STRIVE FINANCIAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Senior Associate
Blake graduated the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia with a degree in Risk Management. With a lifelong passion for helping others Blake has been in the industry since 2016. Blake prides himself on delivering first class concierge service to Strive clients and aims to deliver upon their ever-evolving needs. In addition to being licensed in the life and health insurance arena, Blake holds active series 6, 7, 63, and 66 FINRA licenses. As a client of Strive, you'll interact with Blake on a regular basis as he handles a wide array of the business. Blake is a Registered Representative with Arkadios Capital and an Investment Advisor Representative with Arkadios Capital.
Blake and his wife, McKay, have one son, Beckett. Outside of the office you can frequently find Blake enjoying the outdoors, playing golf, and spending time with his family.
Derek understands the true impact financial planning can have, from firsthand experience. Growing up in a low-income area, he observed others around him making poor financial decisions. Witnessing this was his motivation to obtain the knowledge and expertise to help people effectively manage their finances. It is his greatest satisfaction to see his clients' joy as they reach their goals.
Derek specializes in asset management, portfolio construction, and business planning. Derek is a Registered Representative with Arkadios Capita l and an Investment Advisor Representative with Arkadios Capital.
Prior to joining Strive, Derek spent 10 years working in several roles in the financial services industry, including as an Investment Advisor Representative and in managerial roles working as a Registered Principal where he was responsible for training new advisors.
When he's not at the office, you'll find Derek running around with his dog, Boots, playing pool with friends or hanging out with his nephew, Mason. Derek is passionate about his health and fitness and particularly enjoys weightlifting. Derek also enjoys giving back to the community through involvement in foster care organizations for displaced dogs and the local food bank.
Matthew sees his clients not as customers, but as lifelong friends. If you feel intimidated or overwhelmed by your circumstances, Matthew will create a relaxed environment as he works on your behalf. In his role as founding partner and CFP® professional, he focuses on creating all-encompassing financial plans for his clients.
Before founding Strive Financial Solutions, Matthew spent 11 years working in several roles in the financial services industry, including as an Investment Advisor Representative and in managerial roles working as a Registered Principal where he was responsible for training new advisors. Matthew is a Registered Representative with Arkadios Capital and an Investment Advisor Representative with Arkadios Capital. Matthew also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ mark, which has often been known as the standard of excellence for financial planners. Earning the CFP® mark involves meeting requirements in four areas: formal education, performance on the CFP® exam, relevant work experience, and demonstrated professional ethics.
Matthew enjoys spending his free time with his wife Tracey, an air traffic controller for the FAA, and their children, Easton, and Landon. Matthew and Tracey also volunteer for the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue to save dogs and cats from high kill shelters. As an alumnus of the University of Georgia and native Georgian, he loves all Atlanta sports, but the Bulldogs hold a special place in his heart.
Stephen has a talent for breaking down complex concepts into understandable action steps for his clients. A former nuclear-trained electrician for the Navy, once he obtained his bachelor's in finance from the University of Georgia, he found his life's mission in helping others with their finances. His love of building relationships is evident as he works alongside his clients.
A Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), Stephen has over thirteen years of experience in the industry and specializes in insurance planning and developing comprehensive overall financial plans for Strive Financial. Stephen is a Registered Representative with Arkadios Capitaland an Investment Advisor Representative with Arkadios Capital.
In Stephen's spare time, he stays active golfing, playing tennis, and walking with his three dogs Riley, Moose, and Big Dog. An avid sports fan, Stephen closely follows the Bulldogs, Falcons, and Braves. He enjoys hanging with friends and spending time with his girlfriend, Katie, and their two daughters, Amelia and Olivia.