We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karen Burks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karen below.
Hi Karen , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work in the banking industry. From a young age, I enjoyed counting money with my father and accompanying him to the bank to make deposits. I was fascinated by the atmosphere, the professionalism of the bankers, and the welcoming way they treated me during each visit. In second grade, our school launched an initiative called Bank-at-School, where I was chosen by my peers to serve as a student teller. I often refer to that experience as my first job. I genuinely loved the responsibility of counting money and with guidance from a lead teller. That experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in banking. While attending Southeastern Louisiana University as a full-time student, I took a part-time teller position at a small community bank, First Guaranty Bank. This allowed me to gain hands-on experience while continuing my education. Eventually, I transitioned into the credit union industry, taking on various roles that broadened my skill set including a position as a Collections Representative. When I expressed interest in moving into collections, my supervisor questioned the decision. I explained that while the title “Collector” implies a focus on recovering payments, I saw it as an opportunity to educate and support members as well. That mindset shaped my approach and made a meaningful impact during my time in that role. That is when Burks Management Firm was born and now the organization is impacting communities.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Karen Burks, a proud native of St. Francisville, Louisiana, and the daughter of Kary and Audrey Burks. I am the Founder of Burks Management Firm, an education consulting firm. I am passionate about helping individuals, small businesses, and organizations achieve sustainable success by providing financial education, business strategy coaching, and workforce development solutions. I possess over fifteen years in the financial services industry with five years of experience in higher education and workforce development training. I’ve had the privilege of supporting countless entrepreneurs through business technical assistance, access to capital, and workforce development implementation. I’ve also managed a commercial real estate portfolio in my banking career, which reflects my commitment to economic development. I’ve published a children’s financial literacy coloring book titled “Making Sense of Dollar$ and Cent$” and wrote a financial educational song focused on teaching the value of money entitled “Making Sense of Dollar$ and Cent$” that’s on YouTube. Giving back to the community is important to me, and I do so through hosting free youth financial literacy summits to help the next generation build a solid foundation of money knowledge.
I possess an Associate’s degree in Business Technology from Baton Rouge Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University, a Master of Arts in Management from the University of Redlands, and a Certification in Personal Finance from Teachers College, Columbia University through the Cowin Financial Literacy Institute. I believe in leading with an impactful purpose, serving with passion, and building legacy through knowledge. My personal motto is: “to develop others to see the picture of their transformed lives.” My favorite quote is “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest” by Benjamin Franklin.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation has been built on a foundation of authenticity, knowledge, consistency, and a true commitment to helping others. From day one, I have always led with a servant heart for this work and so much compassion for the people. Whether I was working as a Teller, in Collections, as a Branch Manager or in any other role, I treated every customer interaction as an opportunity to build trust and make a positive impact. One factor that has helped me stand out is my ability to be consistent. I show up with the same level of dedication and professionalism, no matter the size of the task or who I am working with. Over time, that kind of reliability builds credibility and word travels fast when people know they can count on you in our community and surrounding areas. Especially in small towns! I have always been open to learning and growth. I have gotten mentorship, read books to develop, and invested in my profession by attending conferences so I can continue offering valuable insight in my industry. I think to improve and genuinely serve others is what has helped me build a strong and respected reputation in the market.
What has been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for Burks Management Firm has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and relationship building. When people have a positive professional experience, they typically share that with others. Those professional referrals have been leading the way for growing the business. Also, community engagement and networking, whether through local events, professional organizations, or social media have played a big role. Being visible, approachable, and consistent in messaging helps attract clients who align with our values and trust our expertise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.burksmgmtfirm.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa35vtWIFeM
- Other: email:burksmgmtfirm.comMaking Sense of Dollar$ and Cent$ book order form: https://form.jotform.com/240527696743062Making Sense of Dollar$ and Cent$ song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa35vtWIFeM
Linktree information: https://linktr.ee/burksmgmtfirm
Image Credits
Kary Burks Jr.
Journey Well Studios