STANSELL WEALTH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate, SageSpring
Aaron is the newest member of the Shapiro Wealth Team. After years of dedicated work in the customer service contact industry, he took an interest in finance in 2017. This led him to work for a large retail broker and later moving to advisor support. It was extremely important to Aaron, when moving to the next phase of his career, that any new venture would be customer centric with an emphasis on putting people first. In his role with the Shapiro Wealth Team, Aaron will be the primary point of contact for clients; making sure every client is served in a way that will continue to bring them success!
What attracted Aaron to the SageSpring and The Shapiro Wealth Team is their clear dedication to keeping the client first by making the relationship the priority and servicing clients accordingly. Aaron looks forward to adding value to this already amazing team!
In his free time Aaron is an avid gamer and sneaker collector. However, his favorite way to spend time outside of work is being a dad to his boys Aaron Jr. and Noah. They enjoy playing basketball, football and an infinite amount of made up games. They also love wrestling and making as much noise as possible.
Alex is a Financial Professional at SageSpring. As a member of the Atchison Wealth Team, Alex is responsible for working with clients to help develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies. Passionate about cultivating long-term relationships by learning each person's story, he aims to enhance every client's financial journey through holistic financial planning.
Alex holds Series 7, Series 66, and Nebraska Insurance, Annuity, Long Term Care, and Disability licenses. Prior to joining SageSpring, Alex worked at First National Bank of Omaha as a member of their Wealth Management division.
Alex was born and raised in Omaha, NE and attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA. While there, he was a member of the men's soccer team and received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He then received his MBA with a concentration in Investment Science from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Alex married his wife Liza in 2020, and they reside in Omaha, NE. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and exploring national parks.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, RJFS
Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from The University of Alabama. Prior to working at SageSpring Wealth Partners, she worked in the hospitality industry with Hilton & Marriott hotels.
Alexandra first joined SageSpring as the company's Front Office Coordinator, a role in which she truly enjoyed getting to interact with and meet all of SageSpring's clients. In her role as a Client Services Associate on the Deering Wealth Team, she updates and prepares all things related to clients' investment accounts. She is excited to be able to delve deeper into clients' needs and help them in any way she can.
Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys going on hikes, reading books on current events and history, and spending time with her 13-year-old shih-tzu, Mattie. An avid traveler, her favorite destinations include southern France, central Europe, and Transylvania, where her family currently resides.
Job Titles:
- Training and Development Coordinator, SageSpring
Alec Smith is originally from Oregon and moved to Tennessee the first time in 1998. Since then, she has moved across the U.S. twice eventually landing back in Tennessee in 2018. Alec brings with her more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. At SageSpring Wealth Partners, her primary focus is the training and development of all associates.
When asked how she ended up at SageSpring Wealth Partners, Alec will gladly tell you it was a God thing. She loves everything about SageSpring Wealth Partners, the core focus, values, and purpose all align with her own which made joining the firm an easy decision.
When not in the office, Alec enjoys spending her free time with her children (Noah and Claire) as well as her extended family making memories together. She is passionate about giving back and makes a point to volunteer as much as possible in the community.
Job Titles:
- Client Representative
- Client Representative, SageSpring
Allison Robison grew up in Franklin, and after living in multiple cities and states over the last 20 years, she is very happy to call Franklin home again. She began her time with SageSpring Wealth Partners as the Office Coordinator before joining the Ridley Wealth Team as a client services associate. Her primary focus is providing exceptional, timely, and efficient service to clients and her team.
Allison feels exceptionally blessed to be part of the SageSpring family and have the opportunity to work with such wonderful people. She loves what she does and truly looks forward to coming to work each day.
When she is not in the office, Allison is quite busy with her five kids. She is always up for adventure and excitement and looking for ways to have fun and create memories. Her faith, family, and friends are her motivation in life.
Job Titles:
- Client Operations Associate
Job Titles:
- Information Technology Coordinator, SageSpring
Andrew "AJ" Williams comes to SageSpring Wealth Partners from National Real Estate Advisors, an SEC-registered firm in Washington, DC, investing in real estate assets on behalf of the IBEW pension fund, as well as individual and institutional investors. Previously, AJ worked for Empire Leasing in Washington, DC and is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
Job Titles:
- Financial Consultant, RJFS
My story begins in Connecticut in the country town of Woodstock. The youngest child of four, I grew up seeing my parents run my dad's medical practice. Because of this, from an early age I understood the benefits of saving, giving, and spending. Intimately witnessing how a business worked inspired me to get my undergraduate degree in sociology and economics as well as to continue on to get my Master's in Business Administration with concentrations in finance, marketing, and management.
Before coming to work at SageSpring, I started and ran a small business consulting firm that specialized in the healthcare industry for 10 years. Prior to that, I worked in hospital administration and even in an inpatient psychiatric rehab center briefly. Later in my career in 2016, I took the opportunity to author a book called Enough Dreaming as a way to give back to entrepreneurs and inspire others to start their businesses while running my own. During these times, I accumulated quite a few stories of my own.
Today, I live in McKinney with my wife Janelle and my daughter Gianna. Together, we are active in our church; enjoy spending time with family, and treasure quiet conversations. I look forward to sharing in your story.
Job Titles:
- Team Lead & Financial Advisor, SageSpring Registered Representative, RJFS
Andrew Shibley, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media, cum laude, and a B.A. in Political Science, cum laude. Shibley joined the financial services industry in 2008 and his experience includes financial planning, operations and management, title insurance, and mortgage.
Andrew joined SageSpring Wealth Partners because of the client-first mindset, family culture, and forward-thinking leadership. Andrew's role at the firm is leading the Access Team where he focuses on helping clients make sound decisions to grow wealth, and guiding them toward the life they want to live. He holds a Series 7, Series 66, and numerous life, health, variable, and long-term care insurance state licenses. Andrew also holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation.
In the community, Andrew has served as a Ruling Elder at his church. He is also a board member of the UT Knoxville Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Association, and is a past member of the University of Tennessee Young Alumni Council. Outside the office, Andrew loves to spend time with his wife and three children. He also enjoys reading, traveling, rooting for the Tennessee Vols, and keeping up with current events.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFS
April Binkley is a Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners. April holds her Series 7 and Series 66 registrations through Raymond James. Having been with SageSpring Wealth Partners since 2005, she joined the Aull Wealth Team directly in 2013. Along with the industry knowledge and experience within our firm, she also brought customer relation and office management experience, as well as a degree in Information Technology and Computer Networking.
The Aull Wealth Team provides full-service financial and investment planning. They specialize in creating holistic financial plans that incorporate all areas of a healthy financial life, including investment, retirement, tax, education, income, and estate planning. As a member of the Aull Wealth Team at SageSpring Wealth Partners, April works closely with our team of financial advisors, providing financial planning and investment advisory support, as well as assisting them with client meeting preparation, trading and money movement requests, and review and research of various account documents.
April is a Nashville native and remains in Middle Tennessee with her family. When not in the office, you will more than likely find her spending time with family and friends, shopping with her daughter, Katy, when she visits on weekends from TN Tech University, reading a good book, or loving on her dogs, Lucy & Lola.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor With SageSpring
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
- Member of the Kew Wealth Team
Austin is a Financial Advisor with SageSpring. As a member of the Kew Wealth Team, Austin is responsible for working with clients to help develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies. Austin is passionate about building relationships and assisting families in achieving their financial goals.
Prior to joining SageSpring full time, Austin interned for the company where he gained valuable operational experience, while also forging relationships with clients and the community. He holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses.
Austin is a graduate of Lindsey Wilson College, receiving his degree in Business Administration. Outside of work, Austin enjoys spending time with friends and family, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, engaging in community activities, and playing golf.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Beau Wirick was born and raised in Southern California. While he enjoyed a 20-year career in Hollywood as an Actor/Producer, Beau received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He found a true passion for helping people achieve financial freedom through financial coaching. In 2020, Beau moved to Franklin, Tennessee, where he is a Financial Advisor with SageSpring Wealth Partners.
As a financial advisor, Beau helps clients plan for their financial future through budgeting guidance, management of tax-advantaged accounts, and asset allocation advice. Beau was drawn to SageSpring because of the many ways the company puts clients' interests first. Advisors at SageSpring only succeed if their clients succeed, and this is a principle to which Beau is fully dedicated. More than anything else, Beau enjoys working at SageSpring because of the culture of camaraderie as opposed to competition. Beau views SageSpring as a rising tide that lifts all ships.
As a native of Southern California, Beau loves playing beach volleyball and surfing. He also enjoys camping, tennis, working out, playing guitar, and nerding out with board games, card games, and history podcasts. But, most of all, Beau loves his wife Daniela, who is his favorite person in the whole world.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate, SageSpring
Prior to working at SageSpring Wealth Partners, Becky Whitman spent seven years in banking and has been in the investment industry since 2006. She brings a wealth of client service experience, having previously worked at Lutz Financial, Carson Wealth Management, and First National Investments and Planning as a client service specialist.
Becky is the first point of contact for the Casey Wealth Team and is responsible for the day-to-day processing and tracking of all client account activity. She also provides extraordinary service and communication to all clients along with carrying out operational duties for the team. With over 15 years of experience, Becky has a wealth of knowledge that helps her ensure that all client requests are completed in a timely and professional manner.
Interested in SageSpring Wealth Partners because of the "small, close knit feel" of the office, Becky is especially impressed with the genuine care and guidance that the team provides its clients. She enjoys working with an amazing team of professionals who are always willing and eager to lend a hand. The team really cares about their clients, and she loves forming those personal relationships.
Outside of work, Becky loves spending time with her 11-year-old daughter, Blayne. The two love to do craft projects, shop, decorate, watch movies, or just hang out together. She is also very close to her parents and sister and adores her seven-year-old nephew, Kallan. She loves meeting new people and being social.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, SageSpring│Financial Advisor, RJFS
Benjamin strives to provide excellent customer service and investment management specific to the unique situation of each client. He holds the series 6, 7, 63, & 65 licenses, and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. He's a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, which is where he's originally from.
He loves almost anything outdoors including, camping, fishing, and shooting anything that flies! Benjamin is happily married to his best friend, Hannah. They currently reside in Frisco, Texas and spend most of their time trying to keep up with their four children, West, Charlie Kate, Copeland, and Baird.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring Investment Management Consultant, RJFS
Bob Sircy and our team provide clients with a comprehensive financial experience that has helped make SageSpring Wealth Partners one of the nation's top producing branches of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Bob's integrity and financial expertise, aligned with his designation as a Certified Public Accountant, equip him to advise his clients on virtually any financial issue. His ethical approach combined with his commitment to excellence exemplifies the overall financial assistance provided by our team.
