2022 Men of the Year: Paul Folbre

Paul Folbre’s community-oriented mindset leads his efforts to always give back. Whether it is hosting a cornhole tournament for a local charity or mentoring fellow employees in his role as financial adviser at Edward Jones, Folbre focuses on growing and enhancing his community. 

Folbre graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration marketing and began his career at Bass Pro Shops in 2012 in Springfield. After working for two years as head buyer and vice president at Rally House in Lenexa, Kansas, he joined Edward Jones. Folbre now mentors new financial advisers as field training leader and coach, aiding professionals as they gain footing in their careers.

“This is one of the most critical and influential times for someone starting in our industry, and I am honored with the opportunity to guide through legal, moral and ethical principles to ensure they are successful in their careers,” Folbre says. “I help to set the foundation for our new advisers to really seek out what is important to those they serve and for each adviser to find a place in their communities to serve and enrich the lives of all the clients.”

A little-known fact about Folbre is that he and his wife, Jenna, founded Springfield Cornhole LLC in 2018. Their tournaments have supported local charities, including Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri, In Time of Need Foundation Inc. and the Alzheimer’s Association. The Folbres also were regional directors for the American Cornhole League. As of May 2022, they have transitioned ownership of Springfield Cornhole.

Reflecting on his career, Folbre says his proudest accomplishment is leading more than 40 Edward Jones branches as chair and regional walk coordinator for the firm’s largest fundraising event at the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. He plans on doubling and quadrupling their efforts in 2022 and 2023.

“My family is directly impacted by this horrible disease. And with the passion and support of our local Edward Jones teams, I am confident I can lead the charge in fighting for a cure to Alzheimer’s and shattering records in the near future,” Folbre says, noting firmwide, Edward Jones has committed to raising $25 million over five years as the association’s national leading sponsor.

Looking to his future, Folbre sees himself continuing his professional and civic work with Edward Jones and in his community. 

“I find joy in being able to serve and impact so many lives in our community for many years to come,” he says. “I look forward to seeing many generations of impact my work will/has done and am humbled to know that my efforts have the ability to extend beyond my lifetime.”