THE RETIREMENT SOLUTION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Client Experience Administrator
- Client Experience Manager
Abbey is a native of Woodinville, WA. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology before
moving to Utah, where she currently resides. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of different fields while providing exceptional customer
Adam attended Washington State University where he earned a degree in Operations and Business Management. Subsequent to college, he pursued a 20+ year career in the automotive industry, specifically managing fixed operations for Lexus, Toyota, and Acura before bringing his efficient skillset to TRS.
Born in Portland, Oregon and raised in Redmond, Washington since elementary school, Adam acquired an appreciation for healthy, active living. In fact, this passion led him to ultimately pursue a career in financial services with a goal of helping clients build a solid plan that allows them to settle into a stress-free retirement while maintaining their active lifestyle. Having built friendships with many of the TRS team members, Adam recognized the kindred spirit consistent among TRS teammates, and aimed to join the team upon recognition of earning his Series 65 credentials in 2020.
In his spare time, Adam can be found enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and running, keeping up with his two young adult male children, spending time with his wife of 21+ years, and grilling and smoking meats on the BBQ.
Job Titles:
- Client Experience Manager
Job Titles:
- Client Experience Manager
In his role as Client Experience Manager, Brando is an integral team member who diligently serves TRS' clients by swiftly and accurately accommodate ng client updates and changes. Brando excels in providing timely and effective communication with TRS' clients so that their needs are consistently met and that their experience is memorable.
He thrives in challenging environments and strives to improve processes whenever possible. His tenacious commitment to performance is just one an example of how he is able to focus his energies and shine as a TRS team player.
When Brando is outside of work he enjoys discovering new places with friends- whether it be a unique and trendy restaurant or an unexplored scenic hiking trail. In his down time, he takes pleasure in finding new adventures to share with his energetic Husky, and savors keeping in close touch with friends outside of Washington state.
Job Titles:
- CCO
- Chief Operating Officer
- Vice President
Carin works closely with the TRS team in directing, administering, and coordinating the operational activities of the organization. She is an integral leader in guiding the execution of the firm's strategic plan.
Carin loves helping people. She comes to work every day with one purpose - to ensure that clients can enjoy the things they've dreamed of doing in retirement. Many of TRS' clients have spent years saving and making sacrifices so that they could one day retire. Each day when she hears about the amazing and meaningful things that clients are able to do, and knowing that the TRS team played some part of that, this reinforces her commitment, and for that, she is grateful.
She enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, son, and two energetic pups. She loves hiking, visiting the zoo, and traveling. Since she's had her daughter and son, traveling is typically a little closer to home and is usually spent visiting with Grandparents and family down in Puyallup or in the Tri-Cities area.
Carin received her Bachelor degree from Washington State University.
Carin works closely with the team in directing, administering, and coordinating the operational activities of the organization…
Job Titles:
- Operations and Training Specialist
Christina was raised in San Diego, California, and in 2015 she embraced the challenge of transitioning to the Pacific Northwest to discover new opportunities.
Her hospitality management training built the foundation of her emphasis on customer service and her seamless shift into the role of Operations and Training Specialist at TRS. Christina seeks to be challenged and enjoys the personal accomplishment of finding solutions to complex problems.
Christina is an enthusiastic reader who enjoys discovering cozy coffee shops in which to revel in her latest bestseller on philosophical or historical fiction. She is passionate about writing and aspires to one day have her work published.
Job Titles:
- CFP®, Tax Advisor
- Financial Planner
- Financial Planner and Tax Advisor With
Cindy joined The Retirement Solution in 2008 with a commitment to delivering sound principles of financial management. She offers clients professional counsel in personal finance, investment advisory services, estate planning, and retirement planning.
Cindy grew up in Camas, Washington and holds a BA in Finance from Washington State University. Following graduation, Cindy was accepted into Washington Mutual's two year management training program where she spent 12 years in various financial roles. In addition to raising her three bustling children, Cindy was active in the Bellevue School District for multiple years as PTSA President, Treasurer, and Auction Chair, earning Volunteer of the Year and the Golden Acorn Award, which is awarded for outstanding service to youth in the community. Additionally, Cindy was awarded the Interlake High School Booster Award.
Clarissa has a love of investments and a passion for helping others. She received her BS in Business Management from De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines before beginning her work in the financial industry. Her financial expertise and service-oriented nature have made her an invaluable asset to the TRS team. Clarissa is dedicated to serving her clients by being a trusted resource who can provide peace of mind by supporting them throughout various market environments.
