The Metro’s Most Influential highlights those who take their leadership position and use it to mold, shape, inspire and propel their spheres of influence forward. They are working to use their influence for the greater good – of their organization, their profession and the city they clearly love. We are thrilled to announce that Wymer Brownlee’s very own Kyle Brownlee has made this list.
Want to get to know Kyle better? Read more about what makes him tick, what fuels his passion and what drives him and Wymer Brownlee toward success.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
My first job was mowing yards as a child. At the age of 14, I started my own business that quickly grew into managing 62 yards a week with the help of a couple of kids I recruited to work for me. By the time I was 16, I was managing QuickBooks, billing and accounts receivable for my clientele, all while learning how to budget and manage money properly. At a young age, I learned about what it means to be dependable, and how to effectively communicate, schedule and manage people, which has aided in my success today.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
A piece of advice that’s been impactful to me is aiming to live by this principle: when you do the right thing, it’s the right decision for everyone involved – even if people realize it at different moments. I talk to my team a lot about being a good “trading partner”, which means when the value you receive always meets or exceeds the value you give up. Do the right thing. Be a good teammate. I have found if you do that, you can excel and succeed alongside those that you serve.
If you could have dinner with any two OKC business leaders, who would you choose and why?
A leader I wish I could have dinner with has passed on. He is the founder and late partner of Wymer Brownlee, Deane Wymer. Deane made a huge impact on my life, career and community. I’d love to soak in some more of his wisdom and friendship. I hope that he is proud of the legacy he left and that we continue to carry forward each day.
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
My family owns a home in WaterColor, a community near Destin, Florida. If we had to rank any destination in the U.S. we love to visit most, it would be our home there. It holds a special place for each of us, and my wife and I enjoy seeing our kids meet other kids from all over the South and the sense of community the destination brings. We also love a little hidden island off the coast of Antigua called Jumby Bay to recharge and escape when possible.
What’s your hobby/passion?
I enjoy reading in my spare time or partaking in leadership activities around the OKC Metro. I used to play the piano, and I hope in the future to get back to playing more frequently.
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you? Please tell us about it.
Positive Tomorrows and their work for children experiencing homelessness is remarkable, and I’m passionate about their mission and vision in the OKC community to provide stability to those who need it most.
What is your favorite OKC-area restaurant, and what do you order there?
The Hutch. Steak Frites.
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
I’ve met three U.S. presidents.
If you could drive one car for a day, what would it be and why?
It’s on my bucket list to drive (maybe own) a Ferrari 488 Spider. Why? Because I’m a car guy. And they are just so cool.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
The toughest challenge I’ve faced in my career is realizing the people who may have gotten you where you are, might not be capable of getting you where you need to go. When you’re in growth mode, you must be honest and transparent with your staff, and as a leader, it’s your job to recognize when you’ve maxed out contributed potential and need to put the right people in the right places to meet your future goals.
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
2022-23 has been our firm’s most successful year to date. We’ve experienced a lot of growth in the last 12 months through our team’s dedication to providing great service to our clients. It’s been a tough few years for investors, but the relationships we prioritize with our clients have proven to outweigh short-term market dips.
What is one thing you would change about OKC to make it even better?
I love the OKC metro and think living here has many positives. The cost of living is reasonable, and there are a lot of young emerging leaders in the city. I personally wouldn’t change a thing.
As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song and why?
Any song by Billy Joel. I love playing the piano, and Billy is a piano guy, he wrote the song Piano Man. Maybe that’s why I like him so much, but his music just speaks to me.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why?
Craig Groeschel’s leadership podcasts or Love Does by Bob Goff.
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
My biggest risk was several years ago when my company was expanding and acquiring other firms. Any business owner would agree, but growth can be equally scary as it is exciting. Several years ago, I needed to hire a position I knew at the time I couldn’t afford. I wanted to hire big talent to help grow the firm and a common rule of business is to hire before the need. Even though it was a huge risk at the time, it paid dividends to the growth of our tax team.
What has you most excited about the future?
I’m excited about the younger generation. There’s a lot of skepticism about Generation Z, but I think the children in that segment are growing up in an entirely different world than what I grew up in where they have more education, technology and resources at their fingertips. We have a lot of young leaders in our firm, and I’m excited to see their intelligence, work ethic and creativity carry our firm into the future.
Category: Financial Service Team