Bob is involved with a number of professional and civic organizations. He is currently serving, or has previously served on a variety of boards and organizations, including:
Job Titles:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
- Executive Vice President, SageSpring
- Financial Professional, RJFS
Brad Barnes is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner at SageSpring Wealth Partners.
His specialty is providing sound investment strategies designed to build wealth through comprehensive financial planning. Some of those comprehensive planning services include retirement, estate and tax planning with an emphasis in excellent customer service.
Brad is originally from Knoxville, TN. Brad graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee in May 2006 where he obtained a degree of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting. After graduation, Brad spent two years serving with a college ministry, Reformed University Ministries, on campus at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC. Brad also previously worked for the Southwestern Company the summer of 2005 in an internship capacity.
Brad enjoys residing in Nashville, TN where he spends much of his time attending local music events and playing golf, as well as spending time with family and friends. He is active in his local church, Midtown Fellowship Church, that meets in downtown Nashville.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Brandon is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. He provides his clients with sound investment strategies designed to build wealth through comprehensive financial planning. He works closely with his clients to thoroughly understand their goals, objectives and underlying financial positions - and then create customized investment portfolios, utilizing his access to a diverse group of money managers and industry experts.
Brandon specializes in helping his clients employ tax planning strategies, transfer wealth, effectively save for retirement and generate an income stream. He holds Series 7, 66, life, health, long-term care and annuity insurance licenses, as well as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Brandon earned a bachelor's degree with a specialization in finance and marketing from Samford University. He worked in our parent company for four years and then went on to establish an Edward Jones office before joining SageSpring Wealth Partners.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor at SageSpring
- Vice President, SageSpring
Brandon Kew is a Financial Advisor at SageSpring and oversees and manages the Kew Wealth Team with offices in Omaha, NE and Clarinda, IA. Passionate about educating others, Brandon believes that providing comprehensive wealth services, including investment management, retirement planning, and tax planning, is his way of making a difference in the lives of others.
Brandon has almost a decade of experience in the financial services industry. He has attained the CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional) certification and holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Before joining SageSpring full time, Brandon honed his leadership skills through working with university students and training them on principles for success in business and life.
Originally from Boone, Iowa, Brandon graduated with honors from the University of Northern Iowa, earning a degree in Finance and Economics with a certificate in Entrepreneurship. Outside of the office, Brandon and his wife Amanda enjoy spending time with their two corgis, Georgia and Pippa. Brandon also enjoys traveling, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, and participating in marathons and other endurance races.
Job Titles:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
- Financial Advisor, RJFS
Brett Murray grew up in Houston, Texas before moving to Omaha, Nebraska in 2008. He attended Creighton University, where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in finance and was a member of the Creighton University baseball team. Prior to joining SageSpring, Brett worked for Carson Group in Omaha, where he focused on comprehensive financial planning for clients.
Brett is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and also holds his Series 7, Series 63, and Nebraska Long Term Care, and Disability licenses. He works alongside Matt Atchison, Financial Professional, RJFS and the team to help clients achieve financial confidence through comprehensive planning and building meaningful relationships.
Brett enjoys spending time with his wife Ally, along with family and friends. Brett loves the outdoors and spends his free time running, lifting, cycling, and golfing. He is also passionate about music and sports."
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
Brian Harding earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado. Brian started his career in the Assurance practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He spent 7 years with PwC in the Denver and Dallas offices, specializing in the financial services sector and focusing on Investment Advisors, Mutual Funds, Private Equity, and Venture Capital clients. Brian then left PwC as a manager and joined a Denver-based investment adviser as their Chief Compliance Officer, eventually taking over the role of Chief Financial Officer of the Adviser and Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer of their SEC registered mutual funds. Brian is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs.
Brian is SageSpring's Chief Financial Officer, focusing on financial statement production and analysis, budgeting, cash management, and overall financial reporting integrity. He was drawn to SageSpring's dynamic leadership team, company history, trajectory of growth, and its faith-based approach to life and business. Brian enjoys the entrepreneurial spirit he sees on display at SageSpring, as well as the sheer talent of the employees and company management.
Brian is proud to be married to his teenage sweetheart Chelsea for over 20 years, and they have two children, Chance and Presley. Outside of work, Brian and Chelsea are members at Oak Hill Baptist Church, and you can find him spending time with family and friends, beach vacations, the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Avalanche, and raising South Poll cattle on his farm in Southern Tennessee.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Brian is dedicated to providing each of his clients with a comprehensive and personalized plan to help reach their financial goals. Brian's extensive knowledge and expertise has helped countless clients make the vision of their future a reality by helping them achieve financial freedom.
Brian started his career in the 90's by working for a large bank to help pay for college. During this time, he learned the meaning of serving clients well. He quickly moved up the ranks and was managing client relationships rather early in his career. As a relationship manager for high net worth clients, Brian saw firsthand how people react to many financial situations out of emotion. This is common but often significantly hurts clients by not following a well-designed plan that accounts for these situations. It was then that he decided he wanted to confidently help clients answer the questions we ask ourselves. Questions like "am I on track to achieve my goals" or "do I have enough to last the rest of my life".
Brian knew he wanted to work with SageSpring after meeting the leadership team and many future teammates in all different seasons of their career. Brian came on board in 2013 knowing the strength SageSpring offers in their commitment to a strong Christian culture and great team atmosphere that is unmatched. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ practitioner, Brian partners with his clients to simply help them achieve their goals. This includes detailed tax planning, insurance planning, estate planning as well as investment management and so much more. His goal is to identify any potential threat to a long-term plan and take steps to eliminate that threat which allows his clients to reach their financial goals and experience freedom.
When outside of the office you can find Brian spending time with his wife and best friend, Ali, three daughters and grandmother who lives with them. He jokes that he is surrounded by women and never gets the TV remote. Each one of these relationships has continued to shape him and make him a better advisor/person. Brian is active in his Church serving on Sundays, leading a home group, leading a men's group and participating in a business group. With three young daughters there isn't a lot of free time but he wouldn't have it any other way.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, SageSpring
Carlie attended Northwood University in Midland, Michigan and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in marketing.
In her role at SageSpring Wealth Partners on the Dobyns Wealth Team, Carlie schedules and coordinates meetings and appointments for our advisors and outside partners to maximize productivity. She works closely and effectively with the team and advisors to keep them well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, plus any appropriate follow-up to keep things on schedule.
Beyond the office, Carlie enjoys quality time with friends and family, traveling, trying new places in Nashville, and spending time with her cat, Fiona.
Before joining Southwestern Investment Group, Carlleen Sturdivant previously worked in the travel industry as an HR talent coordinator for two years. Prior to that, she worked in the human services field for ten years, assisting individuals with preparing and gaining employment.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Specialist, SageSpring
Casey is the first point of contact for the Atchison Wealth Team, providing exceptional service and communication to clients, along with undertaking the day-to-day business operations.
Born in Oklahoma, Casey grew up in a few small Texas towns and Omaha alongside her three younger siblings. Living in Omaha since the early 2000's, the Omaha-metro has become home! She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2012, and joined SageSpring in the fall of 2013. Casey and her husband, Dan, enjoy raising their family in Omaha, spending time with family and friends, and being involved in their church.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Representative, SageSpring
Cathy helps coordinate and manage all aspects of client services. Cathy has many years of experience in various office environments and before joining Michael's team was most recently the National Tradeshow and Conference Manager for Landis+Gyr, an energy management company and a subsidiary of the Toshiba Corporation, where she worked for 16 years.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
Right before high school graduation, Chase's family was hit with the unexpected loss of his dad. That day shook what they thought would lie ahead, and they had to develop a plan to make sure they were okay. God took care of them, but there were plenty of challenges.
During the following months, a challenge his family faced was searching for financial guidance, because they had never worked with a financial advisor before. Eventually, they connected with one, but it took time, energy, and several interviews before finding one they trusted.
After earning his business degree from the University of Tennessee, Chase joined Dave Ramsey's team, coaching and advising financial advisors. There, he developed a foundation of financial principles and philosophies that he still believes in today. After several years with Ramsey Solutions, Chase had a desire to become a financial advisor.
Now, Chase is honored to be in a position that allows him to be the trusted advisor his family was looking for-and for others. He has the personal experience to understand the emotions that can come from unexpected circumstances. This experience allows him to walk with you and guide you through the financial planning process with a unique perspective.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ practitioner, Chase has the education and experience to develop and implement a comprehensive financial plan to help you meet your goals. His goal is to partner with you and develop a lasting relationship built on trust, while executing a plan to help you create a legacy.
Job Titles:
- Branch Professional, RJFS
Chelsey Wahlman was born a Navy brat and spent the majority of her childhood travelling the world. After living in Florida, Italy, Virginia, and Germany, her family was stationed in Tennessee and they finally decided to make Tennessee their permanent home.
Chelsey earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of Memphis and then decided to pursue a career in finance and earned her Series 7 and 66 licenses. She has over 9 years of financial industry experience and possesses a vast range of financial expertise, from the client support of individual portfolios to the management of a large company's stock option plan.
In her current role with the Swatzell Wealth Team, Chelsey is instrumental in helping to meet client needs and objectives through executing trades, maintaining client portfolios, and handling all client service needs with a positive and proactive approach.
Outside of the office, Chelsey can be found spending time with her husband, Ben, and their two dogs, Finley and Denver. She enjoys running, hiking, and continues to travel as much as possible.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor With SageSpring
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
Chris Cotignola is a Financial Advisor with SageSpring and has the pleasure of serving clients of the Shapiro Wealth Team as part of the company's Mentee Program. Originally from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Chris brings with him a diverse background having spent the first 9 years of his career as a high school band director. Every day he gets to draw from his experience as an educator to help guide clients to achieve their financial goals.
Chris and his wife Paige first came to know of SageSpring as clients of Eric Shapiro after they went through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. Having worked hard to live on a budget, get out of debt, and save for the future, Chris knows the importance of having a financial plan and carrying it out. As a client of the company, joining SageSpring as an advisor felt like coming home.
Outside of the office, Chris maintains an active schedule as a professional musician. He is the adjunct saxophone professor at Iowa Western Community College in addition to running his own private studio. He and his wife enjoy playing music together in a variety of groups as well as spending time with friends, family, and their two dogs Marley and Henry. In the little free time he has, you're likely to find Chris on the soccer field or golf course.
Job Titles:
- Chief People Officer, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
- Chief People Officer, SageSpring Brand Associate, RJFS
Along with his degree in Business Management from Liberty University, Chris Warner has over twenty years of combined experiences in operations, management, and human resources within the hospitality and real estate industries.
Chris is currently taking on the role of supporting the people and culture initiatives at SageSpring Wealth Partners. From recruiting and onboarding to career development and retirement, Chris ensures our team has a consistently premier workplace to call home.
Chris was encouraged to find that every person he met along the way to joining the SageSpring team was genuine and excited about the company. This professional potential and personal sense of friendliness is what Chris believes created the perfect new opportunity.
