Ozarks Profile - Jim Johnson

What is your job?

Jim Johnson is the managing director of trust and investment management services for Firstar Private Client Group in Springfield, Joplin and Little Rock, Ark.

Please tell us about your company

"Firstar Private Client Group provides wealth management services for clients with significant assets," Johnson said. "We have offices in 25 states and have assets under management of $80 billion." In addition to trust and investment management services, Johnson said, "our Private Client Group has private banking, a service designed to offer affluent individuals, business owners, executives and professionals the dedicated assistance of their own private banker. Private bankers are on call 24 hours per day. They provide each of their clients with the highest level of personal attention in their deposit and borrowing needs."

What prepared you for work in your business?

"I have worked for the same trust organization for 16 years," Johnson said. "I was fortunate to be mentored by Charles Fuller and Richard Brodbeck, two of the finest trust professionals in Springfield. That in itself has probably prepared me most." Johnson's educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree in business administration and history from Principia College and a law degree from Washington University. Prior to joining Firstar, he was an attorney for three years with Lathrop & Gage.

What are the recent effects of the economy in your field?

"Markets go up and markets go down," Johnson said. "I believe the recent downturn and sideways movement in the stock market shows investors the importance of managing risk in their portfolios. When times are good, it's easy to make money. When times aren't so good, it's good to have experienced and disciplined money managers."

What trends do you see developing in your field?

"There will always be a substantial need for corporate trustees," Johnson said, "but our business is really the investment management business. It's that side of the business that will grow the fastest. In particular, IRA rollovers from retirement plans will see significant growth as the baby boomers begin to retire."

What's the best part of your job?

"That's easy: the people I work with. Our senior level officers have worked together for over 15 years. They are top professionals and fun to be around."

Can you tell us something about your personal life and family?

Johnson has been married to wife Marilyn for 18 years. Their daughter, Jennifer, is a high school freshman and son Palmer is a fifth-grader.

How do you spend your leisure time?

"Most of my leisure time is spent with my family," Johnson said. "I am also district chairman for the Boy Scouts, a member of Springfield Southeast Rotary, and a Sunday school teacher. I am past board chairman of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, past president of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation, and past president of the Victim Center. I'd like to have more time to work on my golf game: it has suffered terribly in recent years!"

Ð by Frank Shipe Ð