JOSEPH T. ECKELKAMP.
For Joseph Eckelkamp, a native St. Louis resident and long-time FEI member -- and a former board member and committee chairman in the local chapter -- running his own business has created a fresh set of challenges. This former CFO is a firm believer in taking a day here and there without any interruptions, and in turning to children and family to relieve stress. A train buff, he views long rail trips as a great way to see the country and relax, out of reach of cell phones, pagers and the demands of everyday business. And the Legos? As well as being a stress-reliever, maybe there's a bit of a frustrated architect lurking somewhere.Occupation: Owner and President/CEO of Eckelkamp & Associates, CPAs, P.C.
Born: Sept. 1, 1959 in St. Louis
Spouse: Married 17 years to Cathy Ryan Eckelkamp.
Children: J. Theodore, 14; Matthew R., 12; Mark R., 7; and Laura R., 4.
Education: B.S. in business and administration, magna cum laude, St. Louis University. MBA, St. Louis University.
Career History: Joined Ernst & Young in St. Louis in 1980, concentrating in financial institution audits and computer controls evaluations. Jumped to largest client, Mercantile Bancorporation, and returned there later as VP-Finance of MBI Operations, its 1,800-person technology and operations unit. Also served as controller or chief financial officer of Gemania Federal Savings Bank, CyberTel Cellular Management and Credit Systems. Started Eckelkamp & Associates in 1996. Now a 10-person firm with two offices.
Serves on adjunct accounting faculty at St. Louis University. Taught various accounting courses at Webster University and St. Louis Community College.
FEI Chapter: St. Louis (past board member and committee chair for membership and career services).
Leisure Pursuits: Billiards, travel, model railroading, doing Legos and almost anything else with the children, as well as his collectible Corvette. Relaxing with family friends.
Time Management Tip: "Take a day every now and then where all you do is fully process or complete the task for each item you pick up before setting it down and moving on to the next one. During that time, accept NO phone calls or interruptions."
Stress Management: "For the short term, a hug from a child. Longer term, I rake one of my children on a train trip somewhere far away after every tax season; this year it was Portland, Ore. I'm away from cell phones, pagers, etc. and I can just enjoy the country--I don't even need to find a place to eat. And since no one expects you to be available for several days, you can tack on a day or two at your destination before flying home."
Best/Worst Job: "The same one: owning my own firm. On the positive side, it offers the chance to see the impact of your work on others and to make a difference in a client's life, while offering unparalleled control over your own destiny. On the negative side, nothing is more uncertain, incessant and demanding."
Challenges of Being An Entrepreneur: "1) Learning to ask clients for more work; 2) achieving balance in a world where every hour off is an hour you don't get paid; 3) knowing that the only one who is going to manage/lead you is you."
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Publication: | Financial Executive |
|---|---|
| Date: | Sep 1, 2000 |
| Words: | 534 |
| Previous Article: | Names in the NEWS. |
| Next Article: | Embrace the E-World. |