What have you accomplished in your professional life/career since your 40 Under 40 selection?
As indicated as part of my 2014 40 Under 40 description, it was my goal to become the president and CEO of Klaas Financial Asset Advisors LLC (KFAA) in the next six to eight years (between 2020 and 2022).
As of February 2017, I was part of buying out the founding owners of KFAA and have now become a majority owner of the firm along with becoming the president and CFO.
More importantly, KFAA has almost doubled in size since 2014, which means we are positively impacting more lives through our services.
What accomplishments, milestones, or endeavors have you attained in your personal life since your 40 Under 40 selection?
Our family has become increasingly involved in our local church, which has enriched our personal and spiritual lives by teaching us about serving others.
If you were to “do it all over again,” what (if anything) would you do differently throughout your career?
Nothing. I know that sounds super cliché but it’s true. Even the most difficult experiences and worst mistakes have taught me so much.
How did your 40 Under 40 selection help your career?
My 40 Under 40 selection helped raise awareness of our firm and helped us make important connections to other professionals in the community who serve in professionally complimentary roles for our clients.
What is something that you have a new passion for since the time of your induction — either professionally or personally?
Mentoring and service. There have been a few mentors in my life over the years that have played such a HUGE role in my personal, professional, and spiritual development. At this stage of my life and career, I am focused on “paying it forward.” I plan to accomplish this professionally by continuing to grow our company through hiring great professionals and then mentoring and serving them. I plan to accomplish this personally by spending more time with my wife and kids to mentor and love them. I plan to accomplish this spiritually by continuing to get more involved in our local church.
Based on your experience, do you have any advice for today’s young professionals (under 40)?
Well, I’m still under 40, so my first piece of advice would be … be careful taking advice from someone under 40! Haha!
On a more serious note, find your passion. Pursue your passion, always keep learning, serve others, remain humble, find balance, and enjoy the ride!
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