Remembering Greg – by Jeana Curro
I had the privilege of working as Greg’s analyst twice in my career. I first met Greg in 2005 when he came to join our group at UBS. That was my very first job out of college; it was probably Greg’s 40th (he never could sit still for too long!). Once Greg joined our little team, he fit in right away. He had this quirky sense of humor, and an even quirkier polo shirt collection, and a love of old movies, bicycles, Chinese food, Mexican food and all food really. He came up with funny nicknames for all of us: I was the Math Magician, Vicki was the Queen Bee, and Laurie was the Boss. We were like a little family at UBS and we knew right away that Greg was one of us. We worked hard, but we laughed a lot. We all had so much fun working together then, even until the unspoken hours on those never ending Tuesday nights.
In 2008 we went our separate ways but not for long. Greg and I next reunited at RBS in 2010 and we picked up right where we left off. Greg was recruited to build a team at RBS and asked me if I would be interested in working for him again. I said “Yes!” with zero hesitation. No details needed, where do I sign? That said, Greg being Greg went out of his way to make sure this would be a good move for me, that I would be valued, that I would have an opportunity to grow, and that I would like the people. Greg was always going out of his way to make sure everyone who worked for him was taken care of. It was one of the many things that made him such an outstanding boss.
I will say our working relationship was pretty remarkable, so much so that people often commented, even envied, how strong of a partnership we had. When it was time to hire from the intern program, we had kids lined up hoping we would recruit them to be part of our little team. I attribute 100% of that to Greg, and the respect and kindness he extended to absolutely everyone, summer interns notwithstanding.
When I would introduce Greg to others—friends, clients, anyone—I would introduce him as my boss but every single time he would correct me saying “no you are my partner, we are a team.” He would always say things like that that made me feel so special and so honored to have worked with him.
I have spoken about Greg a lot in a professional context because that is how we first met. But Greg was so much more than a colleague, he was so much more than a mentor, and so so much more than the best boss I’ve ever had.
First and foremost, Greg was an amazing friend who I could count on for anything, literally anything. I can’t tell you how many times he offered to lend me his car when I didn’t have one. He was always the first person I’d ask if I needed a letter of recommendation. There were little things too. Sometimes if I had a dinner planned one evening, he would help me browse wine lists on line that day and give me suggestions. Whenever I needed something, anything, big or small, Greg was always more than happy to help. The best part: In most cases I didn’t even have to ask, he just offered. He was the most selfless, generous person I have ever known.
When I was interviewing for the job I have now, Greg helped me through the entire process. He was there for every step, from interview prep to negotiation. I remember asking my parents for their advice during this process and they said, “Well what does Greg think?” I trusted Greg without hesitation, I valued his opinions and I grew to rely on him for pretty much everything.
Which brings me to my second point about Greg— he was always right! I’m not just talking book smarts or investment ideas. That we all know. But Greg had this unbelievable perceptiveness. It was almost like a sixth sense, where he could tell what kind of person someone was by the most subtle of mannerisms. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Often he’d have these theories about something going on and every single time I would say “Greg, you are crazy.” We would often agree to disagree, but every single time—sometimes days later, sometimes months, I would always be proven wrong. Greg – you are always right. I’ll finally admit it!
My last point about Greg is that he was an unbelievably warm and thoughtful soul. Whenever he drove to pick up lunch, he always returned with a meal for the parking garage attendant. And when we got our breakfast every morning (can you sense a food theme here?), Greg would always strike up a conversation with the cashier. Most people just swipe and go, but not Greg. He would say “hello Barbara how are you today? How was your move this weekend?” Just like that he was able to put a smile on everyone’s face. He knew everything important in everyone’s lives, because he took the time to get to know anyone and everyone who he crossed paths with. He treated everyone with such respect, from the most senior managing director to the summer intern. Greg brought so many people in this world so much happiness, I think more than he even realized.
I am so thankful that I got to know Greg, and I have always felt so fortunate to have had him as a mentor, advocate and friend. I believe he largely shaped me into the person I am, not just professionally—that goes without saying—but personally too. He taught me to never be afraid to ask for anything; always stick up for the little people; always be yourself even when you feel like you don’t fit in; be smart; be kind; be confident; and be happy. Greg has given so much to this world and never asked for anything in return. Maybe we can thank him by paying it forward—mentoring, volunteering, helping or simply engaging others. He is so missed by so so many — but through the Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, his legacy of kindness lives on and I cannot think of any better way to honor him.