Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer A. Roberts.
Hi Summer A., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was young, I used to go to my Paw Paw’s house every day after school. He meant everything to me; he was “my person.” He instilled so many values in me that I stand on to this day and built my company upon! He used to tell me that integrity is not just doing what’s right it’s doing what’s right when no one is watching.
After Paw Paw passed away, I struggled. It was hard losing someone so special. But, I couldn’t let my sorrow take over. I had to pick my head up and move forward because I knew that was what Paw Paw Joe would want for me to do.
Years later, I graduated from college and earned a really great job as a recruiter in New Orleans. I was good at it and enjoyed it and I quickly moved up the ranks to being second
in command of the CEO.
One day, my parents came to visit me and over breakfast I told them I wanted to quit my job. My dad was shocked because he knew I loved my job. I went on to explain that while I was helping people, I just felt that I could impact people’s lives in a bigger, more direct way.
You see, Paw Paw Joe used to always say that we are measured in this life by our impact o others. And I just thought that if I could learn what my father did to help people have an amazing life in retirement, that it would make my Paw Paw proud.
So that’s what I did! I quit my job that day and here I am…decades later with thousands of clients who are living their best retirement life with peace of mind! And I had a part in that, which is such an incredible feeling.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every day is a challenge! When you are dealing with people’s life savings, there is a lot of trusts put in you and I cannot let my clients down. I just can’t – it’s not an option. So, that is a daily challenge to ensure that I am always one step ahead for my clients and making real-time decisions that are in their best interest for their retirement future.
A lot of people ask me about being a female leader in a male-dominated industry, but I don’t really see that as a challenge. I used to. But, once I looked internally and realized that I do know what I am doing, and I’m good at it, and I give advice to male financial advisors who do what I say…after all that, I really don’t consider males my competition at all. In fact, a lot of male financial advisors see me as their competition – and I like that! They should see me as their greatest competition.
I think my biggest challenge is work/life balance. I have three young children that I simply adore! I want to be present for them. I want to be at all their sporting events, dance recitals, school presentations, spelling bees, etc. I want to tuck them in and kiss them goodnight every night and make breakfast for them every morning. I want to be there for them when they are upset or hurting and make them feel better. I want to take them on amazing vacations and create wonderful memories. However, I have a business to run which I am also passionate about, so I have to make sacrifices. Deep down, I know that I am doing what is best for my kid and their future. I just wish there were two of me!
As you know, we’re big fans of Impact! Partners Financial. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner and CEO of Impact! Partners Financial. I don’t know if you can call it “work” when you love what you do! I get to help people achieve their dreams and goals in retirement.
Not just get them to retirement, but through their retirement years. It’s such an amazing feeling!
I have surrounded myself with a team of individuals that are as determined to help others as I am. I love my staff and I depend on them. Together, we collaborate and strategize to always find ways to better serve our clients.
I am very fortunate to be surrounded by incredible clients, team members and community partners.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am a big believer in giving back to the community and I volunteer for several local, non-profit organizations. Most recently, I was asked to compete in Dancing With the Stars Bay Area, which benefited the Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families.
I couldn’t say “no” – but I was terrified as dancing is not my forte. But, I was willing to break out of my comfort zone for such a great cause. And believe it or not, my partner and I (my partner was the Kemah Chief of Police, Holland Jones) – we WON Best Performance!!
We danced to Hakuna Matata and my kids were there cheering us on. Seeing the looks on their faces was simply priceless and it was an experience that I will never forget!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.impactpartnersfinancial.
com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactyourfuture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactPartnersFinancial?mibextid=LQQJ4d
