As a student at Missouri State University, John Brinkmann says he had two goals: to own his own business and to become a civic leader like his father.
He graduated from MSU in 1992 and the next year launched his own company, Brinkmann Insurance and Financial LLC.
"Choosing the commission-only insurance business right out of college was not an easy decision," he says. "I felt as though I had learned enough ... to give me a fighting chance."
His gamble paid off. Brinkmann has won many insurance industry awards and qualified for the Northwestern Mutual Core Products Bonus in 2008.
"The bonus is granted only to those agents who have met the company's high sales standards in all three lines: life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance," Brinkmann says.
It's that type of success that has allowed Brinkmann to become the civic leader he'd hoped to be.
"Many people realize career success but do little to improve the lives of those around them," Brinkmann says. "I believe the more you give, the more you get."
An avid supporter of MSU athletics - he says he bleeds MSU maroon - Brinkmann has served on the board of the Missouri State University Booster Club and became president in 2002.
That same year he also took on the MSU golf tournament that year and has since helped raise $800,000 for student aid.
While Brinkmann cheers on MSU teams, he also takes pride in helping student athletes prepare for life after sports.
"My clients have hired the lion's share of our men's basketball players every year since 1998 providing summer work, and in some scenarios, valuable internship experience," he says.
In 2006, Brinkmann was named to the Bear Booster All Decade Team for his service to the golf tournament and fundraising.
But student athletes aren't the only ones who can count on Brinkmann's support.
He's also a dedicated supporter of Boys and Girls Town of Missouri.
"Seeing these kids and hearing their stories will tug at even the hardest of hearts," he says.
Brinkmann says he also has a special place in his heart for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
"I like to think that many of my customers would say, 'John is a guy who genuinely likes to help others, and by the way, he has been my insurance guy for 16 years," he adds.[[In-content Ad]]
April 7 was the official opening day for Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant Show Me Chuy after a soft launch that started March 31; marketing agency AdZen debuted; and the Almighty Sando Shop opened a brick-and-mortar space.
