Meet Brian K. SeptMatthews, CFO at B & K ExSeptional Ones Academy.
Tell us a little about your business. – ExSeptional Ones Academy (www.facebook.com/ExSeptionalones), located in Bellevue, is the dream of my wife Keana’s come true. It is a multi-curriculum academy that caters to the educational needs of our children, fostering a love of continued learning. We use Early Learning Guidelines along with Creative Curriculum while instilling the love of Christ in the heart of each child.
How did you get started in the business? – I am an ultimate fan and supporter of my wife.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge at times is learning how to do business with those who don’t play well with others. Also, getting people out of the habit of calling our business a daycare—we are an early childhood learning center.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The ability to face challenges and succeed nonetheless.
Tell us a little about your family. – Keana and I are parents to Mario, Mykiah, Dominique, Jyden, and Brian Jr. Also we have a Shih Tzu named Jazper and English Bulldog named Rajah.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Retiring at 45, which was a goal of mine. I wanted to be able to spend more time with my children as they were growing, and help my wife pursue her vision of owning an academy. I also served in the Marine Corps during the Gulf War.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Go fishing. I love it!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I like to watch cartoons, such as Looney Tunes, The Popeye Show, Tom and Jerry, etc.
Who inspires you? – God and my family.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Keep pushing forward with force.” This is something I tell myself a lot. Another is, “God’s best is yours—look for it, expect it, and walk in it.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Determined.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would love the power to be a blessing to those in need and those who want it.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Singing effortlessly.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Airline pilot.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – My family and I are passionate about helping wherever there is a need.
What is your favorite movie? – Tombstone.
What is your favorite TV show? – Are You Being Served (BBC) and Keeping Up With Appearances (BBC).
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Asian Wok.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Chadwick Boseman, aka the Black Panther.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (531) 365-6805; exseptionalconsultingbiz@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/ExSeptionalones.