By Business & Finance 
Pictured: David Quinn, Managing Director of Investwise Financial Planning.
Quinn joined Investwise as Managing Director in 2006, a business that now manages €215m in client funds. He manages a team of 7 with offices in Dublin and Cork. Investwise operates a transparent fee structure instead of product commissions to ensure the advice is impartial and in the best interests of the client.
What was your first job?
My first paid job was working as a rescue boat driver for sailing courses in Sutton Dinghy Club. It has been downhill ever since! £50 a week, and I would have done it for free!
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
I tried a few other jobs after graduating, and enjoyed all of them, but I eventually decided that working for myself in a field where I could help people and use my financial background was the most satisfying.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
My greatest achievement to date is the progress that my 3 babies have made over the past 18 years. Those being my daughter Aimee, son Daragh and Investwise Financial Planning!
Career wise, would you do anything differently?
If I look back , I wish I had gone out and set up my own business earlier in my career. Other than that, I’m very happy with the path I’ve taken.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
Success is having full control over your time, and the resources to do the things you want to do, when you want to do them!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Time is our most valuable asset. Spend time with family and friends when you are young. Don’t give up too much precious time in your 30’s and 40’s chasing career and money goals. Make sure to put aside plenty of time with your kids while they are young as you only get one chance. It could well be too late when you finally achieve your career goals.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
I strongly believe that if I care for my team, and allow them to grow and develop, they will stay motivated. I trust them to work hard and look after our clients, so I give them plenty of work/live balance flexibility.
How do you handle adversity?
I take things very personally, especially when I have made a mistake in business, so I am likely to beat myself up and have some sleepless nights. Talking to my wife definitely helps, but she sometimes has to drag it out of me!
How do you relax?
I’m absolutely addicted to golf, so I try to get out on the course at any opportunity. A late evening 9 holes in the sunshine in Portmarnock Golf Club is my happy place!
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
We are currently embarking on an ambitious and detailed new 5 year business plan. We hope to become one of the leading independently owned financial planning firms in Ireland, and double our revenues in the next 3 years as we grow out the team and our national presence.
