The Atlanta Falcons have partnered with Truist for a weekly series designed to help fans get to know the limited partners of the franchise.
Over the next 11 weeks, AtlantaFalcons.com will publish a Q&A with one of the 11 limited partners of the Atlanta Falcons. In these discussions, the limited partners share advice for navigating the world of business, their favorite Atlanta Falcons memories and so much more.
This week, Ron Canakaris shares his answers.
Ron Canakaris
Canakaris joined Montag & Caldwell, an advocacy wealth company, in 1972 as a portfolio manager and research analyst. While now retired, Canakaris serves as a senior advisor to the investment team of Montag & Caldwell. His investment professional experience spanned more than 50 years, and included both research analysis and portfolio management roles as well as executive and managerial positions.
Canakaris is a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta, and Chairman of the Annunciation Cathedral Endowment Foundation of the Greek Orthodox Church. His professional affiliations include the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Atlanta. Additionally, Canakaris and his wife, Vicki, founded the Ronald and Vicki Canakaris Family Foundation in 2004.
Canakaris earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Florida in 1966 where he played defensive middle guard for the Gators.
Why did you want to become a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons organization?
I love football and I love the Falcons. After playing football my entire young adult life and being a Falcons season ticket holder for nearly fifty years, my becoming a limited partner was a dream come true.
When you look back at your career, what is something that makes you the most proud?
Our firm being hired to be an investment manager of an endowment fund that my college professor of finance at the University of Florida was responsible for creating. To me, that was the ultimate recognition of any capabilities I may have earned during the early years of my career. Professor Richardson was a legend, even mayor of Gainesville, and had a positive influence on many students' lives.
Can you briefly describe any philanthropic passions you have?
Our passions are education and sports. Education is the key to achieving the American Dream. Sports bring people together and teach our youth discipline and teamwork. Currently, Vicki and I are financing the building of a soccer stadium at our Greek Orthodox Cathedral Annunciation Day School.
What's the best business advice you've ever received?
Always do the right thing and never compromise your ethics and standards of conduct. Also, a disciplined, high work ethic will always win the day.
Who have been your biggest personal and professional influences?
Dave Atkinson, former Morgan Stanley investment strategist and my mentor and best friend. Dave is the best investor I've ever known, in addition to having a good sense of humor and empathy for others.
Who is your favorite player (Falcons or otherwise) of all time?
Matt Ryan. Matt was the ultimate team player. He never made excuses, had high character and was a winner.
