Northwood Staff Profile: Ryan Tapley

What do you do at Northwood?

As a member of the Northwood client service team, the majority of my work revolves around understanding each individual client’s goals and challenges and identifying solutions that will meet their needs. The most intriguing part of working in a multi-family office is the variety of requests that come across my desk on a daily basis. Some examples of the unique projects I’ve worked on include assessing the benefits and drawbacks of setting up a private foundation versus a donor-advised fund, and working with a client and their accountant to complete a corporate restructuring.  

What did you do before joining NFO?

Prior to joining Northwood, I spent four years at Deloitte. I spent three of those years in Audit, where I worked on some of the firm’s largest clients. In my final year, I transitioned into Financial Advisory because I had a desire to apply an investment lens on businesses. While in Financial Advisory, I conducted market research and financial due diligence which contributed to the closing of ~40 transactions. During my time at Deloitte, I obtained my CPA designation and completed two levels of the CFA designation. I am currently studying for Level III of the CFA. In a past life, I was a competitive mid-distance runner on the University of Guelph Track and Field team where I specialized in the 800m which, surprising to most, doesn’t necessarily translate into a stellar marathon time.

Ryan visiting Hydra, Greece

What’s the best thing that happened to you this past year?

In September 2019, I had the opportunity to sail the Saronic Islands of Greece with a few friends. The trip included seven days of island-hopping to various seaside villages where we would dock for the evening. Highlights of this trip included a visit to Hydra – a car-less island carved into the mountainside, a bike ride around the perimeter of Spetses that included an afternoon spent at a grotto, and of course sailing a 60 ft. sailboat around the Saronic Gulf. As someone who had never stepped foot on a sailboat before, the thrill of heeling for the first time is one I will never forget. This was surely the trip of a lifetime and one I highly recommend doing if you get the opportunity.

What is one hobby you’ve picked up during quarantine?

Prior to the world pausing, I had just started practicing yoga. While in quarantine, I’ve been able to supplement visits to the neighborhood yoga studio with online classes. As someone who is very competitive, yet highly inflexible, practicing yoga has provided plenty of humbling moments as I’ve watched some instructors complete seemingly impossible poses. It has also brought me back to my childhood as I can once again sit cross-legged without fear of causing irreparable damage to myself.

What are your favourite things to do outside of work?

Outside of the office, you can typically find me on the golf course, playing beer league hockey, going to the gym, reading a book, or exploring a new neighborhood. I recently moved east of Toronto’s Don Valley (“the dark side”) and have been amazed at the quality of restaurants, shops, and parks in the Leslieville neighbourhood.

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