Chris finds the servant-minded leadership he has seen on display at SageSpring to be the most appealing part of the company. To Chris, it allows everyone to feel supported and encourages the success of the whole team versus individuals.
Away from work, Chris loves spending time with his wife of over 25 years. They enjoy travel, music, bird watching, and their beautiful grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Associate at SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring
Christina Hausner is a Client Services Associate at SageSpring Wealth Partners. As part of the Atchinson Wealth Team, Christina collaborates closely with Casey Newburn as the main point of contact for clients. Her day-to-day responsibilities include proactively reaching out to clients to address their needs, as well as working to ensure the team maintains an exceptional level of service as the practice grows.
With a career in the financial services industry spanning more than 25 years, Christina joined the Atchinson Wealth Team seeking a role where she could continue assisting clients while working within a close-knit team. She was drawn to SageSpring due to the quality and care of service the firm provides to clients and its commitment to helping others.
Born and raised in Omaha, Christina received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the College of Saint Mary. Outside of the office, she and her husband, Mike, are avid sports fans and enjoy watching and cheering for the Omaha Storm Chasers, Creighton Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Nebraska Cornhuskers. Christina also enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
Originally from Nashville, Clay Crothers grew up going to activities at Lipscomb and ended up graduating from the University years later with a degree in Sports Management and a Master of Business Administration degree. During his time at Lipscomb, Clay served as an Assistant Coach for the Women's Basketball team for 4 years and was also actively involved with social clubs and mission trips to Honduras and Nicaragua.
In his role as Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners, Clay's goal is to help others achieve their goals and build relationships along the way. This, along with the values set forth by SageSpring, are just a couple examples of what brought him here.
Clay's favorite thing about working at SageSpring is the people. He is thankful for the culture and the desire of everyone to help each other, and he enjoys getting to know the clients he comes in contact with.
Outside of work, Clay attends Ethos Church, enjoys playing and watching sports, and spends time with family. His favorite sports to play are hockey, golf, soccer, and basketball.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring
A Knoxville-native, Clint graduated from the Webb School in 2013. He holds two bachelor's degrees, in communication studies and English, from the University of Tennessee-as well as a master's degree in communication studies from the University of Georgia. While his professional experience comes from varied fields, Clint's career has been marked by client-centered service. His background includes work in wholesale building materials, higher education and research, and recreational golf. Clint was initially attracted to the position of Client Services Associate at SageSpring given the alignment of the firm's humble-yet-assertive core values and client-centered approach with his own educational and professional experience. Beyond work, Clint can mostly likely be found golfing at Beaver Brook Country Club, singing country music at Knox Box Karaoke, or making dinner for friends and family. Clint also teaches communication courses for Miami University and writes academic research when his reading eyes are not too tired.
Job Titles:
- Director of Financial Planning, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Everything Colton does revolves around the values he learned growing up in a small East Texas town of 608 people. From being raised in this community, he learned to have great respect for good people who work hard and serve their community well. Service, hard work, and passion for learning have led Colton to where he is today.
He loves that SageSpring Wealth Partners serves clients in helping them realize their long term goals through investment, retirement, education, income tax, insurance and estate planning. By taking a comprehensive approach, we can help put our clients in the best possible position to achieve their financial goals.
Colton's passion for learning began at a young age but began to materialize in the world of finance at Austin College. As his passion for this industry grew he decided to attain CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ through the University of Dallas. It is most important to be able to quickly adapt to the ever-changing, complex environment of personal financial planning. By continuing to be a student of the industry, Colton believes we can continue to serve clients at the highest level, no matter what season of life they are in or what challenges we may face together.
Colton married his wife, Erica, in June of 2018. They both enjoy outdoor sports and spending time with their puppy, Moose. Both being college athletes, Colton and his wife were always pushed to work hard to be better for their teams and themselves. That is something that stays with them today. Colton and his wife both work hard to give back and serve people within their community.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Connor was drawn to wealth management given the vast opportunities to help others in powerful, practical ways. After a successful summer internship here at SageSpring Wealth Partners, Connor quickly knew he wanted to serve families as a Financial Advisor here on our team. His humility, pursuit of growth, desire to serve others, and his teachers heart make him such a valuable asset to the team and each of our clients.
Connor earned his Bachelor's degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2020, graduating Summa Cum Laude with an emphasis in Finance and Marketing. Since then, he has received his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, Life and Accident/ Health Insurance license, and has obtained the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation as well. Along with his strong sense of personal ethics, Connor is analytical, disciplined, and willing to go above and beyond to help ensure that clients leave every interaction feeling respected, educated, valued and cared for.
Connor has been fortunate to call Music City home his entire life, and is the youngest of five children. In his free time, he enjoys making music, volunteering in youth ministry, and being the "fun uncle."
Job Titles:
- Investment Adviser Representative, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Crystal brings to SageSpring Wealth Partners experience in the wealth management industry and over 20 years' experience in the customer service industry. Prior to working in the wealth management industry, Crystal was responsible for managing business operations for multiple locations for a luxury salon and spa in Hawaii. She was instrumental in their success due to her business acumen and previous experience as a licensed cosmetologist. She continues to enhance her knowledge in financial services, including completing her Associate of Science degree and becoming a licensed financial advisor.
Responsible for new client onboarding and relationships, Crystal oversees incoming and outgoing securities transactions and assists clients with account inquiries. She appreciates the sincere and welcoming presence of SageSpring team and their focus on integrity and decisions based on the client's best interests.
Crystal lives locally in Williamson County and enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her rescue dog, Nash. She loves to travel both domestically and abroad, experiencing unfamiliar cultures and food.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner Associate, SageSpring Registered Representative, RJFS
Daniel is a Financial Planning Associate with SageSpring Wealth Partners. As a member of the Purifoy Wealth Team, Daniel is responsible for the service of our clients' comprehensive financial plans. Daniel has a passion for helping individuals and families discover the "why" behind the "what" of financial planning.
Prior to joining SageSpring, Daniel worked at Northwestern Mutual, where he held various investment management and training roles. He holds Series 7, 65, and 63, and Life and Health licenses.
Daniel grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended Belhaven University in Jackson, MS, where he studied Business Administration. Daniel is married to Abby, and they have two children, Gia and Henry. Outside of work, they enjoy spending their time with family, exploring local parks, and occasionally playing a high-stakes game of Wii Tennis.
Job Titles:
- Financial Professional, RJFS
Daniel Peterman joined SageSpring Wealth Partners after serving as a financial advisor for several years at another national firm. He earned a double major and graduated with honors from the University of Alabama, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, with the following licenses: Series 7, Series 66, Life, Health and Annuity Licenses.
Daniel partners with clients to help them set goals and develop their comprehensive plan. His goal is to help bring simplicity to complicated situations. After working as a standalone advisor, Daniel understood the importance of being a part of a team to better serve clients. He says that working alongside likeminded people who have a servant mentality is his favorite part of SageSpring.
In his free time, Daniel loves spending time at Center Hill Lake with his wife, Kendal, and his nine-year-old pit-bull, Tasha. Daniel is an avid hunter, and he and his wife enjoy cooking dinner at least six nights a week.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFS
Originally from Nashville, Indiana, David and his wife, Erin, planted roots in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2013. He graduated from the University of Taylor with a degree in Biblical Studies. Prior to joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, David worked for Thrivent Financial. He holds the Series 6 and Series 66 registrations, as well as Tennessee life, health, annuity, and long-term care insurance licenses.
David primarily focuses on updating clients regularly to their financial picture and helping clients reach their goals. One of the main things that brought David to SageSpring was the unwavering commitment to putting clients first. SageSpring and Raymond James are both independent and therefore not tied to any one group of products or services. Because of this, David is able to ensure that every recommendation he gives is done as a fiduciary.
David loves getting into the details and implementing the tax-efficient financial planning strategies that help clients keep as much of their hard-earned money as possible. His biggest passion is helping clients dream about their legacy and ensuring that each part of a client's plan makes sense for their individual situation.
When not in the office, David spends time serving at his church, with his family, and traveling - though traveling is much harder with a young family. David and his wife, Erin, have three children; two daughters, Wren and Kate, and a son, Hank.
Job Titles:
- Tax Specialist, SageSpring
David is a native of Middle Tennessee and a graduate from Lipscomb University. He has worked in the tax business for many years, both for local firms and for himself with his own business. During this time, David gained valuable experience and a great reputation in the Middle Tennessee area with his clients.
In 2012, David obtained the Enrolled Agent designation, which allows him to assist clients with their tax needs, including representation before the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of the taxpayer. When he isn't focused on taxes, David is either spending time with his lovely daughter or cruising down the highway in his 1966 Ford Mustang-his first car that he purchased in high school.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner, SageSpring
Dean Shahan is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where he studied Finance. He has three years of financial planning experience. As a member of the Dobyns Wealth Team at SageSpring Wealth Partners, Dean works closely with our wealth advisors, providing financial planning and investment advisory support and assisting them with client meeting preparation and is committed to providing quality advice and services to clients.
Dean is a born and raised Nashville, TN resident. Outside the office, Dean enjoys showing off Nashville to his wife, Dalton, who is from Birmingham, AL. If Dean and Dalton are not grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant or attending a sporting event, they are at home spending time with their Labradoodle, Scarlet.
Job Titles:
- Chief Compliance Officer, SageSpring Registered Principal, RJFS
Deborah has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry in areas such as compliance, operations and financial planning. She has held regulatory and management positions with several investment firms in the Nashville area. Her years of experience has included broker/dealer conversions, setting up new broker/dealers, establishing RIAs and working with a number of broker/dealers and clearing firms in the industry.
As the Chief Compliance Officer, Deborah is responsible for ensuring SageSpring Wealth Partners' business is conducted in a manner that complies with the laws, regulations and internal procedures of the investment industry. She has passed the Series 4, 7, 24, 27, 53, 62, 63, 65 exams and is life/annuity insurance licensed.
Deborah resides in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys the beach, reading, watching Alabama football and attending church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
Devin Lowenberg is a Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners. As part of the Jeff Casey Wealth Team, Devin collaborates closely with Jeff Casey and Becky Whitman to deliver exceptional client service. As a participant in the firm's mentorship program, Devin focuses on supporting the Team in providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to clients.
Devin brings a history of service to the Team, having previously served as an intelligence analyst in the United States Army before attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Every day he seeks to utilize the service-minded attitude and analytical skill sets he developed during his years of service to help our clients achieve their financial goals.
Originally from Cross Plains, Wisconsin, Devin is an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Outside of the office you can find him hiking along nature trails and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Registered Operations Associate, SageSpring
Originally from Middle Tennessee, Dorothi Brown graduated from Bellevue University with a Bachelor of Science in marketing and management. She has been working in the financial industry for over 13 years, previously with TD Ameritrade as an operations manager and Ameriprise Financial as an associate financial advisor. Dorothi was drawn to SageSpring Wealth Partners because of our company culture, core values, and exceptional client service.
