Frank Burkhead
Investment Adviser at Burkhead Wealth Management
Number of years in that position: 13 years
Family (including pets): Wife, Carol (married 18 years); daughter, Taylor, 13; son, Alex, 11
Education: Jefferson City High School, attended the University of Missouri for two years and finished education at Lincoln University, Certified Public Accountant
Community involvement: Sixth-grade Thomas Jefferson football coach, Missouri State Penitentiary Redevelopment Commission commissioner, Jefferson City Rotary Club
Why I’m passionate about my job: I love helping people realize their dreams and help protect their future. Each new client who comes through my door presents a new set of challenges, whether it’s for college, retirement or estate planning. I like finding out what their goals are and helping to discover and achieve them.
Company, job title and number of months/years in that position: Burkhead Wealth Management, investment adviser, 16 years; Burkhead & Associates LLC, CPA firm, 15 years; Roark Aluminum, owner, eight years
Biggest career obstacle I’ve had to overcome: I tend to be more of a behind-the-scenes type of guy and have mainly run my business from word of mouth over the years. So I think most of the community at large sees me as a CPA and maybe doesn’t know that I’m an investment adviser as well. Perhaps after this issue, the word will be out!
Favorite charitable organizations you’ve been involved in and why: Woodcrest Chapel, my church; the Jefferson City Football Foundation — I love giving back to an organization that had such an influence on my life growing up — and the American Red Cross. The way in which they help people after a disaster has always had a place in my heart.
Accomplishment I’m most proud of: Watching my children mature in their own personalities, being married for 18 years and seeing our businesses grow.
Favorite place to spend a Saturday afternoon: Poolside with the wife and kids.
Last book read: The Queen by Steven James
Favorite TV show: Any football game. After that, probably one of the cooking reality shows such as Hell’s Kitchen or MasterChef.
Favorite comfort food: Central Dairy Extreme Chocolate ice cream
Favorite app: Food Network On The Road. It shows the best places to eat around the country.
Dream vacation: Good food, wine and friends in Italy
What is something that has changed your life: The death of my father when I was 24. It made me grow up faster, it hardened my resolve and greatly focused my attention on making my own way.
Secret aspiration: I always wanted to be a special agent for the FBI. I actually started the process years ago; the plan was to attend college, become a CPA and attend law school before going into the FBI. Life took a different route. I would have loved the training, but it would have required a ton of travel. Jefferson City has been a great place to live, work and raise a family. Those things won out.
Source of inspiration: God, family, friends and seeing the look on clients’ faces when we have helped them achieve their dreams and desires.
Favorite hobbies: Kids sporting activities as well as biking, running and Jefferson City CrossFit.