At Badgley Phelps, the strength of our team is grounded in the people who bring dedication, thoughtfulness, and expertise to everything they do. In our Employee Spotlight series, we’re excited to highlight the individuals whose work helps deliver exceptional value to our clients daily.

This month, we’re featuring Jake Koodrich, Fixed Income Trader, whose deep knowledge of the bond market and sharp focus on client outcomes play a key role in our investment process.

Meet Jake Koodrich

What is your title, and what does your role entail?

I’m a Fixed Income Trader focused on the taxable bond portion of our clients’ portfolios. My role involves identifying and purchasing individual bonds that align with each client’s investment strategy—always with an eye on achieving the best risk-adjusted return.

What motivates you at work?

I’m driven by the challenge of optimizing fixed income portfolios to help clients achieve their long-term goals. I’m always looking for the right balance of return and risk—and how to deliver value through each investment decision.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Badgley Phelps?

Without a doubt, the people and the culture. They go hand-in-hand—our team is focused, client-centered, and collaborative, and the culture reflects that same commitment to excellence. It’s a great environment to be a part of.

What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?

Spending time with my family tops the list. I also enjoy skiing, cooking, and traveling—anything that gives me the chance to unwind and explore.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Personally, I’m incredibly proud of raising our son. We think he’s one of the kindest, most caring kids in the world. 
Professionally, earning my CFA Charterholder designation was a major milestone that represents years of study and dedication.

Where are you seeing opportunities in fixed income currently?

Yields have been at or near 15-year highs for the past two years, which creates real opportunity for fixed income investors. Right now, we’re able to capture attractive income while staying disciplined with credit quality and duration.

What do you look for in a bond?

When evaluating corporate bonds, I focus on companies with durable cash flows, clear capital allocation policies, and strong support from the capital markets. These fundamentals help provide downside protection and long-term value.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

When I was 14, my baseball team played in the Pony League World Series. It was an incredible experience—we got to compete against teams from around the U.S. and abroad. Definitely a memorable chapter of my life.

What’s your favorite movie?

The Big Lebowski. It’s such a unique mix of characters, storytelling, and style. It blends elements from several genres, so it fits almost any mood—which makes it my go-to.

If you could give your 20-year-old self one piece of financial advice, what would it be?

Understand your behavioral finance biases. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is recognizing when a data point or narrative changes—and being willing to reassess an investment decision accordingly. Emotional biases can cloud judgment, and being self-aware is key to long-term investing success.

Final Thoughts

Jake’s analytical mindset, deep market experience, and team-oriented approach are vital to the work we do at Badgley Phelps. We’re proud to spotlight his contributions—and to have him as a part of our firm’s continued success.

Stay tuned for more Employee Spotlights as we highlight the exceptional individuals who make up the Badgley Phelps team.