Following the merger of Birenbaum’s Buckingham Strategic Wealth and The Colony Group, the St. Louis native became the combined company’s new CEO. It marked an exciting next step for Birenbaum, who is eager to strengthen Focus’ position as a leader in integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. “We have the ability to create one-stop shops fully encompassing the hierarchy of needs where advisors can do their best work at the highest standard of care for their clients,” he says. “This is where the puck is headed.”
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2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the past 12 months? There’s so much to be excited about in our industry and at Focus. I truly believe we remain in the early innings of our collective story. Both Focus and the broader independent space have a unique opportunity (I would argue a mandate) to democratize down the services, solutions, and resources previously only available to the wealthiest families and largest of institutions. We have the ability to create one stop shops fully encompassing the hierarchy of needs where advisors can do their best work at the highest standard of care for their clients. This is where the puck is headed.
MENTORS & PEERS
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? My wife and I are huge fans of Marygrove here in St. Louis. The basic concept is that this is a group that, through a series of efforts/programs, helps children transcend abusive pasts and have brighter futures. They do incredible work and are some of the most selfless, caring, helpful people I have ever met.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Born and raised in St. Louis
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? BA in History from Vanderbilt University (2000); JD from St Louis University (2005)
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? From an early age, my parents taught me about work ethic, responsibility, and commitment. From the moment I was able to, I was working outside helping them around the house with weeding and planting and mowing and such. My first job outside of the home, though, was at a local baseball card shop, probably at the age of 8. It’s hard to remember, but I don’t recall actually getting paid—other than possibly a few packs of cards! It was a great experience though, and it helped me learn the business of a hobby of mine and how fun something might be; but also how hard it was to turn it into a successful, profitable enterprise. However, it also helped me realize that searching for a career in something that you really love and brings you great joy and purpose—and where you can have impact—is a worthwhile endeavor. I’ve found that in what I do at Focus.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
What’s your hobby/passion? Well, sports has always been a big part of my life—both playing and, eventually, collecting. When I was younger, baseball cards were my obsession: I memorized the stats, I loved speculating on the talent of an up-and-coming player, and I had so much fun trading cards with my friends. That eventually evolved into autographs and, today, I have taken the next step put together a pretty cool curation of game used memorabilia, primarily baseball related items. It’s the nostalgia of the pieces that really grabs me—the history, the stories, and certainly the connection with my dad.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I actually received some incredible advice early in my career on this: “Sleep on it.” So simple, yet so sage and powerful. It forces you to respond to issues and challenges, and not just react. Let’s face it, there is nothing more helpful than a little time to work through the messiness of life!
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)? A fun fact about me is that I “started over” in my professional career when I entered the independent wealth space. I wanted to be part of it so badly and get my foot in the door that I took an unpaid (at first) internship so I could simply learn and see if it had the potential and opportunity I thought it might. I will always be so appreciative of Bert Schweizer, Mont Levy, Larry Swedroe, and others for that.
Hear from Birenbaum on the Fast Forward STL podcast.
