March 13, 2019 | Interview by Katie Capri | Photos by Alex Kusak
For this month’s Member Q&A, we’re pleased to introduce you to Conor Roddy, one of our neighbors at Blender Workspace. Conor’s an analyst at Integrity Square, part of HALO, a group of investors dedicated to active and outdoor lifestyle choices redefining the health & wellness space in business and beyond.
Let’s get to know a bit about the daily life and inner-workings
of Conor Roddy.
Can you tell us a little about what you do?
I work for a Company called Integrity Square, a small boutique investment bank focused on what we’ve coined the “HALO” Sector—Health, Active Lifestyle, and Outdoors. Within this sector, we help companies in a variety of ways including financial advisory, strategic consulting, market intelligence, valuation, and real estate services. I typically focus on transaction execution, which ranges from building the financial model to creating a cohesive management presentation and contacting prospective investors.
What part of your career inspires you the most?
Constantly working with people who promote a healthier and more active lifestyle is easily the best part of my job. It’s been both motivating and humbling to see what people can accomplish in a day. And to see the discipline they have! These clients inspire me to wean out my own daily excuses. They really motivate me to have better discipline across all aspects of my life.
What is your favorite moment of your career so far?
I don’t think I can pinpoint a specific point, but overall it’s been great seeing all the different methods people use to better themselves. Whether it is exercise, nutrition, meditation or even nootropics, I’ve tried to dip my toe in each just to see if its something that works for me. It’s interesting to see how one regiment works great for one person but awful for another. It’s truly all about finding the right balance that works for you.
Whose career inspires you and why?
I really like The Rock (Dwayne Johnson). He’s from humble beginnings and has been able to shift and adapt his personality and career to become one of the most successful actors and entrepreneurs. His overall outlook on life is what I think sets him apart. He’s grateful for everything he has, including his general well-being. He has a happy-go-lucky attitude about most things. His career reminds me not to take everything too seriously.
If you could eat lunch with anyone, departed or living, who would it be? Why?
Probably Winston Churchill. Ironic because he promoted the exact opposite of a healthy lifestyle, but in my opinion, he is one of the most interesting historical figures of all time.
Can you describe your favorite “New York” moment?
I’m from Boston and a die-hard fan. When a Boston team is in town, I’ve tried to go to every game. That said, I’ve heard about every insult or taunt in the [NYC-BOS rivalry] book. I think it’s great how deep the rivalry is but I have toned down the amount of Boston related apparel I wear to these games.
Tell us about your daily ritual.
I try to get some form of exercise each day. Sometimes that means working out at the gym or taking a class. Other times, it’s just a stretching routine in the morning or simply walking to work. Even if it’s small, it usually makes me much more productive and puts me in a better mood.
Is there a beverage you can’t go without each day?
Coffee. Easy.
Favorite genre of music?
Eh, kind of all over the place. Depends on the day, my mood, even the weather. I’ve been on a country kick recently. Hopefully that’ll help warm the weather up.
What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon?
Something pretty laid back. Probably watching some sports with my roommates at an East Village bar. Boston sports, we assume?