Judy Combs

Client Service Administrator

Tell us about something special from your youth.

Growing up I would spend as much time as possible at my grandparents’ house. When I spent the night at their house, we would wake up early in the morning, have breakfast at White Castles, and go to the zoo. When we went to the zoo, we only rode the train around the park and would leave. It was the longest time before I knew you could walk around the zoo!

Share an interesting story about your family.

I have a big family spread throughout Texas, Minnesota, Ohio, New York and California. Thanksgiving is our family holiday. Everyone that is able meets in St. Louis. My sister comes in early and helps my other sister prepare for the day, and we have a ton of fun.

Where have you worked? What is the best thing that has ever happened while you were working

My favorite work story is from when I was a pre-school teacher and is about a particular 3-year-old starting at my school. The summer before school started, she quit talking. That immediate was a red flag to me. She came into school so happy and glad to be there, but she wouldn’t talk. I made a deal with her that I would always ask her yes or no questions and she could just shake her head to communicate with me and the other kids in the class. Six months into school - still no talking, but all the kids loved her. She went on play dates and was a favorite friend. One day we had a conversation just her and I, talking about things we were afraid of. I shared two fears of mine with her. She laughed. I said “I think you are afraid to talk.” She shook her head yes. And began talking shortly after! I still keep in touch with her mom. She recently graduated from Pepperdine and just finished her first year of law school.

When did you first realize you were interested in finance?

I always say that finance found me. A friend told me to apply for an entry-level job at a finance company, so I did. Once I started, I immediately knew I found what I wanted to do with my life.

What is the most important thing you have learned about helping other people?

One of the most important things you can do is really listen. I also think knowing when to ask for help is important.

What are you known for among your friends?

My friends would say that I am loyal and very giving. I will always tell a friend, “I’m always around, just tell me what you need.”

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work you will find me moving! I am usually working out - walking or hiking. I try to travel to see family as often as possible. I enjoy drinking wine, cooking, and listening to true crime podcasts.

One of Vestia’s values is to model “wealth that matters.” What does this mean to you?

To me, wealth that matters is being able to have those spur-of-the-moment adventures that come up in life – being able to travel to see my family and to go to concerts is important to me, and I’m thankful to be financially stable enough to seize those opportunities!