Clarissa's passion for travel has taken her to destinations in the US, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. She loves experiencing different cultures, learning their history, and enjoying local cuisine while meeting people of various nationalities. Outside of work and travel, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and her dog,
Born and raised in Seattle, Clint is proud to call the Pacific Northwest his home! Clint graduated from Central Washington University and eventually found himself in the financial industry, where he gained valuable experience working for firms like Edward Jones and Merrill Lynch…
Dan leads our TRS marketing team with energy and enthusiasm. Dan earned his undergraduate degree in painting before venturing into marketing, design, video, and events. He has honed his impressive digital marketing expertise through his experience working for such brands as T Mobile, DSW, and LinkedIn. As Dan looks forward to this chapter with TRS, he is eager to apply his knowledge and expand our TRS client base in strategic ways. Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his two sons, who keep him plenty busy! You can also find him painting, hiking, camping, paddle boarding, playing pool, skiing, axe throwing, and venturing out on road trips.
Originally from Santiago, Chile, David comes to the TRS team with a unique background in science, chemistry, and engineering. Ultimately, David discovered that he had a passion for finance and economics, which lead him to pursue a degree in Finance and Economics from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Throughout his career, David has developed valuable skills in problem-solving and income planning. He loves using his analytical abilities to solve complex financial puzzles for his clients. When he's not in the office, David loves spending time with his loving wife and three children, traveling and exploring new destinations. He particularly enjoys traveling to his wife's home country of Vietnam. He enjoys staying active by going on hikes, riding his bicycle with his children, and collecting vintage Nintendo collectibles.
As David looks to the future, he is committed to pursuing the prestigious Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, and eventually an MBA as well.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Bookkeeper
- Administrative Assistant at TRS
As the bookkeeper/administrative assistant at TRS, Elaine makes sure the financial data for the company is up to date and that the client portal is optimized. She will be the one in the office that will be playing with her calculator.
Her drive is to see the company thrive and clients smile. It's exciting for her to be part of a team that encourages each other to succeed.
Elaine loves to read and create art with a needle and thread. She is a native Californian and enjoys getting to know Washington and the beautiful surrounding areas.
As the bookkeeper at TRS, Elaine makes sure the financial data for the company is up to date. She will be the one in the office…
Ernest Ackerman was the first person to receive a Social Security benefit. In March 1937, the Cleveland streetcar motorman received a one-time, lump-sum payment of 17 . Ackerman worked one day under Social Security. He earned $5 for the day and paid a nickel in payroll taxes. His lump-sum payout was equal to 3.5% of his wages. 4
Job Titles:
- Client Experience Manager
Hailey's role as Client Experience Manager is to ensure new clients experience a smooth and enjoyable onboarding experience. She utilizes her strong attention to detail to support the planner and associate planner in the preparation of paperwork to help facilitate a seamless and accurate transition for new clients.
After graduating from Central Washington University with a bachelors in Professional and Creative Writing, Hailey helped manage a small chiropractic office where she was able to hone customer service and leadership skills. In 2019, she joined TRS and brought strong communication skills, a detail-oriented nature, and a collaborative mindset to her new role to help create an enhanced client experience.
When not working, Hailey enjoys cozying up with her dog and a good book, camping, cooking new and exciting meals, and writing in her spare time.
Job Titles:
- HR Assistant
- Human Resources Assistant
Hayley is a driven and ambitious team member with a passion for business administration and a love of nature.
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Hayley's interest in business administration started when she was just twelve years old. Her career journey has given her experience working in law, working for British Gas, and volunteering in a program to educate the elderly about computers. Though she has had a few detours along the way, Hayley has always found her way back to administrative work. She loves being a part of the TRS team and learning something new each and every day.
Hayley believes in living a balanced life, both professionally and personally. Her love for nature inspired her to move to Washington, where she can find balance in the beautiful natural surroundings while also achieving her corporate goals.
Hayley is recently married and enjoys playing volleyball, running, cycling, surfing, and occasionally partaking in a triathlon or duathlon race.
Jared attended Brigham Young University - Idaho, where he earned his degree in Finance. He has continued to further his education with his current enrollment at Utah Valley University, pursuing a master's degree in Financial Planning and Analytics. He was introduced to TRS as an intern during his first year at BYU-Idaho and wanted once again to be a part of the team after graduation. He is excited for this step in his journey and looks forward to helping others achieve their goals as they transition to retirement.
Raised in Pasco, Washington, Jared was able to gain experience in a wide range of occupations. He spent his summers working on a hay farm during high school and college, developing his affinity for hard work. After college, he found himself at a venture capital firm focusing on raising money for startup companies in Utah and across the country.