She now serves in the Operations Associate role, delegating daily tasks, managing and uploading meeting notes, managing emails, and corresponding with our marketing team. She is also the point person for Raymond James and SEC audits for the Lighthouse Wealth Team. In addition, Dorothi holds her Series 7, Series 24, Series 63, and Series 66 and Tennessee Life, Health, and Annuity licenses, making her an integral asset to the team.
Outside of work, Dorothi enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and two fur babies. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and being a Girl Scout Leader.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Drew is an honors graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance with a concentration in accounting. Determined to become a trusted professional with expertise in all areas of financial planning, Drew obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP)™ practitioner** designation in his early 20s, a respected industry designation when it comes to comprehensive financial advice.
Drew has also been awarded the Accredited Estate Planner designation through the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, which is a graduate level, multi-disciplinary specialization in estate planning. It is awarded to professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education, professional reputation, and character. Drew's academic focus for this particular designation was concentrated in charitable giving strategies and advanced estate planning tactics.
Outside of the office, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife, Mary Ellen, and their three children - Noah, Addison, and Daniel. They are members of Southpointe Community Church in Nolensville and serve on the Williamson County Young Life Committee.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Financial Advisor, RJFS
Drew Wray is Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with more than 10 years of financial services experience, Drew is a key member of the Haumschilt Wealth Team, responsible for working with clients to develop and implement comprehensive financial plans, while also helping oversee daily operations. He is passionate about building relationships and is committed to providing quality service to clients.
Drew joined the Haumschilt Wealth Team seeking a role where he could continue assisting clients while working within a close-knit team. He was drawn to SageSpring due to its commitment to helping others and the quality and care the firm provides to clients.
Drew received a bachelor's degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from James Madison University. Drew resides in Brentwood, TN where he enjoys spending time with his dog Briggs, playing golf, participating in martial arts, and exploring cuisine in the local neighborhoods.
Some may call Duane a financial veteran. He has over 36 years' experience in the financial industry from advising to managing. In 1999 Duane opened the doors of a Raymond James branch in Clarinda, Iowa.
Duane and his team specialize in helping clients implement wealth strategies including preservations of wealth.
Duane is married to his wife Susan. They have six adult children: Kiersten, Kelsey, Katie, Kyle, Keaton, and Quentin, and four grandchildren: Ava, Jaxson, Delaney, and Kyson. Duane enjoys hunting and golfing in his spare time.
Dustin Schletzer holds a B.A. in music education from Middle Tennessee State University with a concentration in percussion. After several years as a music educator and performing percussionist, Dustin decided to follow a different passion, as he became licensed in Series 7 and 66, Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), and life and health insurance while pursuing a career in financial services.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Investment Executive, RJFS
Elisa joined our team with more than 17 years experience in the investment and securities industry. She holds the series 6, 7, 63, 65, life, health and variable licenses, has a bachelor's degree in finance from Alabama A&M University, and a master of business administration from Tennessee State University. She moved to Tennessee in 2001, and joined our team in 2017.
Elisa married her college sweetheart, Nick, and has two children, Tyson and Savannah. On weekends you can find Elisa in the bleachers cheering on the kids, volunteering with a local non-profit, or dining locally with her dinner club.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFS
Graduating from Loyola University Chicago, Elliot Gild achieved a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Elliot joined SageSpring Wealth Partners after working in synthetic medicinal chemistry, education administration, and investment real estate in Chicago.
As a client service associate, Elliot handles client onboarding, opening accounts, money movements, and scheduling for the Tunstall Wealth Team.
Relocating from Chicago and wanting to enter the investment industry, Elliot saw SageSpring as a premier opportunity to join a quality team of financial professionals, serve clients with excellence, and enjoy the warm Southern culture he grew up with.
Elliot thinks the best part about working at SageSpring is the high values and standards that the company holds itself and its employees to.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate, SageSpring
Originally from Chicago, Emily Abrams moved to Nashville shortly after receiving her bachelor's degree in Business Management at the University of Alabama. Before joining SageSpring, Emily worked in the healthcare industry as a compensation specialist.
As a Client Service Associate, Emily supports advisors and clients on the Snively Wealth Team and Nelsen Wealth Team. Her primary responsibilities include maintaining and opening accounts, processing money movements, and coordinating advisor/client meetings.
After discovering an interest in the financial industry, Emily was introduced to SageSpring by her sister, Maddie, who is also an associate at SageSpring. Since joining, Emily has experienced and enhanced the positive culture within her teams.
Outside of the office, Emily enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and of course, Archie, her family's English Cream Golden Retriever.
Job Titles:
- Registered Executive Associate, SageSpring Branch Professional, RJFS
Emily Rogers is a Nashville native who has worked in the financial and insurance industry since 2011. Her years of experience in securities, insurance, and personal client relationships led her to join the SageSpring team in 2016.
Given that she has been in the industry for most of her career, she has not only had the opportunity to learn about investments and planning from the inside out, but Emily also brings a high level of service to the day-to-day support of client needs through being Series 7 and 66 licensed. These are licenses not required for her position, but allow her to offer clients a faster response in answering financial questions. Emily truly enjoys seeing the impact small changes can have in the lives of clients over the long-term.
Emily attended Trevecca Nazarene University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Business with a minor in Classical Voice. She now lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with her husband Matthew and children, Evelyn, James and Jack. In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time with family, volunteering at church, and finding opportunities to sing.
Job Titles:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
- Vice President, SageSpring
Growing up in Wayne, Nebraska, Eric learned the values of a strong Midwestern work ethic and a long term, conservative approach to money. After studying both finance and communications in his undergraduate studies, he realized the importance of financial literacy for folks working towards long-term goals. A passionate advocate of education, he obtained his MBA while working full-time. It's important to him to stay educated about important factors in financial planning and capital markets as well as better ways to teach and guide others as they work towards their own priorities. Eric has great respect for Dave Ramsey and his track record of helping people get out of debt and create a better relationship with their giving, saving, and spending. He is a member of the SmartVestor Program and has taken and facilitated Dave Ramsey's personal finance program called Financial Peace University.**
Eric is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and holds his Series 7, Series 66, Insurance, Annuity, Long Term Care, and Disability licenses and is an independent, registered representative with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.
Life is not meant to be lived for money, but with it! Eric enjoys spending time with his wife, Hillary, and his faithful four-legged friend, Eleanor Rigby (Ellie), exploring the country and world and appreciating the many delicious restaurants that Omaha has to offer. When he wants to take a break from numbers, he also enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and making the best sounds he can on his guitar.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Manager, SageSpring
Originally from Massachusetts, Erin Phillips holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She has worked in customer relations and office management for over 20 years, and her background also includes experience in education, logistics, and finance.
In her role as Client Services Manager for the Cullman Wealth Team in Knoxville, Erin looks forward to assisting with clients' daily needs and helping the team to focus on client successes. Erin was drawn to SageSpring because of its company values and the way in which clients are genuinely cared for. Seeing firsthand how SageSpring is interested in helping individuals who need its services affirmed to Erin all the more that this is a company she wanted to be a part of. Regarding the daily office environment, Erin appreciates that each of her colleagues focus on their clients' best interests and that the team chose to serve in this industry for all the right reasons.
Beyond the office, you'll find Erin reading a good book, fly fishing, watching college basketball, traveling at every opportunity, and spending quality time with her family (her most favorite activity). Erin is also a volunteer at her child's school library, and she and her family are very active within their church.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring
Garrett joined the Dobyns Wealth Team as a Client Service Associate, aiding the advisors in onboarding new clients, maintaining harmonious relationships with existing clients, and establishing internal and external processes with the mindset of putting the client first.
Garrett graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and from Strayer University with a master's degree in Business Administration. Prior to join SageSpring Wealth Partners, he spent his career in the business services industry, with companies such as Cintas and Verizon, where he learned the importance of actively listening and exceeding client expectations.
Life outside of the office for Garrett is often spent with friends and family in the outdoors, playing pickup soccer, basketball, and canoeing.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer, SageSpring
- Member of the RIA
As an industry professional and serial entrepreneur, Gary Bonner brings to SageSpring more than 30 years of experience growing companies and leading cross-functional teams. As Chief Operating Officer, Gary is a recognized cultural leader who inspires excellence, continuous improvement, and a philosophy of service. Gary cares deeply about his clients' wellbeing and works tirelessly to ensure SageSpring's processes and strategies run smoothly and efficiently for their sake.
Prior to joining SageSpring, Gary was a founder and Chief Operating Officer of Avalon Advisors, a Houston-based RIA founded in 2001, where he oversaw its growth in AUM from $450 million with 10 employees to $9 billion in AUM and 72 employees serving 550 client families. While at Avalon, he was responsible for all technology, cybersecurity, operational, and administrative areas and has extensive experience in both compliance and finance.
A Texas A&M graduate, Gary is an active member of the RIA community and sits on multiple committees and boards. He has been featured as a contributor in industry-related articles, and he frequently serves as a panelist at industry conferences.
Gary is passionate about serving his community. For a decade, he acted as Advisory Board Chairman of Yellowstone Academy, helping provide high-quality formal education to underprivileged children in Houston. Before that, he was Vice Chairman of the Board of Spaulding for Children, an adoption agency that places special children in loving homes.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer, SageSpring
- SageSpring 's Chief Financial Officer
Gerry Macbeth earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. After working as a copywriter for an advertising agency and a manufacturing cost accountant, Gerry began her career with the Southwestern Family of Companies in 1988 as part of its Corporate Accounting Department. Over the years, Gerry provided accounting support to several of Southwestern's companies, eventually transitioning into a full-time role with SageSpring Wealth Partners (formerly Southwestern Investment Group).
Gerry was involved with SageSpring Wealth Partners (formerly Southwestern Investment Group) from its founding in 2002; her role and involvement grew as the company grew. Gerry loves being part of a firm that is always growing, but what she appreciates most about working at Southwestern Investment Group is its wonderful people. She admires the team's professionalism, their high ethical standards, how they care for their fellow employees, and their passion for helping their clients.
Gerry is SageSpring's Chief Financial Officer. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Family of Companies.
When she's not in the office, Gerry enjoys traveling with her husband, Glenn, including trips to see their two daughters and their spouses living in Boston and Amsterdam. They particularly love spending time with their two young granddaughters who live in Boston.
Haili Thaxton joined our team in 2019 and has over 15 years of customer service and office management experience. She works behind the scenes preparing and processing client paperwork, maintaining up to date client records, as well as helping coordinate and manage all aspects of client operations.
