George T. Conboy

Rochester Business Journal Staff//February 10, 2023//

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George T. Conboy

Chairman, Brighton Securities

Years in current role: 12

What was your biggest challenge in 2022?

Last year was a difficult year for investors, with both stock and bond markets lower. Market volatility is never fun for investors — or investment advisors. But we’re used to navigating through those challenges.

What are your priorities for 2023?

I have a single priority for myself and our team, every year: put our heads down and work hard to deliver value for our clients. If your clients see value in what you do for them, they stick with you, and bring their family and friends.

What advice would you give young professionals in the Rochester business community?

Simply this: Say yes. Put yourself out of your comfort zone and say yes to different opportunities, different projects, different challenges. Over 39 years I have said yes to every opportunity to be a speaker and provide insight that may be helpful. That has allowed me to meet and learn from media organizations and everyday people whom I’d never otherwise know. Beyond the “yes,” get a mentor, or more than one if you can. Create relationships with experienced professionals in your field to learn from them. Mentorship with our new employees has helped us grow a stronger team.

What do you think will be different about the Rochester community in five years?

I hope that our economy will be growing and providing jobs that allow people to start and enjoy a career and support their families. Local political leaders are sensitive to this issue, but a real concern is whether our political leadership in Albany has the inclination and will to stop the loss of population and businesses from Western NY.

What is your favorite way to relieve stress?

Work holds no stress for me, so I add stress by adopting and nurturing old cars. Putting a new fuel pump in a 1948 DeSoto provides all the stress I can stand — sometimes more.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.