Outside of the office, Jared enjoys spending time with his wife as they share a love for traveling and skiing. One of his life goals is to combine his two most significant interests and ski on every continent. If you enjoy skiing, he highly recommends Jackson Hole and Targhee, Wyoming.
Job Titles:
- Client Experience Manager
Jared is committed to providing a high level of service to our clients and takes pride in his role in helping them secure their futures. He comes to TRS with a background in web development, recruiting, and customer service. He and his wife moved to Seattle recently and spend much of their free time exploring the Pacific Northwest. A die-hard Green Bay Packers and Liverpool FC fan, you can find Jared cheering for his favorite teams or playing golf when he's not working at TRS.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Founder
- CEO & Financial Planner
- CEO of the Retirement Solution Inc
- Certified Financial Planner
Jim Black is the CEO of The Retirement Solution Inc. and has over 28 years of experience in planning, investment and insurance services. He holds a BS in International Finance from Brigham Young University, as well as an MBA from Willamette University.
Jim is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). This prestigious accreditation is granted only to those choosing to meet rigorous education, examination and experience requirements and abide by the CFP Board's Standards of Professional conduct. Simply put, Jim has formally agreed to consistently offer the highest level of care and always place his clients' interests first. The CFP® designation not only represents Jim's professional standing, but also his personal philosophy.
Jim authored his book, Happily Ever After, to help retirees avoid common financial pitfalls and get the most out of their lives and their money.
Jim's responsibilities include all aspects of financial and tax strategy planning. Jim has over 28 years of experience in the financial planning industry and now devotes his efforts to the distribution planning arena…
Founder Jim Black has always believed that to genuinely help people, you need to know who they are, listen to them, and care about their well-being. Through our financial discovery and in-depth relationship process, we believe our clients' experience will be enhanced. At The Retirement Solution, no two financial plans are ever the same. We tailor every aspect of our support to clients' individual needs and pursue the unique retirement lifestyles they imagine.
Founder and CEO Jim Black formed our practice in 2007 because he knew there was a better way to help people manage and protect their money in retirement. While many advisors focus on pushing products with boilerplate service, Jim believes that everyone deserves the same caring support that he'd provide his own family.
formed our practice in 2007 because he knew there was a better way to help people manage and protect their money in retirement. While many advisors focus on pushing products with boilerplate service, Jim believes that everyone deserves the same caring support that he'd provide his own family.
Since every person and each family has unique hopes and dreams, Jim believes they should be guided by a written financial plan completely customized to their specific goals. His clients deserve to know their true financial standing at all times and receive service built to support their specific retirement goals and reflect our commitment to serve. He founded The Retirement Solution to become the dependable resource that people could turn to for creating - and fulfilling - their desired futures with truly personalized support.
Katie is a former nuclear engineer who uses her math and engineering mind to help maintain our system. This helps our team manage our clients plans seamlessly. A native of Seattle, Katie recently moved to Denver with her husband and daughter. When she's not at work, you can find her hiking, knitting, or binge-watching crime shows.
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Hailing from Vancouver, Washington, Kristen grew up with a focus on family and a love for the outdoors. After spending her early years in the Pacific Northwest, she traveled South to Utah to develop her talents at Brigham Young University. Following her adventure in education, she worked at a denture lab and strived to work for a company where she could learn new skills and genuinely enjoy the people she works with. Fortunately for us, she decided to join TRS and contribute to the team as a Senior Administrative Assistant.
Outside of the office, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and their five children, two boys at home and three others in college. Looking towards the future, she wants to continue to be active, enjoy sporting events, travel, and one day become exceptional grandparents.
Kyle grew up on a hazelnut farm in Woodburn, Oregon, where he gained a love for the Pacific Northwest and hard work. After graduating high school, Kyle attended Utah Valley University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning from one of the top 10 Financial Planning programs in America*.
In March of 2018, Kyle passed the Certified Financial Planning exam (CFP®) and became a registered CFP ® in June of 2019.
As a part of The Retirement Planning family, Kyle is grateful to pursue his love of helping people envision the wealth of possibilities available in retirement. In his role with The Retirement Solution, he acts as a fiduciary and diligently practices the fundamental importance of putting his client's interest ahead of h is own. When Kyle is not working, he loves spending time with his wife, daughter and son. Some of Kyle's hobbies include smoking meat on his Traeger grill, exploring local farmers' markets, watching college football, rooting for the Oregon Ducks, and enjoying the beauty of the Northwest.
Matt was born and raised in the great state of Texas and received his Bachelor of Science from The University of Texas in Austin, majoring in Communications with a Business Minor. Before transitioning to Finance in 2015, Matt spent seven years in Hospitality and Business Management. His previous experience has allowed him to bring a more personalized level of care and service to his clients.
