Forty Under 40: Brent Henry

For Brent Henry, a little speculative investing during his senior year in college led to a career with one of the worlds leading financial management companies. Raised in Madison, Wis., Henry moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1987 to become a member of the University of Arkansas swim team. Based on his experiences investing his own money, Henry applied for a job with Merrill Lynch following his graduation in 1991 and started working for the company as a financial adviser.

Henry became the resident director of the Northwest Arkansas office in 1999 and became a wealth management adviser after receiving his Certified Investment Managers Analyst license in 2001. Under his leadership, Merrill Lynchs Northwest Arkansas branch has grown to manage over $1 billion in assets. Henry attributes this success to the staff of 27 professionals with whom he works on a daily basis.

A self-described golf-a-holic, Henry helped found First Tee of Northwest Arkansas, an organization that introduces golf to kids who wouldnt normally have a chance to experience the game.

Henry also participates in the Northwest Arkansas Planning Council, an economic think tank that addresses regional issues.