Leading Through Service: AddRan Alumnus Earns Forbes Recognition in Financial Advising

From serving as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army to earning recognition as one of Texas' next-generation wealth advisors, Michael Speanburg ’16 has built a career shaped by leadership, meaningful relationships and a commitment to serving others.

The AddRan College of Liberal Arts alumnus was recently named to the Forbes 2026 Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors list for Texas, a milestone he credits in part to the foundation he built studying economics at TCU.

“Being named to the list was a meaningful moment for my team, my biggest supporters, and my clients,” Speanburg said. “More than anything, it felt like confirmation that we are moving in the right direction and continuing to improve how we serve the people who trust us with some of life's most important financial decisions.”

The recognition also offered an opportunity to reflect on the challenges, experiences and people who helped him along the way.

“AddRan offered the balance of academic rigor, leadership development and personal growth that I was looking for in a college experience.” - Michael Speanburg ’16

Building a Foundation in AddRan

Speanburg's interest in economics began long before college. Fascinated by how markets operate and how individual decisions influence the world, he saw economics as a way to better understand the relationships between people, businesses and markets.

AddRan offered Speanburg the opportunity to explore his academic interests while participating in Army ROTC, combining his passion for economics with leadership development. He later served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

“AddRan offered the balance of academic rigor, leadership development and personal growth that I was looking for in a college experience,” he said.

While his economics courses provided a foundation for understanding financial systems, Speanburg credits the department's writing emphasis courses with developing one of the most important skills he uses today: communicating complex information clearly.

“Learning how to take a complex concept, synthesize it and communicate it in a concise and actionable way is a skill that has helped me tremendously throughout my career,” Speanburg said. “The ability to communicate difficult ideas clearly is just as important as understanding the ideas themselves, and those courses helped me develop a skill set that I continue to rely on every day.”

His liberal arts education also strengthened his critical thinking, work ethic and ability to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Those skills have proven valuable in a profession where understanding people's needs is just as important as understanding financial markets.

Finding Success Through Service

Throughout his career at Edward Jones, Speanburg has learned that professional success extends beyond technical expertise.

“Some of the biggest lessons I've learned have been the importance of listening, asking great questions, being patient and giving out the same energy that you hope to receive in return,” Speanburg noted. “Over time, I've realized that success is often less about having all the answers and more about understanding people, building meaningful relationships and consistently showing up with a willingness to learn and grow.”

His commitment to helping others was also recognized in 2025 when he received the Edward Jones Spirit of Caring Award, a peer-recognized honor celebrating service to clients, colleagues and the community.

Speanburg considers the award one of his proudest accomplishments because it reflects the difference he can make in the lives of others.

“The award is especially meaningful because it reflects the impact we have on others rather than business results alone,” he said. “It serves as a reminder that helping people succeed, supporting those around us, and making a positive difference in our communities are some of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.”

Giving Back to Future Horned Frogs

Looking back on his journey, Speanburg encourages current AddRan students interested in finance to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. He recommends seeking internships, connecting with industry professionals and finding mentors who can offer guidance and perspective.

“Seek out mentors, ask questions, stay curious and gain real-world experience as early as possible,” Speanburg said. “The combination of education, relationships and practical experience will give you a tremendous advantage.”

Ten years after graduating, Speanburg hopes to give back to the college that helped shape his path, whether through mentoring, speaking engagements or sharing his professional experiences.

“TCU played an important role in my development, and I welcome the opportunity to give back to future generations of Horned Frogs,” he said.