LIFEGOALS STRATEGIES GROUP - Key Persons


Austin Buck

Job Titles:
  • Advisor
  • Assistant
Austin graduated from Truman State University in 2018 with a degree in Finance. Shortly after graduating he started his career in the corporate office of Waddell & Reed as an Advisor Services Representative. He joined the team as an Advisor Assistant for Jesse Snow and Cameron Pumphrey in June of 2021. Outside of work he enjoys playing tennis and piano. He also enjoys watching a multitude of sports such as football, soccer, basketball, & baseball. He is a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, Chelsea FC, and the Kansas Jayhawks.

Cameron Pumphrey

Job Titles:
  • Partner
I describe myself as a LPL financial planner committed to strong and lasting relationships. My team and I have a process driven approach to planning that is designed with the goal to allow clients to make good financial decisions for their unique purpose.

David James

Job Titles:
  • Partner
David began his career in the Kansas City area as an Advisor with Waddell & Reed, Inc. in 1982. He has served in various capacities such as: District Manager, Managing Principal, National Assistant Vice President of Investments and Vice President of Planning and Practice Development. His career has taken him across the United States by handling offices in Sacramento, CA and Cincinnati, OH before coming back to the Kansas City area. David has gone full circle from the previous titles all the way to Advisor status again where he interacts directly with his clients. He currently enjoys his favorite role of being a Partner in the LifeGoals Strategies Group team of advisors. He is detail oriented and experienced with investment, financial, business and estate planning. As a veteran and former government employee he understands the issues those individuals face. However, he focuses on helping people reach their personal financial goals regardless of their levels of monetary experience or understanding. In short, he makes complex issues simple. David, and his wife, Marilyn, enjoy traveling and spending time with their family. He is a Royals and Chiefs fan. He's sorry for those who aren't. His hobbies include just about any sport with focus on golf, photography, flying and motorsports.

Greg Miller

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
Greg applies his strong analytical background to his work as a Financial Advisor. He enjoys coordinating clients' investment portfolios with solid financial planning that takes income taxes, diversification, and safety into consideration. His 40 years of experience within the framework of financial planning gives him a strong ability to help people build a plan and work the plan. Greg believes a systematic process integrating strategies, goals, time horizon and visions are essential to a successful plan. His proficiency with managing expectations for clients is the key to him having long term relationships. Greg holds various credentials of which are CMFC, AAMS.

Jesse Snow

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Jesse Snow started as a young, motivated financial advisor in 2010 after graduating from the University of Missouri with his degree in Economics in 2009. Through time, he has fallen in love with his career in financial planning. Jesse enjoys connecting, understanding, and empathizing with his clients. Jesse frequently explains to his clients that, "No one wants more money. Everyone wants what that money represents, which is the freedom to do what you want and be who you want to be." Jesse finds great fulfillment through discussions that uncover his clients' true goals and by providing strategies to help them accomplish what's most important to them.

John Cuddy

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
John has been a part of the team since 2017. As an advisor associate, he is responsible for portfolio research and financial planning.

Kevin Wood

Job Titles:
  • Partner
I have over 20 years of experience as a Financial Advisor. My passion for helping others pursue their financial goals has driven me to build strong personal relationships with my clients, providing them with personalized advice and guidance. Whether it's analyzing data for tax strategies, insurance needs, estate planning, or managing investments and budgets through financial planning, I have dedicated myself to staying abreast of industry trends and regulations. I genuinely care about all my clients' financial well-being and strive to create a comfortable and trusting environment. I've had the privilege of qualifying multiple times for LPL's Summit and Masters. It's been an incredible experience, and I've learned so much along the way. Not only is my passion to serve my clients, I also have unwavering commitment to giving back to his community and making a positive impact. I have had the tremendous pleasure of serving as the Mayor of Harrisonville from 1998 to 2015. I have volunteered by giving service to many charitable organizations over the years, including Freedom Frontiers board, Cass Community Health Foundation board, Cass County Historical Society, Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Municipal League, and the United Way of Greater Kansas City board. I am a distinguished Pepa deriving immense pleasure from devoting quality time to my beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it's playing games, going on adventures, or simply having heartwarming conversations, nothing beats the bond I share with my family. It's a role that I cherish and one that brings me endless happiness. I'm all about family and friends. I'm the go-to person when it comes to hosting family gatherings. Whether it's a big BBQ in the backyard or a cozy movie night, I believe in the power of togetherness and making memories that will last a lifetime. Life is all about the people you surround yourself with, and I'm very grateful for my crew.

Nikki Weatherby

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager
Nikki has been with the team since 2007. Her current roles are practice manager and HR designee for LifeGoals. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri. She is married to David and they have three children.

Peggye Turner

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant

Rodney M. Loesch

Job Titles:
  • Partner
My passion as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERâ„¢ professional is in assisting my clients in making the educated decisions because I have seen how misinformation can impact financial success!

Steve Rodewald

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Steven Stringberg

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Steve is a LPL Financial Advisor with LifeGoals Strategies Group. People work with Steve because of the depth of his 41 years of experience and forthright drive to find solutions to client's most pressing challenges. He does this by asking relevant and compelling questions listening carefully to his client's answers. As a result, people have the confidence of having a knowledgeable, skilled, partner that earns their loyalty by helping them pursue their quality of life goals. Steve received a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in May 1980. He began his career with Waddell & Reed in Kansas City October 1981 and was quickly promoted into various positions including: District Manager, Division Manager, Regional Specialist of Investment Analysis & Financial Planning and Regional Consultant of Planning and Practice Development. 2021 Steve transitioned to LPL Financial the nation's largest independent broker dealer*.

Vanessa Barrett

Job Titles:
  • Marketing and Client Relations Coordinator
Vanessa Barrett joined our team in February of 2020. After spending most of her career in Education she felt it was time for a change. She is enjoying the varied duties of her role as growth coordinator but especially likes the client events! Vanessa is married to her college sweetheart and has a daughter who teaches 4th grade. When Vanessa is not at work you can find her teaching yoga classes, working out, and spending time with friends and family! The Barrett family recently welcomed a new fur baby, a mini Aussiedoodle named Pepper.

Wiebke Rupard

Job Titles:
  • Advisor
  • Support Specialist
  • Waddell & Reed As Advisor Service
Wiebke joined Waddell & Reed as Advisor Service representative in 2018 and transitioned over to LPL Financial in 2021. She joined the team as Advisor Support Specialist for William D. James, Steven Stringberg and Rodney Loesch in February of 2022. Outside of work, Wiebke enjoys her family, lake life and travelling. Her interests are widespread, from the arts to food to sports, specifically German soccer (Werder Bremen).

William Mears

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
Bill received 2 Bachelor's degrees from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He has over 27 years experience as a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed, joining the firm in 1993.