Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Martin.
Hi Darlene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a St. Louis native, a graduate of Ladue Horton Watkins High School, and received my undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University. To be honest, it was not my intent to work in the financial services industry. As a matter of fact, when the headhunter mentioned he was following up on a recommendation from someone who felt I would be a good fit for the position he was interviewing for, I can remember thinking how boring it would be to work in a bank. Looking back on that moment, following through with the teller position was one of the best decisions I have made in my professional career. From the teller position, I went on to earn certifications, licenses, and career experience that not only led to an Assistant Vice President position and a Director of Training and Development position, but it has also led to my role as founder and President of Money Smarts School of Finance for Children.
Today, classes at Money Smarts School of Finance for Children are taught by wealth managers, insurance agents, estate attorneys, and other financial service professionals, including a couple of Senior Vice Presidents at wealth management firms. Students in middle school and high school learn about building wealth, managing wealth, and passing wealth on to the next generation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Time management was a big challenge early on. My children are teenagers now, but at the time Money Smarts School of Finance for Children started, I was working full-time, raising a family, attending school, and building a business all at the same time. Success was possible largely because of the unwavering support from my wonderful husband. He sacrificed a lot so that I could work on the business plan, make phone calls, and give presentations in the evenings and on weekends.
Secondly, building a school that not only provides an education but also assists students in building wealth is not an easy task. However, the support and assistance Money Smarts School of Finance for Children has received from professionals in the financial service industry has been phenomenal. When called upon, the financial service professionals continue to respond with excitement for the opportunity to pour into the life of young people. I cannot say enough about this group.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hearing a student explain concepts that are well beyond their years of education and adding in their own words why understanding such concepts matters to them is music to my ears. Ushering students to their learning edge is what we strive for.
I enjoy taking complicated concepts and breaking them down to small, manageable principles that even a fifth grader can grasp.
Contact Info:
- Email: dmartin@moneysmartsschoolforchildren.org
- Website: www.moneysmartsschoolforchildren.org
Image Credits
Photograph provided by Timeline Graphic Studio
