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2013 Men of the Year Honoree: Bob Helm

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Bob Helm is proud of his profession. Before taking the reins as a managing partner with Elliot, Robinson & Co. LLP, Helm started with the company in 1982 after graduating from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s in accounting, receiving his certification as a public account in 1986.

Helm was named president of the Missouri State Board of Accountancy in April.

“The CPA profession is held to a very high level, which our firm takes seriously,” he says, noting he’s completed his second year on the board. “I am committed to making sure that this profession continues to be held in high regard through making sure the public is protected, and if a complaint is filed, following through to make sure those in the profession don’t take lightly their responsibility.”

Helm serves on the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants Taxation Committee, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member Tax Division, taught Ethics in Accounting during Leadership Drury for more than 10 years and served on the Greene County Estate Planning Council for 12 years.

“One of the vital roles of a leader is to mentor others around you,” he says. “If you are willing to invest in those in your circle of influence, you are truly a leader.

“There have been many people in my life who have helped guide me through life experiences … Many people look up to you. They are watching to see what you do along the way. This defines who you are.”

Helm enjoys mentoring co-workers and watching their achievements.

“My proudest moments are seeing those who we spend hours on end with accomplish the next step in the goals set for their life and to have had a small part of helping make that happen,” he says.

His co-workers aren’t the only people he enjoys seeing flourish. Helm has been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield since the late 1980s, sitting on the board of directors for 13 years, twice as president. Helm was instrumental in helping join the Boys Club and the Girls Club as part of the merger task force. He also led the movement to acquire property in Smith Park where Stalnaker Unit is located.

“My most successful involvement has been serving as the chairperson for the annual Steak & Steak fundraiser dinner, raising close to $200,000 each year,” he says, noting he has served as chairman since 2004.

Helm also lends a community hand through Leadership Springfield, the Pearl Foundation board of trustees and on the board of the Kitchen Inc.

Currently vice chairman of LifeQuest Church overseeing business operations, Helm credits serving in a leadership role in the church for more than 20 years in-part with the church’s growth and with his success in his day-to-day life.

Helm says the key to successful leadership is empowering others.

“The demonstration of leadership happens when you are willing to share the joys of success with all others involved and be man enough to take responsibility when things fail,” he says.[[In-content Ad]]

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