We’re thrilled when one of our phenomenal interns turns into a full-time member of our team, which is the case with Financial Planning Associate Tucker Kiracofe, a lifelong farmer and American Freestyle Karate blackbelt who recently joined us in our Virginia office. Read on to meet Tucker and learn about his path to financial services and Badgley Phelps.

A strong foundation in finance

Tucker grew up in Virginia and attended Virginia Tech. He graduated in May, Magna Cum Laude with a double finance major focusing on financial planning and wealth management, and risk management and banking. He joined our East Coast office, where he plays a key role in analyzing and developing personalized financial plans for clients. Tucker’s approach to financial planning is comprehensive and personalized. “After pulling relevant information about retirement, taxes, estate planning, and education, we create a customized plan for each client to follow,” Tucker explains. “This helps them achieve their lifetime goals and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.”

Mentors to guide his career

Always interested in numbers, money, and helping people, Tucker had a mentor in wealth management in high school which “sparked my inspiration to join this industry.” He has further been inspired and supported by Financial Planner Megan Wiley, who he worked with during his internship at Badgley Phelps his senior year of college. “Megan has a deep passion for the financial planning profession and an exceptional knowledge base,” says Tucker. “Her guidance has allowed me to grow as an individual and expand my skill set in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

Teamwork that drives success

The team aspect at Badgley Phelps is one reason why Tucker likes coming to work every day. “Each member has a niche or specialty that they have an exceptional amount of knowledge about,” he says. “This allows us to produce the best work for clients and I’m not sure there’s a day I don’t learn something new!” As for his role, Tucker says the ability to help clients and their families is what motivates him each day. “Every client has a different background and goals they aspire to achieve and seeing how my contribution can help these dreams come to fruition gives me purpose.”

Beyond the office

When he’s not at work, Tucker can usually be found back home helping out on his dad’s Purebred Angus farm. “This is a full-time hobby I’ve enjoyed since a young age,” he says. “Most evenings and weekends I can be found checking cattle, analyzing genetics, or somehow improving our operation.” Tucker also assists with some of the farm’s finances.

In addition to farming, Tucker enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, and attending Virginia Tech football games. He’s always looking to learn something new, whether it’s in his personal life or professional career.

Says Tucker, “Every day we as individuals get to decide what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it. Life is full of opportunities and you as an individual have the choice of what to make of them.”

We couldn’t agree more. Welcome to the team, Tucker!

Originally published on October 2, 2024