If you need moving boxes or advice on building a career in assurance, Illinois State alumnus Joe Lee, B.S./M.P.A. ’05, is your guy. The trick will be finding an open slot on the calendar of McGladrey’s first-ever Working Father of the Year.
Lee started as an assurance associate with McGladrey in 2005 shortly after graduating from Illinois State University. He and his wife, Kristen ’04, married the same year and their family grew nearly as quickly as his career. The couple’s first set of twins arrived in 2009, another pair came along three years later, and they welcomed a fifth child this summer. Now an assurance senior manager, Lee uses his audit and accounting skills to stay on track, at home and at work.
A planner at heart and a whiz with his Outlook calendar, Lee diligently blocks time for clients, kids, church, and band practice. Despite traveling a lot for work and serving as career advisor to eight advisees, Lee works from home occasionally so he’s able to spend more time with his kids.
Regardless of where he is, Lee stays connected to staff and clients to meet their needs. Mark Tomaw, who was Joe’s career advisor and who nominated him for this award, said Lee’s clients think highly of him and his exceptional client service. “He has been a good example for our staff showing that we can successfully manage both work and family lives,” Tomaw stated in his nomination. “In my 38 years with the firm, I’m not sure I’ve seen anyone do a better job at being a high producer at work without totally sacrificing his personal life. He always seems find a good balance.”
Lee is honored to have been named McGladrey’s first Working Father of the Year. “To me it means that McGladrey recognizes there’s more to life than work,” he said. “We work in a fast-paced industry and this award is confirmation that I can have a successful career here and not sacrifice my family to attain it. I don’t have to consider a different path elsewhere.”
Lee said his No. 1 tip for working parents is maintaining a low stress level: “If I can’t control it, I don’t let it bother me.” He also leans on humor, a positive outlook, and an equally organized wife.
He’s given all of them a workout lately. Lee and his family have been busy relocating from Springfield to Des Moines, Iowa, so Lee can further his interest in insurance industry auditing. They should be unpacked soon and will probably share any moving boxes that haven’t been turned into forts or castles.
