John J. Riffle, Sr. Vice President - RBC Financial Advisor

John J. Riffle, AWM

Senior Vice President - Financial Advisor, Senior Consulting Group

512-708-6316
512-708-6395

Q & A with John:

Why do you do what you do?
Toward the end of my father's life he suffered a stroke and struggled with a lengthy disability before he passed away. After he died I discovered an envelope containing his remaining cash labeled The End of the Rainbow. I kept that envelope and framed it. It drives me. I never want people to be in an "end of the rainbow" situation.

What professional achievement are you most proud of and why?
May 1986 I loaded up the car and left Oregon with my wife and two year-old son. We drove nearly 2,000 miles to Austin, where I had accepted a new job with (then) Shearson Lehman Brothers. To start working as a financial advisor it was mandatory that I pass the series 7 licensure exam. (Today the current average pass rate for series 7 is around 65%.) Needless to say, it was a very proud moment when I learned I had passed the Series 7.

What is the best advice you've ever received?
"Decide to be a positive influence. When you walk away after a conversation, leave folks feeling better than before the conversation started."

What's your favorite place in the world and why?
Silver Falls State Park in the Willamette Valley. Since I was a kid, I have loved hiking the 9,000-acre crown jewel of Oregon's state parks. It is lush and beautiful year round. The 8-mile hike is fragrant with fir trees. It looks and sounds like a rainforest with 11 rushing waterfalls which can be explored from nearly every angle. It is a very special place for our family.

Personal

A Pacific Coast native, John has been a resident of Austin since 1986. He and his wife Joyce have two career-minded children, Nicholas and Christopher. John especially has a passion for Austin's live music scene. He enjoys outdoor creative landscaping, cycling and birding. John has cycled for numerous philanthropic events and is an ardent supporter of charities fighting breast cancer.

Professional Qualifications and Affiliations

  • Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics – Oregon State University 1984
  • Securities and Investment Advisory Exams passed – Series 3, 5, 7, 63, 65
  • Life, Health & Variable Annuity Insurance Licensed
  • Advanced Wealth Manager (AWM) Certification
  • Member of the Financial Planners Association
  • Member of the Society of Financial Services Professionals
  • Past treasurer of one of the largest home owners associations in Austin, TX
  • Over 30 years of experience as a financial advisor

Patrick A. Easter, CFP®

Senior Vice President - Financial Advisor, Senior Consulting Group

512-708-6304
888-807-7497

Q & A with Patrick Easter:

What aspect of your role at The Lone Star Group Austin, Texas do you find the most fulfilling?

It is especially gratifying to hear from clients about how they are enjoying retirement after working together to achieve their retirement goals.

For what in life do you feel most grateful?

To have my health so I can work hard and play hard.

If you could meet and spend the day with anyone, whom would it be and why?

The late Pulitzer prize-winning columnist and television commentator, Charles Krauthammer. He was brilliant and articulate.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

"Would you rather be right, or would you rather be married?"

Where is your favorite place in the world to visit?

New York City. It is alive, diverse and awe-inspiriing.

Personal

Patrick is past president of a vibrant Lakeway/Lake Travis chapter of Rotary International. As part of that leadership, each year he helps support foster child adoption, sponsors Special Olympics banquets, provides scholarships that help provide supplies to disadvantaged students in order to help them stay in school. Patrick moved to Austin, Texas in 1978 and is enjoying life with his wife, Sharon, who is a registered nurse. They have three grown children. Patrick also enjoys spending time with family, including a new grandbaby, RVing, hiking, golfing and grilling on his Big Green Egg.

Professional Qualifications and Affiliations

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP ®) designation
  • BBA University of Texas at Austin 1984
  • Former National Association of Security Dealers (NASD) Arbitration Panelist
  • Past president and former Assistant District Governor with the Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club
  • 30+ years of experience as a financial advisor
  • Securities and Investment Advisory Exams Passed – Series 3, 6, 7, 63, and 65
  • Life, Health & Variable Annuity Insurance Licensed

Priya-Samudrala-Sr-Financial-Associate

Priya Samudrala

Senior Financial Associate

512-708-6314
888-807-7497

Q&A with Priya Samudrala:

What do you enjoy most about being a part of The Lone Star Group?

We are a well-oiled machine. I love our team dynamic, both within the company and with our clients. It truly motivates me to get to work in the mornings! Having been in the industry for over ten years, I knew I had discovered something special with The Lone Star Group. The professional environment John and Patrick have created is empowering and fulfilling. Knowing that both my work and my personal well-being are truly valued is priceless. We are always mindful that working with our clients is a privilege—especially when someone may be facing a difficult or challenging time. Nothing feels better than helping them find and implement solutions when they need them most.

What is your favorite quote?

"Never a failure, always a lesson."

What interests you about the future of the financial industry?

I think women are the future. Opportunities for women—both within the industry and also as investors—are tremendous, and that's exciting. Women are making strides, as entrepreneurs, in leadership positions, and are often the managers for their families. It's inspiring to be a part of this time of growth within our company and with our community.

Can you describe The Lone Star Group team in just one word?

Just one? That's a challenge. For me, it's genuine. For Patrick, it's passion. For John, it's collaborative. One thing we all agree on is that we're a well-rounded team. We bring our best, every day, to the business of caring for our clients and their long-term financial needs.

Personal

Originally from Boston, Priya has been residing in Austin for 10 years. She enjoys music festivals, dancing, multicultural cooking and worldwide travel.

Professional qualifications and affiliations

  • Bachelor of Business Administration – University of Texas at San Antonio – 2011
  • Securities and Investment Advisory Exams passed – Series 7 and 66
  • 10 years of experience in the financial industry
  • Senior financial associate with a focus on the client experience and client relationships

The Lone Star Group values

The legendary beacon of independence, the lone star of Texas is emblematic of our core values which we strive to provide each and every client. We take time with you to build a long-standing relationship based on service, respect and trust. Our role is to illuminate the pathway and guide you toward your goals with integrity. We never lose sight that our biggest asset is your trust.

Strength you can trust

Distinguished by a long heritage of financial strength, integrity and unwavering dedication to our clients, RBC has consistently earned high credit ratings.1

  • Moody’s Aa22 and A23/stable4
  • Standard & Poor’s AA-2 and A3/stable4
  • Fitch Ratings AA+2 and AA3/negative4

Additionally, RBC has a reputation of strength and stability with a high-quality balance sheet, proactive risk management and a strong liquidity position.