Other people in the firm think of Jim as someone who is always willing to help. Jim strives to create value and exceed client expectations in everything he does, and that enthusiasm extends to his willingness to assist others. “I’ve grown into this attitude thanks to great mentors over the years,” Jim said. “Not just exposure to them, but a willingness to listen to my mentors. Now I’m surrounded by great people who foster a collaborative team environment where we all thrive.”
Jim learned some lessons in professional accounting the hard way. “I worked for 11 short months as controller for a publicly held company that ended in scandal,” Jim said. “The CEO went to prison and the CFO was sanctioned by the Securities and Exchange Commission. I was included in class action lawsuits along with the company, the board of directors, and the rest of management. I spent three days testifying at the Securities and Exchange Commission. For a kid in his mid-20s, it was a rude awakening, but I did learn valuable lessons. I learned then to maintain professional skepticism and, above all, to always trust my gut.”
Jim lives in St. Louis with his wife and three sons. His favorite part of the living in St. Louis is just how friendly everyone is. “Whether I’m at work, the store, or in my neighborhood, everyone is just so approachable,” Jim says.
Jim’s favorite quotes are from Mark Twain. He especially likes this one: “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” Jim took this lesson to heart. “We start out in life as know-it-alls and then respect our parents more as we change and grow up. My dad is 93 and I’m still learning from him.”