Team Spotlight:Ten Questions with Tanya Dee Gilliam

What do you enjoy most about your role at Berry Wealth Group?

As Director of Operations, I feel like I’m the catcher on the baseball team and Michelle is the pitcher. I love finding solutions that make us more efficient. My aim is to treat clients the way I would want my parents to be treated in the financial world. Our team is really special and has a bright future.

Where did you grow up?

Granbury, back when it had very small-town vibes. Progress is good, but I’m

glad to have those memories from long ago.

How did you meet Michelle?

We were in band together in high school. She was in flag corps and I was a baton twirler. So, we go way back!

Can you tell us about your family?

I married Billy Gilliam in 2003, and we have one son, John. He is completing his Master’s degree in Accounting at Texas A&M and is currently completing an internship at KPMG accounting firm.

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of work?

I have a strong affinity for history. One of my great-great-grandfathers wrote out his entire Civil War diary for one of his kids. I have followed his journey to Gettysburg firsthand, and I would do it again tomorrow. On the other side of my family, an ancestor killed the first British General of the Revolution War. My great Uncle was an escaped POW from Corregidor Island in World War 2.

If your friends had to describe you in three words, what would they say?

Detail oriented, funny, and loyal.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

I really enjoy making different kinds of jams and desserts, and am happy to share a recipe in this newsletter.

What’s your go-to comfort meal in town or your favorite local restaurant?

I love going to Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. They are truly special!

What’s one item on your bucket list?

I would love to travel to Europe, especially Italy. I want to see the coliseum in Rome and the ruins of Pompeii.

What’s a quote or mantra you try to live by?

“Eat the frog,” which is a time management technique that encourages tackling the most challenging or dreaded task at the start of a work session – everything else will taste better! It’s attributed to Mark Twain, who said, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first

thing in the morning.”