Job Titles:
- Investment Executive, RJFS
Hannah Colbert was born and raised in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and moved to Tennessee in 2012. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in International Business. While pursuing her degree, she also began working in the insurance industry. She quickly found a passion for helping people through working closely with clients and their families. She joined SageSpring in 2019 as a part of our Client Services team.
As a client services associate, Hannah provides administrative support to our advisors and clients. She maintains and updates client account information, coordinates our events, and manages communications.
When she's not working, you can find Hannah spending time with her cat Opie and dog Ziggy or trying out the newest restaurant in Columbia.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner, SageSpring
Hannah Patterson originally joined SageSpring Wealth Partners' Deering Wealth Team in 2019 as a Client Services Associate responsible for assisting the team's advisors and clients along with managing the team's marketing and events. However, she eventually passed her Series 7 and 66 exams to become a Registered Financial Associate, and most recently obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation to further her depth of knowledge and expertise regarding effective and comprehensive financial planning. Now, she serves the team's clients and lead financial advisors through financial plan development, financial plan implementation, and money movement. Additionally, her role in advising clients will expand into regular client meetings, phone calls, and providing time-sensitive planning for the families of the Deering Wealth Team.
Born and raised in the small-town of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Hannah attended college at Middle Tennessee State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in finance. While in college, she served as the Treasurer and President of her sorority and completed an internship for the fundraising department of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Through these experiences, Hannah developed a passion for building relationships and started her career as the Membership Director for the Chamber of Commerce in her hometown. Eventually, she relocated back to Middle Tennessee for a relationship of her own. There she managed several office locations for a medical practice in the greater Nashville area before bringing her experience in client relations, event planning, marketing, and management, to the Deering Wealth Team in June of 2019.
Life outside of the office for Hannah is spent with her husband, Jordan, and their two dogs, Harley and Miller. After a few years of long distance, Hannah and Jordan settled down in the quaint town of Nolensville. They spend their weekends hiking, going on bike rides, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Advisor, SageSpring
Harrison is originally from Knoxville, TN, where he attended the University of Tennessee and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a collateral in Finance and a Master's degree in Accounting, concentrating in Information Management. There he served as executive leadership with his fraternity and as Vice President of the accounting organization, Beta Alpha Psi. Upon graduation, Harrison began his career as an auditor at Ernst & Young in Nashville, TN, with a focus in service in manufacturing and healthcare. Harrison then joined the Sircy-Hurd Wealth Team in August of 2022 as a team Wealth Advisor. Outside of work, Harrison holds commitments with his church and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing music, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Financial Professional, RJFS
Hayden is a Branch Associate at SageSpring and is part of the Jason Poe Wealth Team. He is currently serving as a mentee under Jason Poe, handling client meeting preparation, assisting in performing comprehensive analysis on financial models, and helping with client service.
Before joining SageSpring, Hayden began his professional career working in corporate finance but decided to pursue an opportunity with SageSpring because of the strong culture and the impact he can have on clients' lives.
Hayden grew up in McKinney, TX, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. There, he earned undergraduate degrees in Finance and Economics, as well as an M.S. in Data Analytics. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in outdoor activities, and cheering on the University of Alabama's sports teams.
Job Titles:
- Advisor, SageSpring
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
Holden Gully is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner at SageSpring Wealth Partners.
Holden is originally from Birmingham, AL. He graduated from the University of Alabama where he obtained a degree of Business Administration in Marketing and Management. Holden began his career with SageSpring in an internship capacity during college. After graduation, Holden moved to Nashville, TN to work alongside a team at the company headquarters.
After several years in Nashville, Holden moved back to his hometown of Birmingham. He now works as an Advisor on the Scroggins Wealth Team.
Holden and his wife, Sellers, live in the Homewood area with their son, Rhodes, and dog Bentley.
Job Titles:
- CFP
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
Jackson Wilcox is one of the lead financial advisors on the Deering Wealth Team. His role is to deliver comprehensive financial planning by serving the team's clients in the six CFP® practice areas of general planning, retirement planning, tax planning, investment management, risk management, and estate planning. In addition to these regular responsibilities, Jackson is responsible for implementing new technology and planning processes for the families of the Deering Wealth Team.
Jackson studied finance and accounting at a small private college in rural Indiana. After graduating, he began his career in the financial industry at a small public accounting firm in the Colorado Rockies. During his time in public accounting, he worked with individuals and small business owners on a variety of issues including tax planning, financial statement preparation, and income tax compliance. Although this work was challenging and rewarding, financial advising was always his true passion, and it was only a matter of time before he made the change. Looking for new opportunities and milder weather, Jackson joined SageSpring Wealth Partner's Deering Wealth Team as a financial advisor in Franklin, TN.
Jackson views the financial planning profession as uniquely positioned to provide value and financial confidence to clients. At the end of 2020, he expanded his professional qualifications by obtaining his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Jackson is devoted to developing and maintaining top level knowledge in new trends in the advising and regulatory landscape.
The united pursuit of serving clients with excellence makes it a privilege for Jackson to be an associate. He appreciates the professionalism and camaraderie of SageSpring. He also enjoys working with his specific team and the relaxed office atmosphere.
Outside the office, Jackson enjoys exploring the Franklin area with his college sweetheart and wife, Molly. He enjoys staying active by playing ultimate frisbee and trying to tire out his inexhaustible goldendoodle puppy - Finley. Jackson and his wife are also active members of and volunteers with their local church.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFS
Jacob Greene is originally from Knoxville, TN, and a graduate from The University of Tennessee. He graduated with bachelor's degrees in both Philosophy and Psychology. Before joining SageSpring in 2019, Jacob was a recruiter, trainer, and manager with the education publishing company, Southwestern Advantage. Jacob has earned his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, as well as Tennessee's Life & Health insurance licenses.
As a financial planner with SageSpring, Jacob provides full-service financial and investment planning. His specialty is creating holistic financial plans that incorporate all areas of a healthy financial life, including investment, retirement, tax, education, income, and estate planning. His desire and goal as a financial planner is to help people feel more secure and confident with their financial decisions, while also helping them build wealth in the most effective and efficient manner.
When not in the office, Jacob spends his time with his wife, Claire. They enjoy following both Tennessee and Baylor football, playing fantasy football against one another, and leading bible studies with their long-time friends in Nashville. They have a cat, Quito, named after the capitol of Ecuador where Claire lived when they first met.
Job Titles:
- Financial Associate, Southwestern Investment Group Financial Professional, RJFS
Originally from Lewisville, Texas, Jacob Washburn made San Antonio his new home after graduating from Texas A&M University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in Economics. Prior to joining Southwestern Investment Group, Jacob worked briefly with an insurance group, serving the San Antonio community.
At Southwestern Investment Group, Jacob works alongside his mentor Manny Gonzalez, helping Manny to grow the business. By doing so, Jacob is learning everything he can so that, in a few years, he can start a practice of his own.
On his journey to Southwestern Investment Group, Jacob was approached by a recruiter at his last position with an opportunity that sounded almost too good to be true. After meeting Manny and the Southwestern family, he knew this was the best place for him to start a career and that such an opportunity might never come again.
Jacob's favorite part of this job is that he can make a significant impact on individuals' financial literacy. Every day, he is meeting with clients who leave with a better understanding of finances than when they walked in, as well as a plan for how to get to and through retirement.
When not in the office, Jacob loves to spend time with his wife and Australian Shepherd named Cooper. Together, they all enjoy spending a lot of time outside while hiking, fishing, golfing, or just going for a cruise on his motorcycle.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
Jake Powell is a long-time resident of the Middle Tennessee area, growing up in Cookeville, TN. Jake attended the University of Tennessee where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics.
Prior to joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Jake began his career at the Raymond James home office in St. Petersburg, Florida, as a member of the OPTIONS Program. The OPTIONS Program is Raymond James' leadership development program, giving recent graduates the opportunity to gain experience in a range of business areas, working closely with Raymond James senior management during four-month rotational assignments in three distinct business units. While in this program, Jake obtained his Series 7, 66, and 52 licenses. Jake is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner.
In 2014, Jake decided it was time to return to the area he grew up in to be closer to his family and friends as well as to follow his passion to serve others. Jake joined SageSpring as a partner and Wealth Advisor with Nail Wealth Team. Since then, he has earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
James Ridley is originally from Henderson, Kentucky. He attended Belmont University, where he graduated with a business degree in Entrepreneurship. After some successful years as a real estate investor, James decided to pursue his passion for helping families understand their financial situation and assist them in reaching their goals.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, James works hand in hand with clients to create, implement, and maintain plans for those seeking financial freedom. James has a desire to serve others and is excited for the opportunity to learn more about clients' lives and what is important to them.
Outside of work, James enjoys volunteering with Young Life and spending time outdoors - where he can often be found playing soccer, hiking, or going rock climbing.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate
As a Client Services Associate, Jane Cormack assists our team with client paperwork, client fund requests, online access, and remote branch duties. She is integral to SageSpring's operations and finds a great deal of fulfillment in supporting clients as they discover their financial needs and potential.
Job Titles:
- Client Experience Specialist, SageSpring
Janice has over 30 years of experience delivering exceptional customer service. She specializes in opening, operating, and following up on all things related to investment accounts. Janice manages the calendar and connects clients calling into the office with the person who can resolve their issue in the most timely and efficient manner.
Janice has been with SageSpring Wealth Partners since near the beginning in 2003. During her time with the company, she has held offices in three different locations with SageSpring- including downtown in Atrium way. Janice's favorite part about working on the Deering Wealth Team is the people-some of which she has been working with for over 15 years now!
When not helping clients in the office, Janice enjoys spending time with her family. She frequently makes the trip to Atlanta to visit her daughter and grandson, Shaniece and Sebastian. Every once in a while, she makes it out to California to visit her twin sister and two older brothers in her hometown of Sacramento. Most weekends, though, you can find Janice riding her Harley around Nashville with her husband Ron.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, SageSpring Investment Broker, RJFS
Jason Plunkett is originally from Gallitzin, Pennsylvania and made Nashville his home in 2005. He graduated from Juniata College (Huntingdon, PA) in 2000 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. Prior to joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Jason worked in a wholesale capacity for several of the largest insurance companies in the U.S. As part of his responsibilities, he was assisting Financial Advisors throughout the Southeast in preparing comprehensive financial plans for their clients. He is excited about the opportunity to assist clients with over 16 years of financial industry experience
Jason has earned his Series 6,7,63,66, and life/health licenses. Through Raymond James, he provides sound investment and financial planning for his clients. After developing a thorough understanding of a client's objectives and goals, Jason takes a comprehensive approach to help his clients effectively and efficiently save for retirement, employ tax planning strategies, and transfer their wealth.