Matt focuses on one goal in his work - to give clients a sense of confidence by managing their life savings with the utmost care and integrity. For as long as he can remember, he has been passionate about helping others make wise financial choices. To this day, he finds his work both fun and meaningful.
Matt is also involved with charities that aid disadvantaged youth and that support the arts and education. When he is not working, Matt enjoys time with his wife and daughters, first and foremost. Matt's other hobbies include reading, exploring the outdoors, culinary tours, and of course, watching Texas football.
Matt was born and raised in the great state of Texas and received his Bachelors from The University of Texas at Austin, focusing his studies on communications and business. Before transitioning to finance, Matt spent seven years in Hospitality and Business Management. His previous experience has allowed him to bring a more personalized level of care and service to his clients…
Job Titles:
- Client Success Specialist
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Nancy experienced a unique upbringing in Europe, where she lived in five different countries before she was eight years old. Much of her childhood was spent in Henley on Thames, England…
Job Titles:
- Director of Administration
Rachel oversees internal office operations, manages all HR functions, and assists Jim in forecasting the company strategy. She really enjoys working with people…
Job Titles:
- Client Experience Administrator
Renee began her professional career as a legal assistant and transitioned to the finance industry in 2008 as an…
Renee began her professional career as a legal assistant and transitioned to the finance industry in 2007 as an Operations Administrator for a Financial Advisor in Des Moines, WA.
Joining TRS in 2018, she brought her passion for helping people and attention to detail to her role as Client Servicing Administrator where she assists new clients through the systematic series of onboarding procedures. By working collaboratively with the planner and associate planner, she is instrumental in preparing timely and accurate administrative documents that allow a uniform, consistent, and positive client experience.
Renee is a native of Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in American Ethnic Studies. She remains active in her local alumni chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority where she presides as the Rhoer Club Advisor. Residing in Federal Way with her daughter Kiel, when outside of the office she enjoys community service, reading, traveling, family time, and shopping.
Job Titles:
- Client Experience Manager
Sean is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina. He landed in Seattle to explore the many opportunities that this city has to offer. Sean has a background is hospitality which gives him a very diverse background in working with people, navigating difficult situations and providing
Job Titles:
- Client Manager
- Financial Planner
Shane Perry received his Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning and Advising from Purdue University. In addition, he studied Economics with emphasis on investment mathematics, accounting, estate planning, statistics, and tax law.
At the beginning of 2014, Shane joined The Retirement Solution as a Client Manager with the motivation and commitment to represent a client's needs above all else. In 2019, Shane changed his title to Associate Planner. Seeking to build on his passion to further help people transition smoothly into retirement with the knowledge and confidence of a solid income plan, Shane was promoted to Financial Planner status in June 2020. Building strong relationships and watching his clients achieve and sustain their retirement hopes and dreams is what inspires Shane's work to thrive every day.
Shane has been an active Rotarian of Rotary International since 2009. From 2009 until 2014, Shane was Treasurer and held a board position on his Rotary Club in Arizona. Shane also maintains an active board position for the Rotary eClub One and is the Chair for the Finance Advisory Committee.
Shane and his wife, Dr. Hillary Perry, live in Redmond, Washington. They maintain active roles in their church, Saint Jude's Roman Catholic Church, where they both spearhead various out-reach programs. They also enjoy exploring and hiking throughout the PNW when they are not visiting family in the mid-west and Arizona.
Job Titles:
- President & Financial Planner
As a Financial Planner, Tom has a thorough understanding of the complex issues that must be addressed when preparing a…
Travis was raised in Redmond, Washington where he continues to reside. Subsequent to high school, he earned a degree in Business Administration at the University of Washington, graduating with a minor in Policy Studies and prestigious Cum Laude honors.
In 2015, he began his financial career at Bank of America, first as a Relationship Manager in Sammamish before his promotion to Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch in Bellevue. In both roles, Travis enjoyed assisting clients in their pursuit of their goals, while educating them on options and strategic financial solutions that would enhance their ability to achieve their dreams. His passion to work with clients in the realization of their retirement dreams, both holistically and dynamically, is what ultimately spurred the transition to TRS in November of 2019.
Outside of the office, Travis can be found volunteering with his local Kiwanis group, reading novels, enjoying his two energetic dogs, and either discovering the newest restaurant trend or creating a memorable new recipe with his family.
Wesley attended the University of California, Davis, where he earned two degrees, including Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, alongside Viticulture and Enology. Following his graduation, he went directly into the lab, working on everything from…