40 Under 40: Nikki Burton, financial services consultant

Nikki Burton

AGE: 28

FAMILY: Husband, Cole; daughter, Harlow.

EMPLOYER: The Bank of Missouri

POSITION: Financial services consultant

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT: American Heart Association Sponsorship committee volunteer, Cape Jaycee member, American Cancer Society Annual Gala committee volunteer, supporter and volunteer to local animal rights organizations, and I just recently got involved and am learning more about the United Way Emerging Business Leaders Program.

HER TYPICAL DAY:

My typical day consists of helping each client find the right solution to all their investment and banking needs. The only way I will successfully do this is to get to know each individual by sitting down with them and finding out how they currently manage their finances and how the want to better manage their finances. See, my clients only want the best whether that may be having a checking account that earns interest, or a great mortgage rate, even a long term retirement plan. In speaking with each person I am able to unfold each one of their needs. My objective is to build a complete banking relationship with each individual at The Bank of Missouri while becoming a person they can trust and come to for advice.

MOST SATISFYING PART OF HER WORK:

The most satisfying thing about my work is the friendships I have made with my clients. I have learned of weddings, anniversaries, and new arrivals to families all while preparing a new Certificate of Deposit or savings account. As my clients feel more and more comfortable with me, they start to open up and share the little details of their lives, happy and sad, and I am always happy to listen. I believe that listening to people is the best customer service I can provide.

HER WORST HAIRSTYLE:

The worst hairstyle I ever had was in grade school when I had long, thick hair and decided to get a perm. All of my girlfriends were perming their hair, but theirs looked good and mine looked awful. I had a huge fro and was all hair!

HER FAVORITE SONG FROM THE '80s:

Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

BIGGEST FIRST-DAY BLOOPER:

The biggest first-day-on-the-job mistake I made was wearing high heels when I was going to be standing on my feet all day. Ouch!

HER MOST EMBARASSING WORK MOMENT:

The most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me at work was when my high heel got caught in a tear in the carpet and I fell flat on my face right in front of all my customers and co-workers. Once again, my heels got me into trouble. It's a good thing I love high heels...