Tim Mitrovich is chief executive officer and chief investment
officer of Ten Capital, an RIA firm in Spokane that manages close to $200 million in assets; Ten Capital is the second largest RIA firm in Spokane. Mr. Mitrovich's primary responsibility is the construction and
management of clients’ portfolios. He began his career in the
investment industry more than 15 years ago at Richards, Merrill and Peterson, in
Spokane, where he found that he had a passion and aptitude for analyzing
markets and designing portfolios.
Mr. Mitrovich grew up in Washington state and attended Carroll College for two years; he then transferred to Whitworth University and graduated in 1999. At Whitworth, Mr. Mitrovich studied political science and economics, was quarterback on the football team, and was a Rhodes Scholar finalist. In 2003 he graduated from the University of Washington School of Law, where he served as associate editor-in-chief of Washington Law Review.
- You have to have a vision: If no one understands or believes in your vision, you should probably change it.
- Be able to execute your vision: Not all individuals have the ability to successfully live out their vision. Do what you can to execute your vision.
- Don’t focus on being better, focus on being different: If your goal is to compare yourself against every other firm in the same field, you won't be successful. Your goal should be to include activities and opportunities that grab the client's attention and make you stand apart from other firms.
- If your role is to be a follower, own that role: Everyone just out of college has to start low on the ladder and work their way up the corporate chain. It’s important to remember that even though you will initially be in the position of a follower, you need to own that role and make the most of it.
- Whether you're following a good or bad leader, there is always something to learn: Just because you don’t agree with what a co-worker or boss says, there is always something you can learn from other people and from their input.
- Men should wear a tie, unless they have gray hair: Gray hair implies that you have experience in the workplace. Men, if you don’t have gray hair, wear a tie—it's more professional.
- Be on time: All business people, and employers, for that matter, place a high emphasis on being on time—yet individuals are still late to work on a consistent basis. Do not be late!
- Be humble: Nobody likes a showboater—show humility in your work.
- Be authentic during an interview and care for your work: Don’t put on a façade or act like someone you're not. Be who you truly are at all times in your job and put your best foot forward.
- Find a job you like: Chances are, you will spend several years in the same position or department. Make sure your job is something you enjoy and that you work with people you can stand being around.
Mr. Mitrovich also emphasized the importance of faith in the business world and what it means to take a leap of faith in starting your own business. Not everyone will agree with you when it comes to taking a risk, so you need to be prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead. Believing in your vision and doing whatever it takes to execute your game plan will help lead you to success. It is important to have a solid group of individuals working at your firm, with everyone on the same page. Make sure your employees know what is expected of them so there is no miscommunication.
Finally, Mr. Mitrovich expressed the care that you need to have for others in your industry. Your job isn’t defined by how much you earn per year; it is much more than that. Relationships are important in the workplace, both with co-workers and clients. Make sure to take time each day to form solid relationships in order to boost your credentials and your friendships.
Student Contributors:
Peter DeLap, Jesse Salzwedel, Cody Dejarding
