Meet a Robinhoodie: Evan Larsen
Welcome to our series “Meet a Robinhoodie”! Each post, we ask a Robinhood employee about their path to Sherwood Forest and why they joined.
Evan Larsen is an Advanced Brokerage Representative on the Options Customer Experience team in the Tempe, AZ office. Now, let’s get to know him!
Why did you join Robinhood? What led you to a career in finance?
I started my career in finance as a bank teller. This was something I did part time while studying biology at the University of Colorado Boulder. Although I’ve always had a deep rooted passion to help people, I did not realize until starting as a bank teller that it was helping them with their finances. As I continued to shadow bankers and wealth managers, this passion only intensified — I knew I had the potential to change lives. I was offered the opportunity to further my career in finance through licensing and various banking and wealth management roles. With a pursuit I resonate so strongly with, I choose to join Robinhood on their mission to democratize finance, bringing tools and knowledge to millions of new investors.
Tell us about your career growth so far at Robinhood.
I’ve had the opportunity to discuss many of my superpowers and experiences in the financial industry with my manager. With that, we’ve been able to outline a comprehensive career path for myself over the next 5+ years. I’ve spent time networking with those on my team while also immersing myself in other teams and slack channels for those who need help with advanced brokerage related topics or studying for licensing. I’m also honored to say I am on the leadership team as a Financial Manager for Robinhood’s LGBT employee resource group, Rainbowhood.
What’s one project you’re proud of?
In the midst of the financial uncertainty that surrounded the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I spent each week as a banker setting goals of reaching out to the clients I managed for discussion on their financial health. I made on average 100 outbound calls per week to discuss the market environment, financial roadblocks, and budgeting with many individuals during the peak of an incredibly daunting time. With emphasis on the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, I was able to help my clients visualize a plan each month until conditions began returning to normal. I was proud of myself to execute so many plans of action with my clients on staying invested and remaining financially sound with tailored advice specific to their situations.
Our mission is to democratize finance for all. What does our mission mean to you?
Since its official inception, the U.S Stock Market has progressively become more accessible over the past several centuries. With a lack of focus on teaching personal finance, coupled with the imperative investing strategies and concepts known only to the ultra high net worth, our mission to democratize finance for all has only just begun. Millions of individuals can benefit incredibly from their long-term involvement in the securities market. To have the opportunity of working for a company that makes these tools and concepts available in a non-intimidating way for our users, while also connecting with customers to help them make stronger and more educated financial decisions, is a paramount impact all hoodies can be proud of.
What is your favorite Robinhood value?
I have always been driven by radical customer focus throughout my career in the financial industry. Not one situation is the same; we all have different financial goals and accomplishments we want to see met in our future, and the opportunity to provide phenomenal service with an impact by keeping customer focus in mind is incredibly fulfilling.
At Robinhood, we believe we are all investors — How do you invest in yourself?
I have continued to invest in my education as I develop my career. Whether it be buying the latest edition of Options as a Strategic Investment by Lawrence G. McMillan, or working towards completing my Bachelors degree in Finance, I’ve always sourced new ways of investing in myself so I can only further help those in need.
Quick Facts!
First job? Brand Rep for Hollister Clothing Co.
Current Netflix show? Shameless
Favorite slack channel? #bargainhood
Unique Hobby? Paint by numbers
Favorite Robinhood group? Rainbowhood
Dream superpower? Teleportation
What is your favorite thing about the Robinhood app?
The “🌟 Discover Options” tab shown on each options chain for a stock. It provides users a phenomenal source of education on complex and basic strategies surrounding options.
Your team is growing! Any tips for future applicants?
Be excited, passionate, and positive. Robinhood is a flourishing environment of self growth and career progression. Take time to really understand what drives you in the financial industry. In other words, what are you passionate about achieving at Robinhood or in the financial industry in general? What experiences and background can you already use to achieve these goals? This will help you understand the right role to apply for and bring talking points to your interviews.
If you’re interested in working with Evan and the rest of the team to support our mission of democratizing finance for all, join our team!
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