ATHLON ADVISORS - Key Persons
Christopher Schipske, CPA, CFP® is a SmartVestor Pro and an Endorsed Local Provider for Tax Services by Dave Ramsey. In order to ensure quality service, Ramsey Solutions has established a detailed Code of Conduct that all SmartVestor Pros must agree with and adhere to. Chris and the team at Athlon share Dave's philosophy of methodically reducing debt, saving money, and investing wisely. Chris was selected by Ramsey Solutions following a strict vetting process and is held to high standard of excellence, which is monitored through ongoing screenings and client satisfaction reviews. As an Endorsed Local Provider by Dave Ramsey, Chris and the tax team are trusted tax preparers that abide by smart money philosophies. Athlon Advisors prioritizes excellent customer service and advice consistent with Dave Ramsey's approach to money.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Athlon Wealth Advisors & Wealth Advisor
Christopher came to Athlon Advisors in 2012. As an independent financial advisor, Christopher works with individuals, couples and families throughout the country. He also administers the areas of investment research for the company and truly enjoys it! Christopher describes the best part of his job as knowing that his clients are headed toward meeting their goals thanks to the Athlon Advisors team.
Christopher graduated from Towson University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He currently holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses, along with state Life & Health Insurance licensed. When he's not working, Christopher spends his free time trying new restaurants, socializing with friends and family, and rooting for the Ravens and Orioles. He's enjoyed his travels to the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, to be followed by the ambitious goal of visiting every major league baseball stadium.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor / Client Services
Colt came to Athlon Advisors in 2019. As an independent financial advisor, Colt works with individual clients as well as small businesses. He also administers the area of client services for all clients in the company. Colt describes the best part of his job as having the opportunity to interact with and help people in the community, whether it is new clients coming in the door or clients that have been with Athlon Advisors for years. Because of his "hybrid" role, Colt is able to help so many clients on a day-to-day basis, which he states is the whole reason he got into this business in the first place.
Colt graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a bachelor's degree in financial economics. He currently holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses, and is state Life & Health Insurance licensed. When he is not working, Colt spends his free time staying active through fitness as well as meditation practice. He also enjoys reading and will watch any type of sporting event. One thing on his bucket list is to go to an opposing team's stadium for a Ravens game. Colt has been a Baltimore Ravens fan all of his life, regularly attending Ravens games since 2003, yet has never gone to another football stadium besides M&T Bank stadium and would welcome the opportunity to travel in support of his favorite team!
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate
Courtney recently joined us in March 2022.
She is our newest member to the Service team, and will be a great addition to our office with her outgoing personality and rapport. Her main focus will be preparing reviews for advisors.
Courtney was born and raised in Irving, Texas with her four brothers and one sister. After graduating from MacArthur High School in 2004, she began her career in 9-1-1 emergency dispatch with the Irving Police Department. She longed for a change of scenery and mountain air, so she moved to Provo, Utah in 2011 where she dispatched for the Provo Police Department. Four months after the birth of her daughter in 2018, she decided to move back to Texas to be closer to family.
Courtney lives in Northlake, Texas with her three-year old daughter. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys how often they get together for family BBQ's and potlucks on Sunday's after church. She has six nephews and four nieces. Courtney loves that she gets to raise her daughter so close to her family.
In her spare time, Courtney enjoys baking, reading mystery novels, taking her daughter to the park and the library, and watching true crime documentaries and history pieces with her mom. She is a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Client Services Associate Courtney recently joined us in March 2022. She is our newest member to the Service team, and will be a great addition to our office with her outgoing personality and rapport. Her main focus will be preparing reviews for advisors. Courtney was born and raised in Irving, Texas with her four
Dawn joined the Athlon Advisors team in 2012. As Director of Operations, she has a hand in many aspects of the business. There isn't a part that she isn't involved with. Her easy-going personality makes a big difference in the Athlon experience. Her prior background in direct client assistance at Nordstrom helps her to listen intently and then quickly understand a client's or employee's needs.
She's amazing outside of the office as well. She has given countless hours of volunteer work with the local Little League, Girls Athletic Association, and Parent Teacher Association. She holds an affection for shoes, particularly heels! She imagines her future self as riding her own Harley Davidson and spending time on an island beach resort. For now, she travels to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, each year for some beach time with her family. And don't forget her dog, Sudzy!
Director of Operations Dawn joined the Athlon Advisors team in 2012. As Director of Operations, she has a hand in many aspects of the business. There isn't a part that she isn't involved with. Her easy-going personality makes a big difference in the Athlon experience. Her prior background in direct client assistance at
Doug joined us in October 2010 for an internship and has been full time since 2011 as a Registered Assistant. Doug has his Bachelor's in Financial Services from University of North Texas. He has acquired the licenses necessary to be a financial representative, but has chosen to do the tech support for our offices.
