Trent Burley

Partner and private wealth adviser,
McGill Junge Wealth Management

Age: 39

Education: Buena Vista University - Bachelor of Arts finance and banking, accounting; the American College of Financial Services: Master of Science in financial planning (retirement planning, legacy planning)

Wife: Cait Burley 

Children: Thomas Burley

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I serve on the Black Excellence of Iowa board room committee.

I serve on the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines' professional advisers council.

My wife and I are members of the United Way of Central Iowa Tocqueville Society.

I serve on the Buena Vista University Alumni Board.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

My passion is creating opportunities and expanding education. Both have driven my life because knowledge and access open doors to transformation. Empowering others through education and strategic opportunities fuels growth, innovation and lasting impact, helping others reach their full potential.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

Success, both personal and professional, is built through perseverance in trials that strengthen your character and build hope for the future. True success is more than wealth or achievement, rather it is integrity, resilience and a purpose-driven life.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

I'm excited about impact investing in our community because it merged financial strategy with meaningful change. By directing capital toward businesses and initiatives that drive social and economic growth, we can create sustainable opportunities and build a comprehensive thriving community.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

As a struggling financial adviser starting out, Ed McGill brought me onto his team at my low point. I learned from Ed, and eventually Ross Junge, how to work, how to take care of clients and that being involved in the community is an expectation.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I have four simple goals: Trust God, love my family, be a good teammate and compete every day. I want to present where I'm present and be there for others, whether it is my family, our clients, our work team or people in the community.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Work like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God.

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

Early-morning workouts.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

Central Iowa leaders provide more resources to apply business strategies to nonprofit operations to enhance efficiency, scalability and sustainability, ultimately increasing their impact.

What's one fun fact about you?

I really wanted to put “beer league hockey captain” on my list of accomplishments for the application, but my wife said that it doesn't count.

Hobbies:

Men's league hockey, golf, traveling with family.

What is one word that best describes you?

Determined.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

A ribeye at John and Nicks in Clive.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

The most surprising thing was probably getting the call on 40 Under 40. I am honored but was surprised!

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Lutheran Church of Hope's Christmas Eve services.