Get to know Rory McKinney, Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking
Rory shares his advice on team management, day-to-day partnership, and building successful relationships.
1. How would you describe the work of the investment banking team to someone outside the industry?
We advise private and public companies on a variety of strategic options: M&A, advisory work or raising capital. Our focus is building relationships with our clients, and we aspire to become their trusted advisor over the life cycle of a company. We specialize in five industry sectors: Consumer, Diversified Industrials, Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Technology.
2. Investment Banking recently announced a strategic partnership with MCF Corporate Finance, which operates in Europe. Can you tell us about D.A. Davidson MCF International?
This agreement is beneficial to all clients of D.A. Davidson and MCF Corporate Finance, through a go-to-market strategy in certain verticals and the brand as D.A. Davidson MCF International. Together we create a wider reach and offer greater capabilities and deeper knowledge within our respective markets, with more access to buyers and sellers. This is a real day-to-day partnership, allowing our clients access to 120 investment banking professionals in 13 offices in the U.S. and Europe. D.A. Davidson has completed over 500 M&A transactions in the last decade, and MCF has completed over 500 since its inception. This success shows our experience and ability to provide positive outcomes for our clients.
3. How do you approach managing a team that works from locations across the country and executes transactions for a wide variety of clients and sectors?
The number one thing is communication. There is no such thing as communicating enough. Number two is transparency, from junior to senior bankers, and to clearly outline expectations. It’s my expectation that our bankers are viewed as industry-leading experts in their sectors of focus.
4. What advice would you offer to a young person interested in investment banking as a career?
Investment banking should be viewed as a profession, not a job. I always tell bankers our job is 75% communication and creativity, and 25% finance. I think for an investment banker to have an established career, they first need to become a superstar analyst. This is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to lay the groundwork as an analyst because this will create the foundation for a long career within investment banking or another field.
5. What book is currently on your nightstand?
I’m wrapping up “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight and I just started Joe Biden’s “Promise Me, Dad.”
6. Which living person do you most admire?
My mother, who taught me to be kind and generous and to work hard.
7. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Hanging out and laughing with my wife and two children: Sunday night dinners at the McKinney household. Stop by if you’re ever in the area.
Information contained herein is from sources we consider reliable, but is not guaranteed, and we are not soliciting any action based upon it. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, based on interpretation of data available at the time of original publication of this article. These opinions are subject to change at any time without notice. Investors should consult their financial and/or tax advisor before implementing any investment plan.