Doug served in the active Air Force for 5 years, and volunteered as a children's minister for 3.5 years. Aside from work and college, he is currently very involved in serving at the local Church of Christ where he leads a Men's Prayer Breakfast, Adult Bible Teaching, Youth Devotionals, and a number of other exciting events. He looks forward to being involved in other community service programs as well.
He is originally from Boise, Idaho, but after much travel and meeting his lovely wife Sara, moved to Whitesboro, Texas in 2008 where they have decided to stay. Doug and his wife currently have a family of seven. Doug enjoys the outdoors, gardening, spending quality time with family, and will eventually take time to do some hunting and fishing; something that he has aspired to do for a long time.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate
Grace recently joined the Athlon Advisors at the beginning of 2022. She administers the area of client services for all clients in the State College branch. Her prior background in the hospitality industry alludes to her motivation to assist clients. Grace is looking forward to learning new skills, helping people, and making a significant contribution to the team.
Grace graduated from The Pennsylvania State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. She dreams of being an event planner one day, more specifically a wedding planner. She is excited to incorporate her love of events into the customer service side of the financial planning industry. When she is not working, Grace loves spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Milo. She also enjoys spending time outside, either kayaking, fishing, hunting, going on walks, or simply relaxing. Her absolute favorite thing is to sit outside on a warm summer's night, listening to nature and looking up at the stars.
Client Services Associate Grace recently joined the Athlon Advisors at the beginning of 2022. She administers the area of client services for all clients in the State College branch. Her prior background in the hospitality industry alludes to her motivation to assist clients. Grace is looking forward to learning new skills, helping people,
Financial Planner "Talk about a dream, try to make it real" Bruce Springsteen, Badlands For Jim, a native New Yorker who spent his middle school and high school years in New Jersey, Springsteen proved to be entertainment and at times inspiration. The above quote is the basis of his financial planning philosophy. "Oh, [...]
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Senior Executive
Janet is the most tenured of our support staff, as she has been with the company since 2005. Janet started with us as a part-time assistant and has become a full-time asset to the background workings of the firm.
Janet's primary responsibilities as Senior Executive Assistant include processing new accounts and monitoring new client transitions.
Janet lives in Denton, Texas. She is originally from Scotland where she was a high school graduate of Alloa Academy, and Branshill Community College. Janet immigrated to the US in 1985, and after raising her three children worked as an Office Manager at J & J Sports before coming on board at Athlon Advisors
Janet's favorite pastime is spending time with her three children and seven grandchildren going to all of their events and sports activities. She is very fortunate that they all live close to her. Her other hobbies and interests include: knitting, watching her favorite British TV shows, as well as volunteer work at church. Janet tries to get back to Scotland from time to time to visit her family, who still reside there.
Senior Executive Assistant Janet is the most tenured of our support staff, as she has been with the company since 2005. Janet started with us as a part-time assistant and has become a full-time asset to the background workings of the firm. Janet's primary responsibilities as Senior Executive Assistant include processing new accounts
Wealth Advisor Jared is a Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. a Broker/Dealer member FINRA/SIPC, and an Investment Advisor Representative with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor. He maintains Series 7 and 66 securities registrations with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and holds Life, Accident, and Health Insurance licenses in the
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate
Jessica began with us in August of 2017.
You will come to know Jessica's voice best as she is the one who will be the first to answer the phones when you call our office. She also maintains scheduling for the four advisors here at Athlon Advisors.
As our Client Services Associate, Jessica is instrumental in meeting the needs of our clients through updating personal and account information, such as: name or address changes, etc. Jessica also assists in the application process for our clients.
Jessica was born and raised in Fontana, California, a city 50 miles east of LA. She enjoyed playing in the band as a trumpet player and her claim to fame is marching in the 2005 Pasadena California Rose Parade where her face was viewed on national TV and in front of a crowd of over 1 million people.
Jessica and her husband, Ben, reside in Sanger, TX with their daughter Nancy and their 4 dogs and 2 cats.
In her spare time, Jessica enjoys watching movies, reading, playing video games, playing the piano or her other various instruments and singing.
She is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served a mission from 2010-2011 in the New York City area of Queens and Brooklyn. Jessica also speaks fluent Spanish thanks in part to her mission. She also helps out in her local branch by playing the piano for the congregation and for the children ages 3-11.
Client Services Associate Jessica began with us in August of 2017. You will come to know Jessica's voice best as she is the one who will be the first to answer the phones when you call our office. She also maintains scheduling for the four advisors here at Athlon Advisors. As our Client Services
Job Titles:
- Trading and Operations Associate
Joe joined the Athlon Advisors team in 2021. As a trading and operations associate, he helps manage in-house proprietary models and proposes/executes changes when necessary. Joe has a passion for investment research and is always looking for the next generation of great businesses. He has a focus on fundamentals, competitive moats, and founder-led teams. Joe assists our advisors in implementing recommended strategies clients can use to achieve their goals and, ultimately, financial freedom.
