Every day at Grace Lane Financial Partners feels unique, which is why I love my job. Every financial plan is different because every client is different. Each one has a personal story that needs to be factored into the plan. Where they came from, where they are now, and where they want to go. It’s about building meaning into the space between.
My role is to manage our clients’ portfolios and make sure they are properly positioned for the current economic environment and, more importantly, for any distribution/cash flow needs. I spend a lot of my day communicating with clients, be that on planning calls, answering questions or just to check in, and continually evaluating market data to determine how it impacts our clients’ portfolios.
I feel lucky to spend my days talking with clients and helping them build real purpose and joy into their financial lives. Sharing in their stories and helping them evolve is both an honor and a pleasure.
I attended St. Edward’s University in Austin as a scholarship athlete and became captain of the golf team. I graduated with honors and earned a BBA and while I was there, I was a recipient of The Wall Street Journal Award for Academic Achievement.
After graduating, I worked briefly in the technology sector before joining AXA Advisors in 2001 to start my financial practice. In 2009, I changed my affiliation from AXA to a general agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (Mutual Life) through the Capital Strategies branch office.
Guy and I both realize that one person can’t possibly take care of a client by being the sole center of knowledge. The more you are in this business, the more you realize how little you know, so we functionally aligned roles within the partnership. This allowed us to specialize in areas and bring a better product and practice to our clients. This was the genesis of Grace Lane.
Outside of the office, I am proud to run a foundation launched in memory of my wife, Melanie, who I tragically lost in a car accident in 2019.
Melanie had a big heart for the underdog and was the ultimate rescuer. She was always rescuing something; people, animals, even plants, and I was along for the ride. I went along with it because it was so important to her, even though it was not how I would have chosen to spend my time. But in the end, I became a better person and my life was richer having experienced it all.
To ensure her positive impact on our community endures, the Melanie Rychlik Foundation raises money each year for charities that share her passion for helping people, animals, and nature. The mission is to increase love and gratitude in our community.
Losing Melanie has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced and has left me with a deeper understanding of grief and its impact on people and families. It has been a terrible life lesson that I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but I guess the upside is that I can use this understanding to help others who experience loss.
Melanie lived life to the fullest and understood the value of a life with no regrets. Not only has this experience shaped my outlook on life, it has profoundly impacted the way we work here at Grace Lane. I realize more than ever that our focus can’t completely be on the future as nothing is guaranteed, not even tomorrow
Life is not a rehearsal; we only get one shot at it. We all should insure that we have no regrets. Make sure the people you love know it, live a life of fulfillment (professionally and personally), and enjoy each day as nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. I have heard it said that suffering opens up new spaces for learning and loving. That has definitely been true in my life. In May 2024, I married Melissa Baum. I am grateful for her and the life we are building together.
Being outdoors is my zen. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time enjoying nature and the beauty that God has created. It gets me away from the hustle and bustle of life – No TV, no phones, no traffic.
I particularly enjoy bay fishing on the Gulf coast, hanging out and catching up with friends – and hopefully catching fish. I appreciate the competitive component to fishing, as well as observing how fish react to weather patterns and how it differs year to year. They are creatures of habit just like us. Plus, there is nothing like eating the fresh catch of the day.
And though I have no real connection to Nebraska, I’ve been a Cornhusker fan since I was a kid. I’m not sure how it happened; maybe the red jerseys worn by my high school team in southeast Texas somehow translated to Nebraska’s red jerseys. Whatever the reason, I’m a huge fan.
In addition to watching Husker sports, I also play tennis competitively, enjoy spending time with my dog Jake and family, and going to church.
