Forty Under 40: Troy A. Kestner, 39

Two weeks in graphic design and architecture was all Troy Kestner needed — all he needed to head to the business college.
Once there, Kestner knew he’d found a home, taking every banking, finance and real estate class available.
“I just fell in love with it,” he said.
Kestner’s interest intensified when he decided to get married while still finishing degree work at the University of Arkansas. He began reading all the financial management books he could find, spurred by practicality.
Eventually landing at AXA Equitable in 1993, Kestner sold mutual funds, insurance and retirement plans, then moved into management. He was contacted by Arvest’s blossoming high net worth team in 2002, hired in 2003.
“A lot of things were in motion, and I could say I was a genius,” Kestner said, “but it was really just good timing.”
Kestner loved his role immediately, pitching himself as clients’ personal CFO. He especially likes working with business owners.
“I like people that are direct, demanding, know what they want and know their expectations,” he said.
Raised in the Arkansas delta, Kestner enjoys outdoor activities and coaching his kids’ basketball teams. Looking back, Kestner thinks he found the perfect way to blend his two styles of thinking.
“I’m a planner,” he said, “but I’m creative, too.”