RETIREMENT PLANNING - Key Persons
Cael Crispin, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Iowa, is carving his path in the financial world. With a background in customer-facing roles and a newfound interest in the stock market, Cael felt the financial servicing industry beckoning him. His quest led him to search for a company that not only shared his passions but also prioritized the well-being of both its employees and clients.
Chris Bouffard is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. As the Chief Investment Officer at The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG), located in Leawood, Kansas, Chris is deeply passionate about helping advisors guide clients toward their retirement goals and financial objectives.
In his role, Chris oversees all aspects of the firm's investment operations, including investment policy, asset allocation, investment due diligence, portfolio construction, and risk management. Collaborating closely with TRPG's financial planners and advisors, he ensures that the investment advice and solutions offered align seamlessly with clients' unique goals, needs, and risk tolerances.
Before joining TRPG, Chris held senior leadership positions at other prominent wealth management firms, including Prime Capital Investment Advisors and Edelman Financial Engines. Chris's extensive career also includes 13 years at American Century Investments, where he built and led portfolio research and investment decision support teams. Working closely with investment and distribution teams, he provided critical functions such as performance attribution, risk decomposition, quantitative analysis, competitive analysis, and investment analytics support. Additionally, Chris directed and managed closed-end fund research and products at Lipper, now part of Refinitiv.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Chris's passion for investing extends to sharing his insights and perspectives on market and economic trends with advisors, clients, the financial media, and the broader community. He embraces a lifelong learning mindset and consistently seeks opportunities to enhance his skills and knowledge.
Elysha Comer, CPA, began her accounting career in Enid, Oklahoma, where she worked at a large public accounting firm in the accounting outsourcing department. She then transitioned to the tax department for the same company for one tax season. After that, she moved to Kansas City and started as a tax associate at a small public firm in downtown KC. There she spent the next four years gaining experience and furthering her tax knowledge before joining The Retirement Planning Group in the fall of 2021.
Elysha did not initially start in the accounting world after college. She graduated with a Marketing degree and began her first big-girl job at Sherwin Williams, covering the Earth as an assistant store manager and then as an outside sales rep covering properties along the beach in Jupiter, FL. Becoming unhappy with that job, she decided to travel for work instead, which took her to a health food franchise. She traveled all over the country, showing franchisees how to properly market and cold call for new accounts to place their product. With this job, she realized how burnt out she was with constant cold calling and rejection of sales. She knew she was in the wrong place and needed to figure out her next move. She decided to pursue a career in accounting because it's what her mother does, and she knew Elysha would be interested in the puzzle of a tax return. Thankfully, Elysha's mother was right! She is happy to have found a career that allows her to make a more significant impact on clients' financial decisions. At TRPG, Elysha enjoys helping others by working with her teammates on the wealth management side. It allows more minds to come together, provides more clarity brought to varying situations, and enables more creative approaches to decision-making.
Elysha has been happily married to her husband of 6 years, Jason. They have two children, Norah and Jack, and a grouchy, fat cat named Piper. Elysha loves doing anything with her family, playing sports (retired softball player!), camping, swimming, reading books, and trying new recipes.
Kael Stoaks is a dedicated and experienced professional serving as an Investment Associate at The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG). With a strong educational background, Kael earned a degree in Economics and Political Science from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
After gaining valuable experience at a technology start-up, Kael made a strategic decision to leverage his Economics education and pursue a career in finance. Motivated by a genuine desire to assist his loved ones in effectively planning for retirement and achieving their future aspirations, he joined a prominent Broker-Dealer. Throughout his three-year tenure there, Kael recognized the potential to have a more significant impact by transitioning to a smaller Independent Advisor firm. It was this realization that led him to The Retirement Planning Group, where he has proudly served for nearly three years.
Kael's commitment to providing exceptional service extends beyond his professional endeavors. He is happily married and shares a passion for exploring new coffee shops both in the Kansas City area and during their travels. Additionally, Kael and his wife cherish their annual hiking trips, embracing the beauty of nature and the outdoors. Their furry companions, Marmalade and Rhone, complete their loving household.
