This morning, our student Robby had a pretty personal reason to be excited about our visit to Clark Wealth Partners. Robby was our CEO of the Day, and he has an interest in becoming a financial planner. Before we ever walked through the door, he had already done his homework. He researched Mike Clark, called him to learn more about his career and shared what he had learned with the rest of the students before we even walked in.

Mike greeted us at the front door with his usual warm welcome, and then we headed upstairs. The students had no idea what they were about to see. The space was open and airy, with a massive kitchen, a huge stone island and an L-shaped modern couch. Chris, our videographer, looked around and said, “It’s like a reality TV show.” We all laughed, but Mike explained that the space was designed that way on purpose. He wanted his clients to feel at home. Even his no-suit policy comes from that same philosophy. After wearing a suit everywhere when he was starting out, Mike decided he wanted people to feel comfortable and at ease when they walked through his door.

From there, the conversation took all kinds of turns. Mike shared his journey from graduating with a finance degree and starting at Edward Jones to working his way into partnership at another wealth management firm and eventually starting Clark Wealth Partners four years ago.

But what I loved most was listening to the students make the conversation their own.

Charlie asked, “When do you think people should start getting their money managed professionally?” Emmett took it one step further and asked, “Do you think it’s worth investing at our age? I make about $500 every two weeks.” Mike gave them practical advice about starting where they are and thinking about their financial future, even when they aren’t making a lot of money yet.

And that’s the beauty of a CEO site visit. All 22 students can walk into the same room, hear the same conversation and walk away with something completely different.

Robby was thinking about a career he can see himself pursuing. Charlie was thinking about when professional financial advice becomes important. Emmett was thinking about what investing looks like at his age. Chris noticed the space itself and immediately picked up on something that made him stop and look around. Another student may have been listening closely to how Mike built his team, how he works with clients or what it takes to build a successful business.

They’re all paying attention, and noticing different details.

And Mike gives them a lot to pay attention to. His success in wealth management is only part of his story. He talked with the students about his passion for giving back and O’Fallon Neighbors, the nonprofit he founded to help families right here in our community. He shared other ways he gives his time and resources because he didn’t just want to make money. He wanted to do something good with the success he built.

Of course, Mike had also thought about the little things. Kolaches and drinks were waiting for us when we arrived. It was a small gesture, but it was very Mike. He was welcoming our students into his space and giving them his time.

Mike has been doing that for Silver Creek Area CEO from the beginning. He was one of our 10 founding investors and continues to support the program financially every year. He’s a board member, and a one-on-one mentor to one of our students. He continues to invest in these students because he believes in what they can become.

Thank you, Mike, for opening your doors, sharing your story, feeding our students and continuing to invest in Silver Creek Area CEO in so many ways. We are fortunate to have you in our corner.

And thank you to Robby for taking on CEO of the Day, Chris for capturing the morning on video, and Gentry for being our photographer.

Robby, I hope someday we’re standing in your office, listening to you tell your own story. And I hope when that day comes, you remember mornings like this one, when you were the student sitting on the other side of the table, asking questions and imagining what might be possible.