Perry Atkins is a Director and Financial Advisor with The Atkins Group and has been a registered representative since 1990. He started his career in 1983 and previously served as a securities industry regulator, compliance officer, and operations manager. Perry has been with Baird since 2014 when his predecessor firm McAdams Wright Ragen merged with Baird. Previous to that, he was an Investment Advisor with Ragen Mackenzie.
An East Coast native, Perry has lived in Seattle since 1986 and resides on Magnolia with his wife and teenage daughter. Perry serves and has served on a number of boards and committees in the non-profit community including the Seattle Children’s Theatre Foundation, UCDS (a private school in Seattle), and the fundraising cabinet for United Way of King County. He is also chair of the Baird Charitable Contributions Committee in Seattle.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
The people – Our clients and colleagues bring an extraordinary variety of experience, interests and perspectives to our lives that is unmatchable. That plus the necessary critical thinking and abstract problem solving that I bring to people’s real lives on a daily basis, and it would be hard to describe a more gratifying career. This work is great fun and intellectually satisfying.
What are the best skills that you bring to the job?
Critical and creative thinking. I consider each question or problem as unique, but I also apply my vast experience to the solution. I don’t assume that the last or most common answer is the best resolution, but rather I’m able to consider the circumstances and preferences of the individual, couple, or family I am helping and find the right answer for them. Secondly, an intellectual curiosity that helps me find common ground with clients that allows for more personalized service.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
My wife and I have long enjoyed world travel, especially oriented towards food. We are accomplished cooks and bakers and enjoy the chance to eat fantastic food everywhere we can. And to offset that we are both very physically active in a variety of sports and exercise habits. As well we are dedicated volunteers in the non-profit community in a variety of ways, serving on boards and committees for a number of organizations, including in social services, education, and the Arts.