Lexie Barling's journey in the financial industry began during her high school years when she took on the role of a teller at a credit union, which happened to be managed by her father. This early experience provided her with a firsthand understanding of the importance of saving and managing finances. After completing her college education, Lexie embarked on a fruitful professional path at American Century, where she thrived for several years.
However, as life unfolded, Lexie made the decision to prioritize her role as a stay-at-home mom, reveling in the joy and chaos of raising a growing family. This period holds a special place in her heart, as it allowed her to create lasting memories with her loved ones.
As time passed, an opportunity to reenter the workforce presented itself during a neighborhood gathering. Intrigued by an advisory firm that had an open position, Lexie felt compelled to explore this new chapter in her career. Engaging with clients and addressing their needs, even if it involved copious amounts of paperwork, brought her immense satisfaction. With each passing challenge, Lexie continued to grow both personally and professionally.
In the fall of 2019, Lexie joined The Retirement Planning Group, assuming the crucial role of Chief Compliance Officer. In this capacity, she ensures that the organization adheres to regulatory requirements and upholds the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
Lexie hails from central Kansas and shares her life with her husband, Brian. Together, they have been blessed with four grown children, three sons-in-law, and three adorably spirited grandsons. The weekends hold a special place in Lexie's heart, as she cherishes the moments spent with her beloved family.
Luke Crowther was always fascinated by accounting, even from a young age. His paternal grandfather had worked in public accounting for years before retiring and having a second career at the IRS. He passed his passion for accounting to his sons, and Luke was no exception. This led him to specialize in tax accounting, with a burning desire to help people navigate the complex world of taxation.
Luke's career began at a large public accounting firm, where he gained considerable experience working with closely held businesses and their owners. From there, he worked at a few startups before landing at The Retirement Planning Group. At TRPG, Luke has been entrusted with leading the tax team. His expertise and leadership skills have been instrumental in helping clients navigate the ever-changing tax landscape.
When Luke isn't working, he values spending quality time with his family. He enjoys going on trips with his wife, Mandi, and their two daughters, attending their volleyball and soccer games or playing a round of golf with his youngest daughter. In his free time, he also likes exploring different cocktail places and tinkering with mechanical projects. These activities provide him with a creative outlet and a sense of fulfillment.
Luke's passion for accounting is contagious, and his commitment to helping others navigate the complexities of taxation is admirable. His experience has made him a valuable asset to the TRPG team, and he continues to inspire those around him.
Kevin Jaegers, a Midwest native, has dedicated his career to serving the Kansas City area. After graduating with a degree in insurance and risk management from Missouri State, he embarked on a professional journey that propelled him into the realm of financial advisory.
Kevin's early experiences at a 401k call center, where he provided education and assistance to plan participants, shed light on a prevalent need among Americans-financial guidance. Recognizing the knowledge gap in investment strategies and where to seek help, Kevin seized the opportunity to offer valuable advice at a small RIA firm specializing in 401k investments.
His commitment to excellence led him to join The Mutual Fund Store (later acquired by Financial Engines) in 2013 as an investment research analyst. Equipped with the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst designation, which he obtained the year prior, Kevin's role focused on investment due diligence and portfolio construction. In 2016, he transitioned to The Retirement Planning Group, assuming the position of Chief Investment Officer and co-advisor for numerous client households.
As the firm experienced substantial growth and expanded its team, Kevin transitioned into the role of Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, he tirelessly works to develop a robust infrastructure that supports both clients and employees. His overarching objective is to establish The Retirement Planning Group as the epitome of user-friendly accessibility and a highly sought-after workplace.
With a career spanning over a decade in the financial services industry, Mike Russell brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his role. His journey commenced in 2009, following a deployment in Iraq the previous year. Mike's initial foray involved answering phone calls for multiple mutual fund companies, allowing him to gain valuable insights into the industry's intricacies.
Driven by a desire to further his knowledge, Mike transitioned into a role in trading, eventually assuming the position of Investment Manager at The Retirement Planning Group. In this capacity, he bears the responsibility of executing client trades, meticulously ensuring their financial objectives are met. His commitment to professional growth led him to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in 2019, solidifying his knowledge in comprehensive financial planning.