Joe graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor's degree in Economics. He currently holds a FINRA Series 7 license and his state Life & Health Insurance license. Outside of the office, Joe spends his free time hiking, watching sports, listening to music, and researching stocks. Joe backpacked through Europe for two months in 2019 and hopes to one day take his father to a Chelsea game in London. He believes all the challenges and opportunities that travel lays at your feet help you discover who you are in a way that is only possible on the road. Joe plans on backpacking through Southeast Asia next!
Lucas is a passionate business professional. His unique focus is ensuring his clients are covered for all of life's most unexpected events. Lucas came to Athlon Advisors in 2020 after beginning his insurance career in 2018. As an independent insurance broker with Athlon Advisors, Lucas is able to provide more plan options and flexibility to better serve his clients.
Born in Maryland, Lucas graduated from Towson University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Sport Management and Business Administration. While at Towson University, Lucas was the founding president of his fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, and the vice president of the Sport Business Association. He currently holds Property & Casualty and Life & Health Insurance licenses. When he's not working, Lucas enjoys attending sporting events, music festivals, cooking and meditating. He is an active member in Business Network International and Toastmasters International.
With a comprehensive, data-driven, and holistic financial planning philosophy, Mark is a great listener who focuses on your goals. Given your targeted aims, he strategizes how to best meet them, as well as how your individual accounts and policies fit into your larger life and financial pictures. Whether it's investing for the future, retiring with dignity, leaving a legacy, planning for college, or investing based on your values, Mark enjoys helping you fit those priorities and other puzzle pieces together into a coherent plan for you and your family's future.
Mark holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses and is state Life & Health Insurance licensed, in addition to retaining his Professional Engineering license.
After growing up in New England, Mark earned a BS in Engineering from Swarthmore College and an MS in Civil Engineering from Villanova University. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Mark spent over 25 years as a nationally recognized traffic and safety engineer.
When he's not working, Mark enjoys playing ‘old man' basketball and baseball, cheering on his son Gavin to throw strikes in his college baseball starts, and imploring his daughter Kaylee to go to the goal on the lacrosse field. If you listen carefully, his wisecracks, mangled metaphors, and Dad jokes reflect a wicked slight Boston accent, and when his favorite Boston sports teams are doing poorly the accent expands with touches of inspired mild profanity. He loves to play with his two dogs, read, travel, hike, and spend time at the beach. He has tried to learn multiple languages for international travel with his wife and family but has only mastered the ability to order beer and find bathrooms in multiple nations.
Financial Planner With a comprehensive, data-driven, and holistic financial planning philosophy, Mark is a great listener who focuses on your goals. Given your targeted aims, he strategizes how to best meet them, as well as how your individual accounts and policies fit into your larger life and financial pictures. Whether it's investing for [...]
Megan has been interning with us for several years during her high school and college summer and winter breaks. She began working part-time in the summer of 2021 and accepted a full-time position in December 2021. She maintains the Series 6 registration with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Her primary responsibilities are research, assisting with marketing, creating financial plans, and assisting the advisors with other miscellaneous duties. She will be transitioning into a client facing role in the coming months.
Megan graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's degree in Personal Financial Planning in December of 2021. During her time at Texas Tech, she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority, she was the Treasurer for Phi Upsilon Omicron, a national honor society, she was a financial educator for Red to Black, the peer financial coaching program, she was a member of the Personal Financial Planning Association (PFPA), and she was an avid STUMO member, one of the Christian organizations on campus.
Megan is from Argyle, Texas.
Megan enjoys volunteering and spends time working with her favorite charity, St. Jude. She found a love for them through Tri Delta and did dozens of philanthropy events with them during her time as an active member. In her free time, you can find her modeling, working out, and spending time with friends and her cat, Pumpkin. Megan is a member of Watermark Community Church in Dallas.
Paraplanner Megan has been interning with us for several years during her high school and college summer and winter breaks. She began working part-time in the summer of 2021 and accepted a full-time position in December 2021. She maintains the Series 6 registration with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Her primary responsibilities are research, assisting [...]
Melody began with us in May of 2014.
You will come to know Melody best as she maintains scheduling for the four advisors here at Athlon Advisors.
As our Executive Assistant, Melody is instrumental in meeting the needs of our clients through updating personal and account information, such as: name or address changes, beneficiary updates, etc. Melody also assists with processing new accounts and client transitions.
Melody was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, but comes to us from Southern California, where she lived for the 26 years while raising her children. Melody comes to our firm with an extensive background in transportation as an administrative assistant.
Melody and her husband, Ronnie, are residents of Sanger, TX and have 2 children: Jessica, who lives in Sanger and Kimberlee, who still resides in Oklahoma City.
