would think that being at home, it's going to be super relaxed. After a few weeks or a few months, it starts getting real. But it's offered many people a chance for introspection. You start asking yourself questions that in the past you wouldn't have. It's helped me get to know myself better, managing myself better. Building patience. Building character.

What brings you joy?

If I could say one thing, it would be listening to music. Since I was little kid, my dad played the guitar. He was part of a band when he was young. I also played the guitar.

When he was in high school, he was part of his high school band. When he grew up, there's this thing in Honduras where bands will come together and play at restaurants just for fun during Friday or Saturday nights, so he and his friends made a band, and we would all go watch him perform. There's never a single family meeting where there's not a guitar. Everyone in my family plays an instrument. My brother plays the guitar and the piano. My sister plays the flute. My other sister does ballet and sings. Then my father always tries to be the master of the show. He gets the guitar and starts singing. Then everybody joins along. It's been a central part of me.