Boesen is a 'Rising Star' at Smith Barney. (Up & Comer)

Business Record (Des Moines), February, 2003 by Bryan Boesen

When Bryan Boesen attended the University of Iowa, he studied information systems and marketing. Information systems require analytical thought, and marketing requires a more subjective mindset. Boesen says working in finance has allowed him to use both sides of his brain, giving him the best of both worlds.

"When I graduated, it seemed like the natural thing was to move to Chicago," he said. Most of his classmates seemed to gravitate toward the city, but when Boesen considered working for information technology firms in Chicago, he had second thoughts.

"I didn't know if I wanted to do that," Boesen said. "Growing up with the family floral business meant working with people. I thought I would miss that."

He took a step back and began to think about...