Russell “Brian” Stump ’86 Shares the Importance of Giving Back
When Russell “Brian” Stump ’86 arrived at The Ohio State University as a young man, he found the Greek system in full force. Over the summer, he met several guys through his job who were Delts. “They invited me over and I obviously fell in love with what was going on and the social scene,” he recalled. “It was something I’d never been exposed to growing up—it was the perfect fit.”
Those years spent at the Shelter were too short, and Brian reminisces how every day felt like a vacation. “Starting about Thursday afternoon guys would be out on the front lawn just hanging out and drinking beer throwing the football. Just all good times.” Delta Tau Delta gave Brian more than just good times, however. He also gained a sense of responsibility. “I think through the social aspect and learning how to deal and interact with people, I kind of blossomed,” he shared.
Directly following graduation, Brian began working for a local Japanese-owned steel service center. He was in internal sales, and spent the majority of his time calling on existing clients. During this time, a Beta Phi brother working for John Hancock Financial Services showed Brian what he did, and Brian found the products and services he was offering intriguing. “Two months later I quit my job and got my insurance and securities licenses without knowing anyone or having any money,” he remembers. Brian started with John Hancock in 1987 and in 2000 became the co-founder of Stump Bardash Gabel & Howard, a boutique wealth management and advisory firm, where he serves as managing partner today.
Since then, Brian has had the opportunity to witness the Beta Phi Chapter become even better over time. “Good friends of mine are on the House Corporation, and they said they’re an outstanding group of guys,” he shared. “I think the chapter is in good hands and on the right path for sure.” For Brian, giving back to the Beta Phi: Doorway of Opportunity campaign was about paying it forward. “I felt a sense of duty and responsibility to make sure the tradition carries on,” he explained. “It wasn’t a question of whether or not I was going to give, it was just at what level.”
Knowing how tough campaigns can be to get up and running, as well as how much the addition to the house cost, Brian knew it was the right thing to do. “Beta Phi holds a special place in my heart and I often look back at the memories from those days.” Ensuring the Delt legacy at OSU continues for future young men is what the campaign is all about.
Brian has two children: Michael at OSU in the Fisher College of Business and Maddie at the University of Massachusetts studying Global Health Policy. Sadly, his college sweetheart and wife of 23 years, Chris Wilson Stump, passed away of pancreatic cancer in May of 2012. “She was my rock and I was madly in love with her. A lot of the guys would remember her.” Brian continues running his business and making sure his children get out of college, and is enjoying life.
You can connect with Brian at bstump@sbghwealth.com.