Megan Bynum named as VIP Murfreesboro's 40 Under 40
Megan Bynum
Owner, Certified Financial PlannerTM
Harvest Wealth Group, LLC
With the independent financial advisor failure rate between 80-90% within the first three years, Megan Bynum’s career choice was a significant risk at such a young age. However, she has always enjoyed a challenge, and this career path offered her an opportunity for professional success while still being able to prioritize her family. Her husband and owner of Bynum CPA, Wes, also dreamed of being a small business owner. They have supported one another through the entrepreneurial challenges and celebrated one another along the way, making a unique dynamic duo in the community.
“Wes and I have always been career-minded,” said Bynum, “spending many of our college days at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in coffee shops with several textbooks and endless dreams for our future, which included utilizing our strengths to work together serving our community with Financial Planning, Investment, and Accounting Services. Although we took different paths to get to where we are today, we overcame our fears to accomplish our goal of establishing a one-stop shop for our clients in 2021. With overlapping industries, we, along with the support of our great teams, truly enjoy being able to create a seamless experience for clients. The personal relationships we have gained with our clients along the way is the cherry on top!”
Her mentor during this journey has been Dr. Kenneth Hollman, retired Martin Chair of Insurance at MTSU. He brought to life textbook concepts for students. He prided himself in connecting students with opportunities to further their education and gain valuable real-world experience.
“Dr. Hollman provided every willing student the opportunity of education through scholarships, leadership, mentorship, and internships,” noted Bynum. “He continues to be an incredibly supportive person in my life, both professionally and personally. He has always been present for professional conversations. Even more importantly, he has remained engaged personally beyond my time at MTSU, celebrating our marriage and the growth of our family as we welcomed our son, Lawson. Dr. Hollman is truly one of a kind!”
Whether engaging with students in MTSU’s Finance and Insurance Program or planning for the continuity of the Discovery Center for generations to come, community involvement provides Bynum with a greater sense of purpose.
“My experience at MTSU continues to have the most impact on who I’ve become as a professional in the community,” explained Bynum. “Through continued involvement with the Finance and Insurance program and speaking to students in the Jones College of Business, I always enjoy staying engaged and being on campus. Interacting with students, sharing experiences, and encouraging them to find their path is tremendously fulfilling. It is a small gesture of thanks to a place that has given so much me.”
Like many industries, change is the only constant in the Financial Planning and Investment industry. To ensure that she continues to grow and develop as a leader within the industry, it is important for Bynum to engage with other leaders within financial planning.
“At Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., I have had the opportunity to serve on the Practice Management Advisory Council as well as the New Century Council,” noted Bynum. “These groups of leading advisors work together to improve operations that provide the utmost value to clients and advance the future of the financial services industry.”
In 2022, she was recognized nationally as one of InvestmentNews “40 Under 40.”
Favorite Vacation Destination: Rosemary Beach, FL
Favorite Game as a Child: Rook
Favorite Part of the Community: The small-town feel despite the significant growth.
The VIP Murfreesboro's 40 Under 40 selection is based upon submissions website from the general public regarding individual's professional position and community involvement. A panel of editors selects the 40 individuals based upon the information provided through the submission process. This award is not based on investment performance or returns.
