Meet the Team: Russ Hafer

Our Meet the Team series takes a closer look at the people behind Newport Private Wealth. In this instalment, we highlight Russ Hafer, Client Relationship Manager, who is based in our Calgary, Alberta office.

Following a career that started in banking and led to owning an insurance and investment advisory firm, Russ joined Newport in 2022. The transition to Newport was a natural progression, as Russ was already referring many of his clients to Newport. Throughout his career, Russ has consistently focused on a client-first approach that provides practical solutions for the families he works with. We spoke with him about how he got his start, what it means to be a Client Relationship Manager, and the importance of work-life balance.

You earned a degree in finance and economics from Simon Fraser in British Columbia. What was it that led you to wealth management?

I originally aspired to be an accountant, but after three years, I realized crunching numbers alone wasn’t enough to keep me interested. So, I transitioned into banking. Right out of the gate, I was a lender, not a financial planner—lending money in the 1980s when everyone was taking loans to invest in mutual funds. That all changed in 1987 when the markets tanked, and suddenly people owed 30-40% more than their investments were worth. The banks wanted their money back, but the funds weren’t there.

That experience shaped my entire perspective. There are always going to be tough years, but it’s about having a plan in place that anticipates them. From there, I shifted my focus to capital preservation, which naturally led me to private banking and wealth management.

You played football and rugby in university, and baseball in your youth…how have sports played a role in your career?

Sports, especially team sports, have been a huge influence on who I am and how I approach my work. It also happens to be a common thread amongst so many of the people at Newport, including some of our recent hires here in Calgary: an ex-baseball player; a semi-pro hockey player; a provincial field hockey player.

It’s not a hiring criterion, but there’s something about team sports that builds a mindset of collaboration. You realize early on that success isn’t a solo pursuit—it’s about working together. That’s a big part of how I work and why I love being at Newport.

Sports taught me about drive and being challenged, qualities not everyone comes by naturally. I was introverted as a kid, but sports pulled me out of my shell and gave me confidence, something that’s essential to succeed. It’s also helped me tap into what drives others to success.

What does a Client Relationship Manager do?

A Client Relationship Manager is a registered Portfolio Manager; the key difference is that I don’t offer individual security selection advice, and take a broader, generalist view. While I have the degrees and the qualifications to be a portfolio manager, in this role I’m able to do what I enjoy most and what I’m skilled at: listening to what clients need, and finding a solution to those needs.

This allows me to work closely with our Portfolio Managers, who actively manage client investments. I always tell clients that if they have a question, ask. If I don’t know the answer, I know I have someone on my team who will, and that’s how we work. My daughter once said that I do “lunch” for a living!

Tell me about Newport’s expanded presence in Western Canada.

Newport has always worked with families across the country. Today we have all the digital tools to work with clients remotely, but nothing beats face-to-face interaction. People still want that personal connection, especially when it comes to their money.

A third of Newport’s business is here in Western Canada, and our client base keeps growing. That’s why the firm has invested significantly in the Calgary office, and why we also have an expanded presence in our Kelowna office.

No matter how much we grow, we never lose sight of the personal touch. Our Chief Investment Officer Mark Kinney comes out here regularly for seminars and meet-and-greets. Think of it…here’s the top guy looking after your money, and clients get to see him face-to-face. That makes us different and why it’s important to have a presence here.

Is it all work and no play?

I’m great at maintaining a healthy work-life balance! I try not to work on weekends unless there’s a pressing deadline. Most weekends, I try to stay away from my phone. We spend about 40 weekends a year at our cabin in Golden, British Columbia, enjoying time with family and friends. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 40 years, and we have two kids and five grandkids. That keeps us happily busy and involved.

I’m also a lifetime motorcycle enthusiast. I’ve been riding since I was five years old, and the last few years I’ve been riding to raise money for various charities. I’m a Kinsmen Club member in Calgary, and in my time with them we’ve probably raised over $6 million for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

That’s what balance means to me—giving back, having fun, and being with family, all while building a fulfilling career.