When not in the office, Jason spends as much time with his children (Gabriel, 14 and Emme, 11) as possible. Together they enjoy watching and attending sporting events, visiting parks, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Jason is the Financial Advisor and team lead. The majority of his time is spent meeting with clients. This can be face to face, via phone call, or utilizing internet based resources depending on your preference. Jason works with his clients to create a predictable path to and through retirement. This path includes; comprehensive retirement planning, investment management, risk identification and mitigation, estate planning in conjunction with your attorney and tax analysis in tandem with your CPA.
Jason has received his Series 7, Series 24, Series 63, Series 65 and Group I Insurance License. He is registered with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and has been working in the industry since January 2000. Jason grew up in west Texas and is a graduate of Texas State University. He resides in McKinney, Texas with his wife Melissa and their three children.
Jayce is a Branch Associate at SageSpring Wealth Partners and is part of the Nail Wealth Team. He is currently serving as a mentee, handling client meeting preparation, assisting in performing comprehensive analysis on financial models, and helping with client service.
Jayce was born and raised in Franklin, TN, and is a recent graduate of Lipscomb University. Outside of the office, he enjoys working out, playing golf, spending time with friends and family, and watching college football.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Advisor for SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Wealth Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Jeff Whaling is a Wealth Advisor for SageSpring Wealth Partners, part of the Raymond James network. He specializes in providing comprehensive financial advice to his clients. This includes strategies for the beginning investor as well as the more sophisticated investor with a more complex investment diversification.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Jeff Casey is originally from Ashland, MO and was raised as the youngest in a family of five. He attended Central Methodist University, where he enjoyed playing baseball and graduated with a degree in business. In a 2016 transition, Jeff and his wife, Kim, moved from St. Louis to make Omaha their home. They are loving raising their two children, Paige and Luke, in this community that continues to impress.
After graduating from college, Jeff worked as an insurance agent for many years, consulting families on their supplemental health benefits. While servicing hundreds of families in this capacity, Jeff recognized a need for most people to have a trusted advisor for all their financial matters. Being limited in the services he could provide as a captive agent and inspired by Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, Jeff sought an opportunity to become an comprehensive financial advisor.
As a financial advisor who obtains referrals through the SmartVestor Pro referral service, Jeff is proud to uphold these timeless principles as a pillar of the financial planning process. He specializes in retirement planning, investment management, tax strategies, and gifting strategies, while his primary focus is developing meaningful relationships with clients to be able to help them navigate the array of life's challenging decisions. You'll often hear Jeff say he's incredibly fortunate to be able to serve people in this way and that he's lucky to have landed his dream job.
Jeff holds his Series 7, Series 66, Health, Life, Annuity, Long-Term Care, and Disability licenses, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
*Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Jeff Dobyns has enjoyed extraordinary success providing comprehensive financial planning to retirees, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and executives by taking the time to truly know his clients, understand their goals and develop and execute their ongoing, strategic, financial plans.
Jeff earned his finance degree in business administration from Ohio University and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for more than two decades. After serving as Vice President of Investments of Lykins Financial Group, CPA's, in his hometown of Westerville, Ohio, Jeff moved to Nashville, Tennessee to found SageSpring Wealth Partners in 2002. As its President, Jeff has led SageSpring to remarkable success, holding the distinction of being one of Raymond James' top independent contractor offices, and a member of its Chairman's Council*, every year since 2008.
Jeff's true calling, however, is working directly with clients, helping them plan their financial futures in a manner that aligns with their values and helps provide them with financial confidence. To help meet these goals, Jeff leads the team of Dobyns Wealth Group and also incorporates the expertise of attorneys, accountants and other professionals to provide quality financial, tax and estate planning, and ongoing asset and risk management.
As independent advisory businesses, neither SageSpring Wealth Partners nor Dobyns Wealth Group hold any assets on behalf of clients, with such custodial and brokerage services being provided by Raymond James. As a leader in wealth management, Raymond James has an exemplary reputation and today serves more than $930 billion in client assets through 8,200 financial advisors worldwide (as of 9/30/2020).
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFS
Jennifer Herendon is a Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners. Her specialty is providing sound, conservative, confidential, and comprehensive investment advice to clients in order to help them effectively and efficiently save for retirement, minimize tax liability, and transfer their wealth.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
I remember when as a young boy I first noticed a real estate sign in my neighborhood. I hopped off my bike and grabbed one of the flyers. As I glanced at the price ($300,000), I was perplexed that anyone would have that much money. I turned toward home to ask my mom and dad that question.
Job Titles:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
- Financial Planning Executive, SageSpring
Jessica D. Fletcher is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and has recently recieved her certification in Long-Term Care. Jes sica joined the Nace-LaRue Wealth Team in September 2017and loves the close-knit and collaboration of the team. Jessica oversees all team operations and business development of the Nace Wealth Team.
Prior to launching her career in the financial planning industry in 2012, Jessica attended Midwestern State University, where she received a degrees in Sociology and Business. Outside of work, you can typically find her enjoying a good book or attending a spin class.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant, SageSpring
A nurse by trade, a career military wife, and a mother of 2, service is the best way that describes Jessica. Helping others is the fuel that drives Jessica to excellence in all that she touches.
Jessica is originally from Louisiana but left to follow their dreams of her husband becoming a military officer in the US Air Force. While transferring from one assignment to another, Jessica built her organizational skills by volunteering extensively for any opportunity available. After 25 years of service and her two children were adults and on their own, she decided to enter the finance world due to her passion for budgeting and investing.
Jessica and her husband Brian of 34 years have settled in Birmingham, Alabama. They have two sons with the oldest serving as a pilot in the US Air Force, and the youngest pursuing his doctorate in Nurse Anesthetist at UAB. Jessica enjoys hiking, serving veterans in need, traveling, golfing and Face Timing with her grandchildren Evan, Anna & Weston.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Marketing Manager
- Corporate Marketing Manager, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
Jessica Roberson is a Corporate Marketing Manager on the Business Development team at SageSpring Wealth Partners and a Branch Associate at RJFS, where she is responsible for creating, designing, and editing all marketing pieces for publication. As part of her role, Jessica provides strategic and tactical support in all creative areas, including email and social media campaigns, print and online advertising, website management and content development, and brand coordination and awareness.
Jessica has more than five years of experience in digital and traditional marketing, branding, and graphic design for both B2B and B2C companies. She is passionate about marketing and branding, constantly seeking opportunities to develop impactful and aesthetically pleasing materials.
Originally from New York, Jessica graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a BA in Psychology. Outside of the office, Jessica and her husband, Colin, enjoy spending time with their two rescue dogs, Tiger and Lily. She also enjoys exercising, reading, writing, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Financial Professional, RJFS
A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Jim Grenn graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Biochemistry. After an internship during college, he was hired on full-time with a Raymond James team in Hattiesburg. After four years, Jim moved to Nashville to continue and further develop his role as a wealth advisor with SageSpring Wealth Partners.
As a wealth advisor for the Barnes Wealth Team, Jim sits down with clients to listen and empathize with their current financial situations, as well as their future financial motivations and needs. Jim works alongside his team to help create a holistic financial plan for their client to help them better steward their assets.
One of the things Jim enjoys most about SageSpring is the synergy within the Barnes Wealth Team and the company as a whole. After watching the financial advising industry change throughout the years, he appreciates how SageSpring has been a front runner in helping clients and putting their best interests first, while also growing as a business.
Outside of work, you can find Jim with his wife, Madeline, either on a walk with their pup Murph or in a coffee shop reading a book or writing poetry. An amateur fisherman, Jim tries to get to a river or back home by the Gulf as much as possible. A follower of Christ, Jim is excited to start a family in Nashville, while also finding new gospel community.
Job Titles:
- Financial Professional, SageSpring
Joel Kosch is a Financial Professional at Raymond James Financial Services & SageSpring Wealth Partners & is part of the Atchison Wealth Team. Passionate about education & helping others, Joel enjoys working closely with his colleagues to build enduring relationships with their clients to help them achieve their financial goals.
Before joining the Atchison Wealth team, Joel spent the first decade of his career in fundraising. He was previously the Manager of Leadership Giving for Children's Mercy Hospital & has worked in fundraising for K-12 & higher education institutions.
Joel grew up in Humphrey NE, the youngest of 10 kids. He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, where he studied to be a math teacher. He completed his master's degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in higher education leadership. Outside of the office, Joel enjoys spending time with his wife Jess, along with family & friends! His favorite activities include hiking, golfing, traveling, attending sporting events & eating ice cream.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring
John graduated from West Point, in the top 10% of his class, with a degree in Economics. He is a veteran who left the Army as a Captain, an avid Ironman tri-athlete, and a golfer. He had a very successful practice in Dallas with AXA Advisors prior to joining SageSpring Wealth Partners. John is happily married to his wife, Caroline, and they have two sons, Jack and Charlie.
John has received his Series 7, Series 66, and Life and Annuity Insurance Licenses. John holds the following advanced designations: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Advisor for Senior Living, and Chartered Advisor for Philanthropy (planned/charitable giving). He is registered with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. John's focus is helping his clients through Comprehensive Financial Planning with a specialty in fee-based* professional money management, tax planning strategies, and exceptional customer service.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
John O'Connor graduated from Towson University in 2019, with a degree in Economics and a minor in Finance. He previously worked for Wealth Enhancement Group and now has his Series 7, 66, and Life and Health Insurance licenses. John is also actively working towards becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
In his role on the Lighthouse Wealth Team, John works with clients on reviewing investments, portfolio management, financial planning, retirement planning, and many other needs. When it came to joining the SageSpring Wealth Partners' team, John was drawn to the company culture and especially that the company was honored among the top places to work in Tennessee in 2020 and 2021.*
John knew he wanted to work with other financial professionals who desire to serve clients and put clients' interests ahead of their own. Additionally, he wanted to work for an organization that allowed him to grow in his role and expand his knowledge. To his delight, John has found all of these attributes at SageSpring, and he appreciates, even more, how close his team is, how everyone is there for each other through the good and bad, and how everyone celebrates each other's successes for the company as a whole.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time at the gym, exploring new hiking trails, trying new breweries, and hang out with his lovely girlfriend, Molly. He also loves to talk all things basketball.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, SageSpring Investment Executive, RJFS
Jordan Wedell's passion is to help others achieve their version of financial independence through comprehensive planning and tax-saving opportunities. By partnering with his clients, he seeks to become their knowledgeable resource in managing and building wealth centered around their long-term vision and short-term goals. From financial education to complex planning, Jordan's goal is to help clients get organized, gain the courage to keep moving towards financial independence, and help them stay focused on what's in their best interests. Ultimately, he's found this allows them to live fuller lives, as they are able to be fully present with their families, careers, and passions. Having had the fortune of growing up in a family of advisors-with his brother, father, and a close family friend as mentors-Jordan has personally seen the impact an advisor can have on families' lives. If you would like to explore whether the Wedell team is a good fit for you, please reach out to Jordan at 615-861-3510, and he will find a time that works best for you.
