Austin Reynolds

Highland Park High School graduate Austin Reynolds is committed to having a lasting, positive impact on the community where he grew up.

The investment professional who recently became a vice president at SGF Capital has two young children of his own, and he focuses much of his volunteer service on assisting those who are at-risk.

For the past decade, Reynolds has been involved with Capital for Kids, a network of Dallas area investment professionals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children in need. Reynolds is now on the Capital for Kids executive board and a member of its grant committee, where he helps review applications to determine which organizations Capital for Kids will assist.

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, Capital for Kids has provided upwards of $21 million to organizations that educate, protect, and encourage the development of the most vulnerable North Texas children. It also works to raise awareness of children who need support.

Reynolds is an active member of Park Cities Presbyterian Church, and says he hopes that his two children will experience the opportunities he had growing up.

His dedication to assisting others translates well to his career managing the investment portfolios of ultra-high-net-worth families and helping them achieve their goals in an ever-changing economic environment.

Reynolds said he’s proud of obtaining his CFA charter, the highest distinction available to investment professionals. “I was able to stay committed and determined to expand my knowledge base and intellectual curiosity,” he said.

A decade from now, Reynolds sees himself “staying grounded in my values to help others, which involves managing investment portfolios to help my client(s) achieve their goals in an ever-changing economic environment.”

What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?

I’ve been blessed to have grown up in this community and now raise my own family here, so my goal is to help make a lasting impact leaving it better than how I found it.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

In high school, I was hired by a company to sell its assessment targeting other families with young adults to consider how well they might match with various universities. The commonalities with behavioral finance and working well with others are utilized every day in my profession, which I’m thankful to have been exposed to at an early age.

What’s on your bucket list?

Attending The Masters (which I look forward to crossing off the list this year alongside my father-in-law).

What was your toughest business or personal challenge?

After a kids camp accident in junior high, I learned I had two fused vertebrae which prevented me from playing contact sports (i.e. football and baseball). It turned into a blessing, as I pursued golf, which continues to be a hobby of mine.

How do you motivate yourself and others?

I listen more than I speak and tend to be an optimist by nature.

What was your “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career?

Mathematics always came naturally to me, which led me to pursue a degree in finance and has been an asset as I’ve progressed in my career.

What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

I beat Jordan Spieth in a chipping contest (to be fair though, I was a senior in high school as he was still in junior high).

What would you tell an 18-year-old you?

Stay true to yourself.

If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?

Greenlights (but the audible version, narrated by Matthew McConaughey) — his mid-life memoir is filled with authentic stories that made him who he is today.

What advice do you have for other young professionals?

Never stop pursuing your fullest potential.

Is there anything else you think we should know about you?

I love spending quality time with my wife and two children — I never imagined how fulfilling it would be to be a husband and father!