This month’s team member spotlight is on Lori Griffith our “luna - luna lawelawe” Hawaiian for our CFO. She is behind the scenes running our companies and taking great care of all us at McKay Wealth Management. Originally hailing from the Island of Oahu, Lori brings her talents, expertise and compassion to our operations. You will always find her willing to “take of business for the sake of the business” no matter the issue at hand. We are not just a wealth management firm but also a small business! Her confidence and can-do attitude is reflected in the day to day operations to make sure McKay Wealth Management is operating smoothly! Lori also makes some mean musubi rolls and the best Hawaiian teriyaki chicken around!
TEAM: Lori, tell everyone a little about yourself.
LORI: I was born and raised in Honolulu Hawaii, the eldest of 3 girls. I attended Hawaii Baptist Academy and went on to the University of Hawaii. After graduating from college, I moved to San Diego to experience life on “the mainland”. I started my working career at General Motors. Fortunately for me, GM awarded me a full scholarship to attend graduate school. In 1994 I earned my MBA with a major in Management and a minor in Finance. In 1998 I opened my own company called “On the Juice”. My claim to fame is that On the Juice was the first locally owned juice bar in Hawaii. We started from scratch, eventually opening 3 locations. We sold the company 8 years later and we moved to Bellevue.
TEAM: Can you share a little about your family?
LORI: I have been happily married for 22 years to my crazy, wonderful & loud husband Jeff. We have 2 adult daughters living successfully on their own here in Seattle. We also have a teenager Kenzi, who at 16, is spending most of her time preparing herself for medical school. A good portion of our time is spent supporting all her activities and social life!
TEAM: What is something that would surprise us about you?
LORI: When I turned 40, I entered a fitness contest. I trained hard for 3 months and was in the best shape of my life. I hate to tell people this, I am far from looking fit these days. However, I still try and work out whenever I can.
TEAM: What three words do you feel best describe you?
LORI: Dependable. Hospitable. Hard Working
TEAM: Sticking with three, what are the top three highlights of your life?
LORI: Seeing my middle sister become a mom of twins at age 47 after being told she would never have children. She’s the happiest mother I’ve ever seen. Moving to Washington in 2005. Birth of my 3 daughters and marrying Jeff.
TEAM: Do you have a mantra or personal motto that you live by?
LORI: My dad passed almost 16 years ago, but he always said: Live below your means. Living that way has never failed me.
TEAM: Where was the best vacation you have been on?
LORI: This might not sound exciting nor exotic. I have traveled around the world but going to Nevada, whether it be Summerlin, Las Vegas, or Henderson, is always the best time for me. I think I’ve vacationed there more than 40 times. They say Las Vegas is the 9th Hawaiian island so I think I feel a sense of “home” when I’m there.
TEAM: What would we find you doing outside of work?
LORI: Being a part-time Uber driver for a kid that is non-stop. However this will stop soon since Kenzi will be getting her license! On a more serious note, I like entertaining. I love having people over.
TEAM: What are your favorite sports and favorite sports team?
LORI: You can’t help but turn into a football fan here in Seattle. Of course, the Seahawks are my favorite team.
TEAM: If you could have only one adult beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
LORI: Pina Colada for sure!
TEAM: Where is your favorite place to eat?
LORI: Tanaka Saimin in Honolulu. I get off the plane and go straight there, it’s a priority!
TEAM: If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you want to have with you?
LORI: Funny question, I was stuck on an island for 40 years! I would need my cell phone, books, and food. Ironically, my favorite shows are Naked and Afraid and Alone.
TEAM: How did you first learn about MWM?
LORI: I had a friend working with VOYA in the Bellevue office. They mentioned they needed an office manager at that time. I called Jim McKay and the rest is history since 2006.
TEAM: What is your favorite part about working for MWM?
LORI: My official title is CFO, but I wear many hats. I love that. No 2 days are the same, and I don’t know what is going to come up tomorrow.
TEAM: Which of our core values most resonates with you?
LORI: Hardworking. I know all of us work very hard to give our clients the very best. My clients are our firm and employees. I work hard making sure that our business and employees are taken care of.
TEAM: What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t working with us?
LORI: I would work in retail. Amazon or Target??? Maybe in my retirement!
TEAM: Lori, we are beyond grateful to have such a wonderful team member! You certainly bring a lot of energy and happiness to the company! We look forward to many more wonderful years having you on the team!