Photo by ELIZABETH A. MUNDSCHENK Bradley M. Kowalczyk, President, Alan R. Leist Planning Group. Portrait made on the 4th floor of Mill #3 in New York Mills.

By BILL FARRELL
Observer-Dispatch

Brad Kowalczyk has lived and worked in Manhattan, San Diego and Washington, D.C., and enjoyed them all.

When his first child was born, he was living in Washington and it was “decision time.” Should he go to work for a big law firm there or come back home to Utica and the family law firm?

He chose the latter, and he’s never been sorry even though he didn’t remain with the family firm. About four years ago he “got solicited away” to run a financial-planning firm. He’s president of Alan R. Leist Planning Group Inc. on Genesee Street.

Kowalczyk’s ties to the community run deep. The Kowalczyk name is seen and known throughout the area as one of dedication and commitment. In that regard, he always has been willing to roll up his sleeves and get involved — whether it be on professional or community boards or participating in children’s sports.

“The area needs people who are willing to give more than they expect in return,” said Alan R. Leist, who nominated Kowalczyk for an Accent on Excellence award.

“Some don’t expect anything in return and continue to support, be involved, advise and enjoy it. One of these is Brad,” he said.

What Kowalczyk especially enjoys is the time spent with his children. He has three, ages 5, 7 and 9. He spent part of a recent day with his 5-year-old during her first day at kindergarten and said he had a ball.

In times past, he’s coached his oldest daughter in soccer, and soon he’ll be involved in his son’s football.

He identifies with children — not only his but others as well, and his job allows him to adjust his schedule so he can be with his kids.

For instance, he tries to have lunch at school with his son and his friends twice a semester.

“It’s great,” he said. “I know 90 percent of the kids anyway. They’re all talking past each other. I’ll high-five them and we’ll bump each other’s chests.

“They say I’m cool. When they’re 11, I might not be as cool, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

But it’s not just about getting along with his children and their friends. In sports, his philosophy is truly about the enjoyment of the game, not who wins or loses. And his focus is on building a team.

When it comes to serving on nonprofit boards, Kowalczyk tries to vary them and he never serves on more than four at a time.

“I don’t think you can serve effectively on more than that,” he said.

The four he’s on now are: Central New York Community Arts Council, House of the Good Shepherd, Boilermaker Road Race Inc. and Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

“This is a great community for giving back. I love the fact that in this community you feel that you can make a difference. You don’t always feel that way in a big city,” he said.

Kowalczyk is “the type of leader this community cannot get enough of,” Leist said. “We are fortunate to have him.”