Since he was in middle school, Jordan knew exactly what he wanted to do when he grew up - become a Financial Advisor.
Jordan is an extremely sharp, customer service focused financial planning professional and has received his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and Life and Accident/ Health Insurance license. In addition to these required licenses, Jordan has also earned the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Jordan graduated in Lexington, KY from the University of Kentucky and has called Nashville home since 2012. He is originally from Chicago, IL, and has had the fortune of growing up in a family of advisors with both his brother, father, and close family friend as mentors, each running top practices the Chicagoland area. They continue to inspire his passion for helping others, as well as his admiration for the service Financial Advisors help provide in the lives of their clients.
In the early years of his career, Jordan was mentored by a handful of the largest and most successful financial advisors in the Raymond James network. During this time, he was responsible for coordinating complex planning strategies and processes for well over 200 financial plans.
Prior to joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Jordan made a strategic decision to begin his career as an entrepreneur. Over several years he helped build and grow several early-stage businesses, most notably launching a disruptive travel service, the North American sales and marketing headquarters for a European corporation, as well as doubling the revenue of an established corporation in less than two months.
Jordan draws from that experience and is known for his forward-thinking initiatives, attention to detail, passion for reaching others hearts, and resourceful solutions in support of his clients' goals.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
In March 2012, the pieces fell into place, and Josh packed his car and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, his first-time visiting Music City ever. Since then, Josh has spent time in various industries such as insurance brokerage, mortgage, financial service, and health insurance trying to find his best fit. October 31, 2022 it all changed… Josh joined the Lange Wealth Team as the Client Service Associate and couldn't be happier. Josh looks forward every day to serving clients and the team however he can.
When he is not in the office, Josh is leading touchdown chants for Bear Down Nashville, the largest gathering of Chicago Bears' fans in the South, tailgating for Vanderbilt football games, reading, working out, exploring Nashville's food scene, dog sitting, or attending service at Cross Point.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner, SageSpring
Julia is a Financial Planner with SageSpring Wealth Partners. As a member of the Purifoy Wealth Team, Julia is responsible for working with clients to develop and implement comprehensive financial plans, while also helping to oversee daily operations. Julia has a passion for building relationships and is committed to providing quality service to clients.
Prior to joining SageSpring, Julia worked at UBS Financial Services, Inc., and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she held various operational and management roles. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds Series 7, 66, 9, 10, and Life and Health Insurance licenses.
Julia grew up in Orange County, California and attended the University of California, San Diego, where she studied Economics and minored in Account and Business Administration. Outside of work, Julia and her fiancé spend their weekends hiking, trying new restaurants in the area, and traveling. In her free time, she also enjoys watching football, reading, and playing tennis.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / Sircy - Hurd Wealth Team, SageSpring Client Services Manager, RJFS
A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Julie Porter joined SageSpring Wealth Partners in October of 2018. She brings more than 20 years of customer service, client relations, and administrative experience. Julie's role is vital and includes multiple responsibilities, such as scheduling client meetings, incoming and outgoing correspondence, and communicating with clients on a daily basis.
Just prior to joining SageSpring, Julie worked with a company that provided HR Solutions to a variety of business owners. She helped others connect better with their employees and helps our team connect better with our clients. Julie enjoys working at SageSpring because of the individuals she connects with on a daily basis and the team's community involvement.
Julie resides in Brentwood with her husband Todd. They have two sons, Jacob and Jordan, and two daughters, Ashleigh and Abby. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Brentwood Rotary Club, as well as for the Brentwood Rotary Club Charitable Foundation. She has her Health and Life License. She enjoys spending time with family, watching UT football, and entertaining at home.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate, SageSpring
With a diverse and eclectic background in customer service, Karen Mason has dedicated her life to helping others in several capacities. Her people-first mentality is a perfect fit for the SageSpring Wealth Partners team, and Karen's friends in the community knew it was the place for her. After being introduced to our firm by those friends, and hearing about our outstanding reputation, Karen found a place where she was excited to spend her career.
Karen enjoys working in a welcoming, service-oriented environment that is very supportive of everyone. As a customer service associate, she is responsible for supporting her financial advisors on the Keen Wealth Team to help them provide the best guidance and recommendations to all clients in pursuit of their financial goals.
When Karen isn't in the office, she loves anything that involves food and travel.
Job Titles:
- Client Operations Associate, SageSpring
With a bachelor's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Kathleen Kretschmer has over 10 years of experience in management, leadership, and customer sales and service from her prior roles.
At SageSpring, Kathleen is currently responsible for managing the Gonzalez and Whaling Wealth Teams' San Antonio office needs to ensure all clients have an exceptional experience. Kathleen also works to improve efficiencies and operations in all aspects of client interactions and is responsible for onboarding new clients, money movement, and account maintenance.
Before joining the team, Kathleen was led to SageSpring as a client, and she loves the company culture. Above all, Kathleen appreciates the company's core values and that a focus on family is truly important.
Outside of work, Kathleen spends the majority of her time with her three amazing grandchildren and has three children. When not spending time with family, Kathleen enjoys gardening and is an avid sports fan.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
Katie grew up in a small town in Vermont but moved to Tampa, Florida after graduating high school to attend the University of South Florida where she obtained her business degree. She went on to earn her MBA from the University of Florida.
After college, in 2006, Katie started working for Raymond James in their corporate office located in St. Petersburg, FL. Katie moved to Nashville in 2013 to join SageSpring Wealth Partners.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her partner, Joe, their daughter, Jessie (born March 2020), and their son, Thomas (born May 2022). She also loves to run, practice yoga and eat chocolate.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Coordinator, SageSpring
Kelly is an experienced marketing professional who joined the Dobyns Wealth Team as a Marketing Coordinator, providing strategic support in all creative areas and is responsible for leading the execution and evolution of the DWT brand. Prior to joining SageSpring, Kelly spent her career in the financial services and sports industry, focusing on marketing, sales, and brand awareness.
Kelly attended Western Michigan University and graduated from the Honor's College with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in business management and public relations. She relocated to Nashville in 2020 from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan.
Life outside of the office for Kelly is spent with her boyfriend Ned and dog Louis. They spend their weekends exploring Nashville eateries, working out, traveling, frequenting dog parks, and completing DIY projects around the house.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, RJFS
A Franklin, Tennessee native, Kelly Lynch graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and has over 10 years of experience in customer service. She began her career with SageSpring Wealth Partners in 2018 as the Office Coordinator and joined the Lighthouse Wealth Team shortly after as the team's Client Services Associate.
Kelly's primary roles on the team consist of the account opening and maintenance processes, maintaining the team's schedule, and assisting with transfers and money movement. Her favorite thing about working at the company is how warm and welcoming everyone is. "You will never meet a stranger in the office," Kelly says.
Beyond the office, Kelly enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, doing light gardening and reading.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Specialist, SageSpring
Kendra was born and raised in Southwest Iowa. After graduating with a degree in nursing, she spent over 20 years working in various aspects of healthcare. Now, Kendra serves as an administrative assistant in the Clarinda office.
After years in healthcare, Kendra felt it was time for a change; however, she wanted a position that would continue to allow her to help others. This was achieved with the SageSpring position and their mission of helping people. She enjoys meeting new clients and learning new things every day.
In her free time, Kendra enjoys spending time with her husband and three children on their acreage. They love camping, riding horses, and church activities.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Advisor With SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
- Member of the Nail Wealth Team
Kerry is a Financial Advisor with SageSpring Wealth Partners. As a member of the Nail Wealth Team, Kerry is responsible for working with clients to develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies. Kerry serves individuals and businesses by listening effectively to their financial concerns and developing long-term strategies based on their unique needs. He follows a systematic and disciplined approach to advising his clients. Kerry is passionate about building relationships and is committed to providing quality service.
Prior to joining SageSpring, Kerry worked in client services at Pinnacle Financial Partners. He holds his Series 7, 66, and Life and Health Insurance licenses.
Kerry is a graduate of Lipscomb University, with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Management. He is a Nashville native, where he lives with his wife, Nola, and their golden retriever, Tater. Outside of work, Kerry enjoys spending his weekends hiking, trying new restaurants in the area, and traveling. He is an avid sports fan and supporter of the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators.
Kevin Prys, MBA is a Branch Associate in the Mentorship Program at SageSpring. He will be learning directly under Andrew Cremé, MBA, AIF ®, CFP ® during a two-year training program where he will learn and gain experience to becoming a Financial Planner.
Job Titles:
- Financial Professional, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Kevin will serve as a Financial Professional with SageSpring Wealth Partners and Raymond James Financial Services. As a member of the Purifoy Wealth Team, Kevin works closely with our advisors and team members, providing support and assistance in all aspects of helping clients to achieve their goals.
Prior to joining SageSpring, Kevin worked at Shamrock Trading Corporation, where he held various roles in including Regional Sales Director in which he managed teams all over the country.
Kevin grew up in Knoxville, TN and he attended the University of Tennessee, where he majored in Business Administration. Kevin and his wife, Katie, planted roots in Nashville in 2015 after living all over the Southeast and in Berlin, Germany.
Kevin and his wife have one daughter, Izzy James. Kevin and Katie contribute much of their time to YoungLife in the Nashville area where Katie is on full time staff. Kevin enjoys spending much of his time with his family, traveling, hiking and anything involving sports.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring, RJFS
Laurie Snively, CFP® brings a unique perspective to financial planning. She has been lucky enough to work in several industries, adding to the overall experience she brings to the team. She has worked as an entrepreneur and owned her own marketing firm. She also spent several years working as a wholesaler, where she worked with advisors on everything from crafting portfolios to behavioral education, as well as overall best practices for advisors focused on providing great service to their clients.
Based on her varied experience, Laurie wanted to prioritize joining a practice that takes client relationships and planning to the next level. Upon learning about SageSpring's commitment to its clients financial planning, she knew immediately this was the organization she wanted to call home.
Laurie is passionate about helping people feel they can retire with confidence. Her clients inspire her every day as she helps them reach new goals they have long been working towards. As a Financial Advisor with SageSpring, Laurie currently holds Series 7, Series 66, and Health and Life insurance licenses. Outside of work, Laurie loves spending time with her family, all of whom live here in Tennessee. She also loves going for long walks with her rescue dog, Lucy.
Job Titles:
- Aull Wealth Team Marketing Assistant, RJFS
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring Branch Professional, RJFS
As a client services associate, LeAnne Gossett offers administrative support for both the Keen Wealth Team and Hamer Wealth Team at SageSpring Wealth Partners. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, LeAnne accepted a full-time job opportunity for a consulting firm, rather than pursuing a teaching career. After a few short years with the firm, LeAnne was promoted to Customer Service Manager before the birth of her son in 2018. As a new mother, LeAnne decided to take on the teaching profession and renewed her teaching license.
