Quinlan Riser

Founder and CEO,
Riser Property Management Group

Age: 32

Education: MBA - University of Iowa; B.S. accounting and B.A. economics - William Jewell College; Chartered Life Underwriting and Chartered Financial Consultant - American College of Financial Services

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I managed the quality, health, growth and profitability of large strategic brokerage accounts that resulted in $50 million in revenue.

In the past 12 months, I have supported over 1,000 business and individual clients in meeting their financial goals and objectives.

I serve on the board of directors for the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and the Beacon.

I serve as a member of the NAACP's Political Action Committee and co-lead a statewide initiative with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity focused on voter engagement and voter education.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

My biggest passion is empowering members of our community to live their lives by design through financial education and planning.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

I define success by how those I come into contact with are doing. If my friends, family and clients are thriving, then I am successful.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

More people should be aware of the pervasive gap in financial education. As children, we often aren’t taught concepts like investing and protecting our assets. I’d like to see children educated on topics like compounding interest, debt and budgeting from very early ages.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

An experience that influenced how I saw the world was watching my single mother be very diligent and frugal with her funds. She was not rich, but through her hard work and sacrifice, she gave us everything we needed.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to educate individuals nationwide, from youth to post-retirement, on the importance of financial planning. Circumstances change in life, and unexpected events occur all the time. A solid plan helps you navigate those situations with more peace of mind and confidence.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Read as much as you can. Knowledge is power — don’t wait for someone to educate you; take the initiative to do that yourself and always give back.

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

Reading. I aim to read 50 nonfiction books a year. I select topics related to and outside of my profession. I aim to consume knowledge that can help me grow personally and professionally and also pass that knowledge on.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

There are economic disparities in our community. Many have resources — financial, intellectual or otherwise. I’d like to see us leverage those treasures to make Des Moines a model for what could be if those who have it “the worst” in our community are still thriving.

What's one fun fact about you?

I have a twin brother who is a professor of human ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. To be a twin is unique and I consider it fun because I’ve had a best friend from birth.

Hobbies:

Reading, golf and football.

What is one word that best describes you?

Persistent.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

Chain and Spoke Coffee.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

I unexpectedly adopted a dog. Her name is Ace. I did not grow up with any pets in the house. It’s a reminder that sometimes the greatest joys of life can come from spontaneity and stepping out of our comfort zone. We should all embrace adventure more often and appreciate the growth in the journey.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Des Moines Marathon.