My primary role is to conduct seminars and meetings with clients, helping them discover opportunities to enhance their financial well-being. Together, we explore strategies for retirement planning, tax efficiency, and preparing for the unexpected, all with the aim of maximizing financial potential for life and estate purposes. Building relationships with my clients is something I truly enjoy. I love getting to know each family and seeing the positive impact of our work on their lives, watching their families and businesses thrive. Hearing about their successes and how retired clients are enjoying their time with loved ones and their travels brings me immense joy.
My journey into financial planning was deeply personal. After losing my wife to a two-year battle with cancer, I experienced firsthand the consequences of being underinsured and unprepared for life's unexpected events. This loss inspired me to enter the financial planning industry, driven by the motivation to turn my personal pain into a purpose: to help others be prepared and informed, ensuring finances become a strength rather than a burden. My goal is to support families in achieving the best possible life for themselves and those they care about most.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and Human Resources from Colorado Christian University, earned in 2005. In 2017, I obtained my Series 6 and 63 securities licenses, followed by my Series 7 and 65 securities licenses in 2018. Before entering this industry, I had little understanding of financial concepts, such as the difference between stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Today, I excel at explaining these concepts in simple terms, ensuring clients feel informed and respected. We aim to earn our clients' trust through clarity and understanding, rather than blind trust. By explaining each investment and strategy individually and within the bigger picture, we provide a clarity that leads to a sense of assurance uncommon in today's society.
Family is at the core of my life. I have four children: Kaylynne Willis, who is married with a baby and loves her farm; Jamianne (Jae) and Martina, who attend Catawba College and play volleyball; and James, a 8th grader active in football and baseball. Our family is very close-knit, enjoying church, races, festivals, and cookouts together. My extended family includes the players and coaches I work with, having coached soccer, baseball, softball, and football over the years. Currently, I coach the Southlake Christian Academy football team.
I serve and worship at Freedom House Lake Norman in Cornelius. As a member of the Association of Financial Educators, I conduct financial educational seminars for the organization. I am also the founder of Refuse 2 Lose HEART camps, sports camps that focus on teaching sports fundamentals alongside life principles like Honor, Excellence, Attitude, Respect, and Togetherness. I believe our society needs better financial education, and I love encouraging young people to find Christ and become Christ-centered leaders for the world.