2018 40 Under 40: Clay Trautman, 30

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

Clay Trautman is no doubt in the people business, as evidenced by his career and community work. He’s quick to assist younger professionals in connecting with others in the community, and he takes time to coach and mentor them.

“Focusing on people is what it’s all about for me,” he says.

As a private client adviser for Ollis/Akers/Arney, that means helping the insurance firm’s top 250 high net worth clients manage risks. When clients grow their wealth, their businesses improve, and according to Trautman, so does the local economy.

In the community, Trautman is active in the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, for which he helped build its development board. In 2015, he co-founded the Springfield chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation. It’s since raised more than $90,000 in less than three years for the cause.

What’s your most treasured possession? My 13-piece Pearl drum set. It was given to me about 15 years ago, and I’ve played it ever since.

What do you miss most about the 1990s? Today, there’s so much going on. Being a kid in the ’90s, everything seemed so simple and stress-free.

What is your best productivity hack? You’d be amazed how much you can do if you’re always working on your to-do list and not just standing around the break room.

What historical figure do you identify with most? Walt Disney. We are both kids at heart and have a passion for following our dreams no matter.