Meet Justine Tobin
About me, Justine Tobin
As the founder of TOBIN—one of the only woman-owned broker-dealers in the United States—I bring a bold and professional approach. My 40-year career in the securities industry has been defined by adaptability, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to client service. My leadership is rooted in collaboration and the conviction that inclusivity and diversity are the foundation of a thriving organization.
My Journey:
Geography, Wall Street, Motherhood, and Building TOBIN
While you may only know me as the woman sitting in the front row at our industry conferences, I’d like you to know that my journey to building TOBIN and becoming an industry leader hasn’t been linear. My firm is based in Charlotte, the financial hub of the South, but my roots extend westward as a part-time resident of Montana, where I spend my summers with my husband, a fifth-generation Montanan whose family history in the state dates back to the 1860s. I have lived all over our capital-rich country, from Southern California to New York City. Through that, like you, I am shaped by these forces and others within and beyond my control—and by the lessons learned in each step of my career.
In 1994, I was working at Salomon Brothers on Wall Street, balancing a growing career with the demands of a newborn child and motherhood. When I made the then-bold choice to prioritize both my family and my role as an investment banker, I was let go. It was a stark moment of reflection, but instead of being defined by that job loss, I used it as the impetus to redefine my path on my own terms. In the years that followed, I grew determined to show that women in finance could succeed without compromising family or personal integrity.
The result was TOBIN—a firm I built from the ground up that is now respected, profitable, and driven by a commitment to excellence and service. TOBIN has thrived because we prioritize our clients, our teams, and our commitment to mentorship, supporting junior professionals in building careers they’re proud of. Our firm champions a holistic view of financial professionals, showing that with the right support, you can indeed “have it all.”
Learning Through Challenges and Failures
My path has been filled with missteps and detours that ultimately strengthened my resolve and refined my vision. As a securities professional, I know that an offering is much more than a term sheet or due diligence checklist; it’s a partnership with real impact on investors and on our communities. My LinkedIn page only scratches the surface of what I bring as a colleague and professional advocate. It’s the deeper, often unseen experiences—the failures, reinventions, and risks—that shape my approach today and define my leadership style.
Innovation, Efficiency, and Adaptability
Innovation is key to success in this industry. I’ve been an early adopter of new strategies and tools, from structuring deals creatively to integrating AI to streamline operations and enhance client service. I bring this same commitment to efficiency into my work at TOBIN and across our industry—embracing technology and advocating for speed-to-market solutions that meet the needs of today’s investors.
The Three-Legged Race Philosophy
In my entrepreneurial journey, I often think of the lessons learned from a three-legged race—a test of coordination, trust, and resilience. Just as in that race, our industry demands a unique balance of independence and partnership, the ability to adapt, and a willingness to get back up after each stumble. This is how I built TOBIN and why I am passionate about guiding our industry through our own unique challenges.
An Open Invitation to Connect
I’m here to listen, to improve, to act, and to represent you fully. I believe business thrives when our voices are heard, our successes shared, and our experiences respected. I welcome your thoughts, your questions, and your insights as we move forward together—click here to connect with me on LinkedIn and to learn more about my journey.
