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Robby Klein.
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Robby Klein.
Each year we celebrate the incredible people that make Nashville a beautiful place to live. This year, we toast a lineup that includes creatives, business people, culinarians, and everything in between. With a passion for philanthropy and a beautiful outlook on life, these are the men and women who make Music City shine.
Name: Patrick Poling
Age: 43
Hometown: Columbia, TN
Occupation: Wealth Advisor, Partner at Southern Oak Wealth Group
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most clients are surprised when they learn that I grew up on a farm, showed sheep and cattle, and was on a nationally ranked livestock judging team when I was younger.
Tell us about a skill or activity that you’ve always wanted to try or one you’ve learned and mastered?
Well, I wouldn’t say mastered, but when my daughter needed a partner to take piano lessons with, I decided to learn with her. I can now play Johnny Cash’s Hurt and Rocky Top, but I still have some work to do on Where Is My Mind by the Pixies.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life.
That would have to be both my parents, Frank and Holly Poling. Together, they taught me and my siblings the meaning of hard work, good manners, honestly, kindness, dependability, and a good education. They continue to be a great example for their children and grandchildren with the way they support us in everything we do, the love that they give us and each other, and they’re not afraid to set us straight when we veer off our paths!
Tell us about someone you consider a hero and why?
My dad, Frank, has always been my hero. Thankfully, I got to spend most days with him when I was young as there was always something that needed to be done on the farm, and there was always something to be learned from him. As a kid I wanted to be like him, and I still do as an adult. He’s the quintessential family man, and is one of my favorite people to just hang out with.
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville?
Kayne Prime, Yolan, Arrington Vineyards, Mere Bulles, my parents’ farm, and because I’m a big kid, SoundWaves waterpark at Opryland.
Describe your perfect day.
Waking up with coffee and getting a bit of work in first so I don’t feel like I’ve left something undone the rest of the day. Alyson and I taking the kids to get smoothies; biking, and playing outside with my family at Crockett Park, then finishing the day with homemade pizzas and movie night with the four of us together.
Special thanks to Grogan Jewelers by Lon for bringing some extra sparkle to our shoot!
Patrick Poling is wearing: Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 chronograph with silver Sunray dial with chocolate brown crocodile strap.