2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Tyler James

Now, he’s president of his own company, James Financial Partners LLC, which assists clients with financial and insurance services.

James says his proudest accomplishment so far is completing his bachelor’s degree in business management and minor in accounting, graduating in 2003 with honors from Missouri State University. He completed his degree in the traditional fashion of eight consecutive semesters even while working full time at a local pizza restaurant and getting married midway through his studies.

With New York Life Insurance, James has recruited and trained individuals in the life insurance and investment business by leading informative seminars, teaching continuing education classes and running sales calls with new agents.

“I had a lot of success and wanted to share ideas with others,” he says.

Prior to his work with New York Life, James was an agent with Yaktine Financial Group for three years, earning Agent of the Year honors in 2003.

“I believe that if you tell someone you’re going to do something, then you need to do it and do it in a timely manner,” he says. “You also need to guard your reputation closely and be honest in all your business and personal dealings.”

Outside of work, James volunteers at the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is also a lifelong member of Second Baptist Church and involved with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Springfield Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual bowl-a-thon.

James’ primary goal in the coming year is to gain endorsement to participate in the new parent programs at CoxHealth and St. John’s.

Specifically, he hopes to use a program, Raising Financially Responsible Children, developed by New York Life and author Neale Godfrey to educate expectant parents and provide recommendations about issues such, as children’s allowance and teaching children to save money.

“I believe by making this small contribution to the families in our community, I may be able to distribute some general financial knowledge that can help our future generation’s financial well-being.”

Double Play

Birth Date: Nov. 15, 1980

Family: My wife, Stacey, and I have been married six years, and we have a 4-year-old son, Tristan.

Philosophy to live/work by: Work smarter, not harder. Also there’s a quote, but I’m not sure who said it: “Successful people are willing to do the things that others aren't, so that they can have later what others won’t.”

In a fantasy world, which professional sport would you play? Golf, because it takes an extreme amount of talent and concentration, but at the same time, it’s really relaxing.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.