Mike's passion for helping others navigate their financial journeys stems from his personal experiences. Growing up with limited means and witnessing the financial challenges faced by his fellow servicemembers, he realized the transformative impact of sound financial guidance. It became evident that his calling was to assist individuals in achieving their financial goals.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mike thrives on an active lifestyle. Whether snowboarding down slopes or dedicating time to the gym, he embraces opportunities for physical fitness and personal growth. Additionally, Mike prioritizes quality time with his two daughters, fostering their connection with nature and enjoying the occasional video game together. Ever the lifelong learner, he seizes moments to explore new technologies and expand his computer programming skills when time permits.
Armed with a Business Degree and the love and support of his cherished wife, Reed Hersma embarked on a quest to find a career that would provide both personal fulfillment and professional challenges. With no specific industry calling to guide him, he sought a position that aligned with his standards of working alongside exceptional individuals in a principled firm. Although Financial Services had not initially crossed his mind, Reed had always held a deep appreciation for business and operational efficiency.
After months of diligent research, numerous interviews with non-profit organizations and government entities, and a temporary job to sustain him in the meantime, a fortuitous encounter with a family friend changed the course of Reed's journey. The Retirement Planning Group presented an opportunity as an Operations Specialist, offering him the chance to develop and implement technological solutions that enhance internal processes, collaborate with diverse departments to achieve firm-wide goals, and ultimately contribute to the financial well-being of the thousands of valued clients served by TRPG.
The decision to join The Retirement Planning Group was an obvious one, and Reed quickly immersed himself in the world of Financial Services, particularly appreciating the distinctive approach adopted by TRPG. He found immense joy in optimizing work efficiency, exploring innovative project ideas, and earning his professional license as an Investment Advisor Representative. While his professional life is a dream come true, Reed's personal life holds an even greater significance. Quality time spent with his loving wife and their one-year-old son takes precedence, creating treasured memories and fostering a nurturing home environment. In his leisure moments, Reed indulges in the art of roasting coffee and delights in watching baseball, a passion that stirs his soul.
Furthermore, Reed and his wife actively engage with Young Life, devoting their time to mentoring and discipling high school students in Lawrence, KS. This altruistic commitment to shaping the lives of young individuals reflects Reed's innate desire to make a positive impact in his community.
Meredith Dickinson began her accounting experience during her junior year of college when she interned at a local CPA firm. She has not missed a tax season since. The first firm was tiny, with fewer than ten people working there. Everything was done by hand, with only two computers in the office. After finishing her degree at Rockhurst, Meredith went on to get her master's at KU. As part of the program, she was required to work at a CPA firm, and at that time, she got a job with a large firm in downtown Kansas City. The culture was much different, and she soon realized that the big firm was not for her.
Meredith's first real job was at a local firm with about 25 employees, where she got to have more interactions with the clients. Getting to know the clients on a personal level made her job more enjoyable, not to mention it made her a better advisor. Meredith believes that educating the clients on their tax situation is an important aspect of the tax prep and planning experience and the service that she provides. She also works with the younger staff at the office to educate them on the current tax rules and the progression of those rules.
When Meredith's children were growing up, she was active in their activities. Everything from scouts, music, theater, and so many different sports. Usually, she ended up as the treasurer or scorekeeper, since she likes numbers. She was a scout leader for many years. First as a Cub Scout leader, then Girl Scouts, and finally American Heritage Girl Leader. The one common theme for her was to make sure that the kids were safe, learning things, and having fun.
Meredith's children are both in college now. Her son, Tyler, is a senior at KSU studying accounting. During the past tax season, he worked at a CPA firm. As he says, "Accounting is in his blood." Her daughter, Lauren, will start at Pitt State in the fall. She plans to major in biology with the hopes of becoming a doctor. She wants nothing to do with taxes, except when she files her own return. Meredith's husband, Mark, is also a CPA. He mainly does audit work and tries to avoid taxes as much as possible. Now you see why Tyler says, "Accounting is in his blood."