In her spare time, Melody enjoys riding on the back of her husband's Harley, watching movies, reading and mostly spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter, Nancy.
She is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Executive Assistant Melody began with us in May of 2014. You will come to know Melody best as she maintains scheduling for the four advisors here at Athlon Advisors. As our Executive Assistant, Melody is instrumental in meeting the needs of our clients through updating personal and account information, such as: name or
Michelle worked in accounting and auditing before starting her tax and bookkeeping business in 1996. In 2015, she joined the Athlon Tax Services team. She works with business and individual clients on a complete range of tax matters - including preparing tax returns, retirement plan funding, tax planning, maintaining tax records, and consulting with businesses and start-ups. Michelle believes the best part of her job is knowing she has helped businesses and individuals navigate their way through the tax law while helping to reduce their tax bill.
Michelle is a graduate of West Virginia University and is an Enrolled Agent. This means she successfully passed a two-day exam focused on income taxes and the Internal Revenue Code, maintains continuing education standards, and is licensed at the federal level to prepare tax returns and to represent client interests before the IRS. While she's not in the office, Michelle spends her free time reading and cooking new and different foods. Michelle has traveled to the United Kingdom, France and Canada and hopes to take a train tour across the United States and Canada.
Mike Woods began his career in the financial services industry as a financial advisor with Carl H. Stocker & Associates, an investments and insurance firm in Denton, TX in December of 1997. In 2006, Carl Stocker & Associates was transformed into Stocker Woods Financial where Carl and Mike formed a partnership. Mike earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2007. After serving for five years as the Vice- President of the firm, Mike was promoted in March of 2011 to President of the firm. In mid-2016 he bought out his mentor and business partner of 19 years and assumed the role of President & CEO of the firm as well as being the lead Wealth Advisor. In 2021 Stocker Woods Financial merged with and became a part of Athlon Advisors. Mike is now one of the Managing Partners of Athlon.
Mike has led Dave Ramsey's nationally recognized Financial Peace University classes as Mike is a big fan of the Dave Ramsey program. Every year he works with families across the country to become debt-free, build wealth and give money to charities. Mike is one of Dave Ramsey's SmartVestor Pros.
Mike volunteers both locally and nationally. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Denton Public School Foundation as well as on the finance and numerous other committees at churches and the Board of Directors of the Denton Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on and is a past Chairman of the Adopt-A-School Advisory Council. Mike has also served on several boards and advisory council groups for his national clearing firm.
Mike graduated from the Leadership Denton program in 2004. Mike served on the Board of Directors for Denton's Young Professionals in 2004 and 2005. During that time, he served on numerous committees while he was a member of the organization, giving special attention to the Adopt-A-School program. In 2003, Denton's Young Professionals named Mike "Member of the Year."
Mike has been a guest lecturer at the University of North Texas, Texas Woman's University, and various public schools all over the DFW metroplex. He has spoken on the topics of financial planning, investments, retirement, and insurance planning. Furthermore, he has been the featured presenter for staff training at public schools, university human resource department benefits meetings and at various churches' programs and community groups on the topics of finances and investing.
Prior to his career as a financial advisor, Mike served four years in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from the University of North Texas in 1998.
Mike is married to his wonderful wife Dorothy, and they have two beautiful daughters: Megan and Rachel. The family worships and is actively involved at Cross Timbers Church.
Job Titles:
- Client Relationship Specialist
Pamela joined our team in 2019. She has extensive experience in customer service. As our Client Relationship Specialist, Pamela is our first point of contact with clients and prospects. She loves the interaction with them and helping them get started with reaching their financial goals by setting up appointments to meet with our advisors.
When not at Athlon Advisors, Pamela enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking, going to Bowie Bay Sox games, and beach time.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Insurance Services
Paul joined the Athlon team in 2017 as a Registered Rep, managing his client's investment, retirement, and insurance needs. In late 2019, Paul was asked to spearhead Athlon's newest division: Athlon Insurance Services (AIS). His 12-plus years of experience and extensive knowledge in the insurance space made this an ideal fit. When working with clients, he not only focuses on the protection of someone's life, paycheck, or wellbeing, but also their lifestyle! He is passionate about protecting people and their families, while preparing for the unexpected.
Paul grew up in the Baltimore County area and attended the University of Baltimore with a focus in finance. In his free time, he enjoys hanging with his pup, playing baseball, spending time outdoors, hiking and trying new cuisine whenever possible. Paul's had an entrepreneurial mindset since he was young, and always chooses to support local businesses, when he can.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner / Wealth Advisor
Managing Partner/Wealth Advisor Sharon grew up in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas and now lives in a high rise in East Preston Hollow. She's been in the Financial Services business for 20+ years. She developed her love for finance and the investment industry from her father, Sledge Killion, CLU, who is still in