Meet Joe Buhrmann

Tell us about your role at eMoney: I’m a financial planning practice management consultant in the Financial Planning Group. We help advisors, firms, and enterprises leverage their technology stack and maximize their use of the eMoney platform. That may include helping them with better integrations, workflows, or application of the platform to their processes and business. We also work with our sales partners as new advisors and firms “kick the tires” on the platform by providing targeted demonstrations or answering questions mid-trial.

How do you take your coffee? Piping hot with a little almond creamer.

Any hidden talents? I’m a bourbon steward with the Stave & Thief Society – think of it as a sommelier – except for whiskey. In my spare time, I write a bourbon blog highlighting tastings, tours, and recipes.

What’s your favorite quote? Stay strong. Stay positive. And never give up.

Favorite meal? I’m not picky – a good piece of protein, roasted veggies, and a carb. 

What’s your favorite place to travel? We love visiting the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, taking in the beautiful scenery, fast horses, and plenty of local distilleries and wineries. I’ll add that I truly appreciate the opportunity for remote work, as [at the time I wrote this] we’re “snowbirding” and are spending time along the Gulf coast instead of wintering Central Illinois.

Dogs or cats? Dogs are a favorite, but due to allergies, we live vicariously through other pet owners as we stop to provide pats on our walks.

What was the best piece advice you ever received? As a friend and I were working on solving a mutual problem, he shared the story of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. When asked how Gretzky scored so many goals, he stated, “I don’t skate to where the puck is … I skate to where the puck is going. You’ve got to be thinking ahead.” And that stuck with me – always be thinking ahead, always be innovating, always be asking, “What if …”

What does a day off look like for you? Hiking in the woods with my wife and soulmate.

Last show you binged or movie you watched? Downton Abbey, the movie.

Favorite book or podcast? I’m a big history nerd, so much of the media I consume is history-related. I recently finished a podcast about Secretary of War Edwin Stanton titled 1865.

What were you doing in the year 2000, the year eMoney was founded? I was a financial planner creating hundreds of financial plans each year for advisors and starting to study for my CFP® exam.

What is one thing from the year 2000/early 2000s you’re ashamed to admit you love? Cheesy video games. I recall playing a couple of historical games for hours. I’d probably like some of that time back.

Describe eMoney in three words. Engaging planning experience

What is your favorite thing about eMoney? The people and the work. In my short tenure, I’ve been absolutely amazed at the dedication and incredible talent I’ve seen. I’m happy to be a small part of it.

What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on while with eMoney? I’ve had the opportunity to create and deliver several presentations to drive demand and work with some great firms. It’s a ton of fun!

What’s your best memory at eMoney? Attending the GREAT in-person Summits. I remember, fondly, listening to Everest climber Alison Levine as she shared, “Fear is ok. It’s a natural reaction. But complacency will kill you.”

If you could switch your job with anyone else within eMoney, whose job would you want and why? I like the marketing & sales side of the business, too, so I’d love to sit in Susan McKenna’s chair and learn from her perspective.

One piece of advice you’ve give to others looking to advance their career:

Here’s two: One – never stop learning. Two – you’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. There’s no harm in trying. Everything is “hypothetical” until an offer is on the table. You don’t have to make a decision until then.

Have you bought anything on the eMpower shop with your points or are you saving for a big purchase?
I’m a financial planner at heart, so I’m a saver.

Have you taken advantage of eMoney’s Education Assistance Program? If so, what did you use it for?
Not yet, but I’m a huge believer in life-long learning. At a similar program at a former employer, I completed my MBA, along with a host of industry designations, including the CFP®, CLU®, and ChFC®.

Have you used DevelopMe, eMoney’s career development platform? If yes, what have you found most helpful?
Only the assessment. But like I shared, I’m a learner at heart and “old dogs can still learn new tricks”.