CEO & FOUNDER OF TEXAS FINANCIAL ADVISORY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET ROGERS

Name: Brooklynn Chandler Willy

Company: Texas Financial Advisory

Title: CEO and founder

What do you do? I acquire clients, manage money, pay bills and referee employee issues. I’m also a radio show host for the Texas Financial Radio show that airs every Sunday at 1 p.m. on KTSA 550 AM.

Length of time at this job: I have been there since January 2008

What is it that you like best about your job?   There is no ceiling.  I can make it as big as I can dream.

Education/Major: Baylor University, Bachelor of Arts: business, political science and Spanish.  St. Mary’s School of Law: Juris Doctorate.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?  A lawyer…

What brought you to San Antonio? Law school and the desire to be closer to family.

What career path led you to where you are today? I did not set out to do what I am doing, much less own my own company.

I thought I would be an attorney but once I was in law school, it did not feel right.  I remember thinking on the first day of law school, “Oh no, this isn’t going to work,” but I could not quit. During my third year, I bought a book about thinking outside the box of careers you could have with a law degree —without being the traditional lawyer.

It was not until I was assisting an insurance salesman’s clients with their estate plan that I saw the light.  I realized at that moment that I could use my law degree and do something I found joy in.  Praise the Lord!

What are your goals?  I would like to grow my business and have a team of the best tax strategists, investment advisors and estate planners in all of South Texas. #DreamBig

Who has been the biggest influence in your life personally and professionally?
Personally, I think my family has the biggest influence on me. Professionally, I think Tony Robbins has had the largest impact on my professional career.

What person do you most admire?  There are so many people in this category for me, but I would have to say the prize goes to my mother.  She’s a boss and a champion in every way.

How would you describe your leadership style? Collaborative.  I am constantly asking my staff for input.  I like to see it from their point of view.  I tend to get stuck in the weeds, so when I ask for their input, it helps refocus my attention on what needs mending.

What community groups or not-for-profit groups are you involved with as a volunteer?  My sisters and I started a nonprofit foundation, SHMILY (See How Much I Love You) Gifts from Above.   It provides financial and emotional support for students seeking a higher education who have lost a parent while in college.  We have taken in six students so far and would love to help more.  I also give a lot to my children’s school, Buckner Fanning School at Mission Springs.

What do you enjoy doing on a day off?  One downside to owning a business is that you do not have a day off.  My brain never shuts off.  I am constantly thinking, reading and researching ways to grow my business.

What books have you read lately?  Double, Double.  E-Myth. Beyond the 401K.  Talk Like Ted. The Ministry of Motherhood. Exciting stuff, I know…

What is the best advice that you have ever received?  If you think it, you can achieve it.