Penncrest High School graduate Kimberly Brumbaugh is the founder and Managing Partner of Brumbaugh Wealth Management, an Exton-based firm with a mission to secure people’s financial futures by understanding their unique position and providing personalized solutions for their needs.

Brumbaugh credits her mentor James Carson, the owner of Carson Pettit, a former luxury car dealership in Devon, with having the biggest impact on her career.

“Working for Jim, a very successful man and one of integrity, was instrumental in helping me learn how to manage a department, profit and loss, as well as employees,” she said.

Brumbaugh’s proudest professional achievement was making the decision in 1996 to leave a high-paying management position with a Mercedes-Benz dealer to start a consulting business, Brumbaugh Consulting.

“After two years, it led me to a financial services firm in Philadelphia,” she said. “Then in 2004, I took the bold step and founded Brumbaugh Wealth Management.”

Brumbaugh shared her perspective on what makes a successful leader.

“True leaders listen first and lead by example,” she said. “My motto is: Character is how you act when others aren’t looking. Showing kindness and encouragement to help others be the best version of themselves, to build their character and influence, are just a few ways I like to inspire others, along with being humble — humility goes a long way.”

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — Trustworthy resonates the most with Brumbaugh.

“I learned working at the age of 14 for a respected business owner the importance of being trustworthy,” she said. “This translated well, given I now work in finance and know intimate details of our clients’ finances. Also, I value and appreciate the reputation of being a trustworthy professional in Chester County.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Brumbaugh and the 11 other BSA VISTA Leadership Megastars at an awards reception on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Kristin Conran at kristin.conran@scouting.org.