While she enjoyed teaching third grade, LeAnne missed the pace, job tasks, teamwork, and customer interactions she experienced as a customer service professional. That's when she saw a job posting on LinkedIn for the Client Services Associate position at SageSpring. LeAnne thought the responsibilities and tasks were similar to her previous role as a Customer Service Manager, and she now serves in the role and truly enjoys the culture at SageSpring-especially that everyone is kind and helpful.
Outside of work, LeAnne enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband Chris have four children: Callie, Trevor, Sadie, and Jayden. Jayden and Sadie are members of a local saddle club and also compete in barrel racing competitions. When LeAnne is not cheering on Sadie and Jayden at the saddle club or barrel racing competitions, she enjoys bowling and watching her favorite TV show, Wheel of Fortune.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring
After graduating from Ohio State University with a Bachelor's degree in Financial Management, Lindsey Wilson began her journey into finance. She has over eleven years of experience in the finance industry. Before moving to Texas, Lindsey worked for a Raymond James office in Ohio for almost seven years.
After deciding to move to the Dallas area, Lindsey researched local practices and was very impressed by the team at SageSpring Wealth Partners. After interviewing in the Spring of 2017, she knew she had found her new work family.
Lindsey is now a Financial Advisor on the Hart Wealth Team. She enjoys building strong relationships and creating financial plans designed to help each and every client reach their financial goals. Helping others has always been a passion of hers, and she is able to fulfill that passion here.
Beyond the office, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her dog, Duke, exploring the outdoors, traveling, live music, and attending sporting events. She especially enjoys watching college football and her favorite team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. She loves spending time with her twelve nieces and nephews and has also volunteered her time to CASA, a children's advocacy program.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, SageSpring
For the last thirteen years, Lucas has been refining his craft as a financial advisor. After graduating from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business, he then went on to pursue his Master's Degree in Personal Financial Planning from the University of Alabama. Wanting to gain as much experience as possible, Lucas interned with Edward Jones in Nashville which led him to dive even deeper into the field by joining VALIC Financial Advisors in Brentwood with a special focus on retirement planning. All the while, Lucas continued his professional education by earning his Series 7, Series 66, Life, Health, and Insurance licenses and participating in the Executive Education Program for Financial Planning at Belmont University. With his passion for financial planning, Lucas joined SageSpring in 2014 as a Financial Advisor and also is an Investment Management Consultant through Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting*.
Today, Lucas utilizes his vast knowledge and experience to help guide his clients through the complexities of retirement planning, investing, tax strategies, and other financial goals. To Lucas, one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career is being an active participant in his clients' lives- working closely to identify their goals, implementing a plan of action, and celebrating with them as they strive to achieve life's many milestones.
Outside of the office, Lucas can be found spending time with his wife, Kayla, and their three children. He is an avid mountain biker and exercise enthusiast and loves being outdoors. This is where he feels most at home as he was raised on a tobacco farm in rural Christian County, Kentucky.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Luke Aull is originally from Aiken, South Carolina and a graduate from The University of Tennessee. He graduated with honors pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in accounting with a French minor which he obtained while studying at The Sorbonne University in Paris, France. Before joining SageSpring Wealth Partners in 2005, Luke was a manager with The Southwestern Company, for 4 years.
As a Senior Executive Vice President of SageSpring, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Luke provides investment and financial planning. His specialty is providing sound, conservative, confidential and comprehensive investment advice to clients - to help them effectively and efficiently save for retirement, employ tax planning strategies, and transfer their wealth.
Luke holds the Series 7 and Series 66 registrations, as well as life, health, annuity, and long-term care insurance licenses in Tennessee and other various states. Luke completed his CFP® certification in 2010, he is a registered representative with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and through Raymond James, completed his Investment Management Consulting designation. In addition, Luke attained Raymond James Executive Council each year from 2010 through 2013*, and Leadership Council every year from 2014 through 2021*. Luke's focus is helping his clients manage wealth through comprehensive financial planning with a specialty in fee-based** professional money management, tax reduction strategies, and exceptional customer service.
Most importantly, when Luke isn't helping pre-retirees and retirees with their finances, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their 7 children, Dori, Naomi, Isaac, Micah, Asher, Levi and Silas.
Born and raised in Germantown, Tennessee, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Luke holds a degree in Supply Chain Management and Economics. While attending college Luke had the opportunity to get an array of work experience from Walt Disney World, Sherwin-Williams, and a local boat dealership.
Luke found himself at SageSpring Wealth Partners because of the company's values and its relationship with Dave Ramsey. Our goal of offering families long-term financial planning with a client-first mentality is what separated SageSpring from other potential employers.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to Mark Deering, CFP®, SageSpring
Maddie Abrams is the Executive Assistant to Mark Deering. In her role, she handles the team's marketing, communications, and events, and assists Mark with his company duties as Senior Executive Vice President & National Sales Director. Maddie originally joined the team as a Marketing & Client Services Associate in 2021, so she is also trained in supporting the team's client operations.
Born and raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Maddie ventured to the University of Alabama for the school's nationally ranked public relations (PR) program. There she majored in PR and Spanish, earning her bachelor's degree in 2017, and has lived and worked in the Nashville area ever since. Prior to joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Maddie spent her career in PR and marketing agencies where she served clients in various industries through strategic media relations, crisis communications, reputation management, and more.
Maddie currently lives in a 100-year-old historic home in Old Hickory Village with her fiancé, Heath, and their two labs, Neyland and Moose. She spends her free time working on home improvements, working out at CrossFit, and planning for her wedding in Ireland in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Operations, SageSpring
Mandy works hard behind the scenes of your accounts. Her high efficiency makes her skilled at knowing every moving part of each client's plan to make sure nothing is missed in meeting preparation and follow up. She focuses on improving efficiency in daily operations to ensure all client matters are handled in a timely and meaningful manner.
Mandy Brooke is an honors graduate of Maryville College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Management with a minor in Accounting. Mandy began working in the insurance and investment industry as a college intern.
After moving to Nashville, Mandy joined SageSpring in 2012 with nearly 8 years of industry experience. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner**, a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. She holds Series 6, 7, 63, life, accident, health and annuity insurance licenses.
Mandy is originally from Kingston, TN, but now lives in Nashville with her husband Sean, and son Carson.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
One extremely important aspect of our team is that we are INDEPENDENT advisors. By being completely independent, our allegiance is with the client and not with any particular product. Rather, we have access to thousands of Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds, Certificates of Deposits, Money Market Accounts, Section 529 College Savings Plans, fifty Private Money Management Firms, and thousands of Insurance Products on the market.
Manny grew up in the Hill Country of Kerrville, TX and he attended Texas State University where he graduated with a degree in Finance. Manny first established his relationship with Southwestern by selling books for the company's summer internship program while attending college. After graduating, he continued working with the Southwestern Company as a sales manager with Southwestern. He helped coach college students on running an effective business, building their communication skills and developing personal growth. He was responsible for hiring, training and managing college students at Texas State University, the University of Texas, UTSA and the University of South Florida.
After building a successful organization over eight years with our parent company, Manny was invited to join SageSpring Wealth Partners (formerly Southwestern Investment Group). Manny currently lives in New Braunfels, TX with his beautiful wife and two young boys. He enjoys spending time playing city league football, classic cars, softball, fishing, hunting, and taking his dog "Dugger" to the park. He currently has his series 7, series 66, and life and annuity insurance license.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President, Partner, & National Sales Director, SageSpring
- Senior Executive Vice President, Partner, & National Sales Director, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Mark Deering is dedicated to providing each of his clients with a personal and comprehensive plan to help reach their financial goals. Mark's extensive knowledge and experience in preparing for and working towards achieving financial freedom in retirement has helped countless clients make their vision of their future a reality.
Mark Deering is dedicated to providing each of his clients with a personal and comprehensive plan to help reach their financial goals. Mark's extensive knowledge and experience in preparing for and working towards achieving financial freedom in retirement has helped countless clients make the vision of their future a reality.
Mark's career began in the '90s as a college student paying for school by running a small business selling educational books during the summers through Southwestern Advantage. During this experience, Mark developed the skills and character needed to build and lead a successful team, and became a sales manager for Southwestern for several years. After earning a degree in Business & Economics, as well as Biblical Studies, from Wheaton College, Mark was invited to join SageSpring Wealth Partners (previously Southwestern Investment Group). As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Mark uses the same attributes that he developed selling books-determination, exceptional customer service, problem solving, to name a few-at Deering Wealth Team to partner with his clients in helping them reach their financial goals and experience freedom.
Mark has worked to further develop his services and team to continually improve client experience. In 2011, Mark was promoted to Vice President of SageSpring Wealth Partners, again promoted in 2013 to Senior Vice President, named Executive Vice President in 2014, and named Senior Executive Vice President in 2021. In 2016, Mark was promoted to National Sales Director. Within this role, Mark oversees all training and mentoring for advisors of SageSpring. As a leader in the industry, Mark has also been a member of the Raymond James Leaders Council** consecutively since 2015 and most recently, named to Forbes' list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021*.
Mark exemplifies a true passion for service professionally and personally. He has served as a board member of the TN Voices for Victims, SageSpring Executive Board, and SageSpring Leadership Board. Mark is an active member of his church and has served as both an Elder and the Treasurer. He also volunteers as a youth coach for the YMCA and Williamson County Parks and Recreation.
On days off, when there are no Carolina basketball games on, Mark can be found at home with his wife of 17+ years, their three children, two dogs, and twenty-five chickens!
Job Titles:
- Client Operations Associate, SageSpring
Mary Jeanette Rowlett grew up in Atlanta, but fell in love with middle Tennessee when she attended Vanderbilt. Mary Jeanette graduated with a B.S. in Geology, but she has gravitated towards accounting and human resources positions over the years. She met her husband through Young Life ministries, and they spent several years in California, Alabama and Georgia working for Young Life. She and her husband are now happily settled back into Franklin.
Job Titles:
- Financial Professional, RJFS
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Matt Atchison leads our Omaha, Nebraska, office. Matt is originally from Holdrege, Nebraska, and he attended Creighton University, where he graduated with honors. He and his wife, Chelsea, have enjoyed making Omaha their home over the past 18 years. He is an active member of Countryside Community Church and is passionate about teaching and promoting financial wellness education in our community's schools, places of work, and places of worship.
Matt has received his Series 7, Series 66, and Nebraska Insurance, Annuity, Long Term Care, and Disability licenses. His focus is helping his clients build wealth through comprehensive financial planning with a specialty in professional money management, tax planning strategies, and exceptional customer service.
He enjoys spending much of his time with family and friends, traveling, running marathons, and cheering on the Cornhuskers and Creighton Bluejays. Matt and Chelsea have three children, Molly, Ben, and Sam, and he loves being their dad.
Job Titles:
- Financial Associate, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Matt DeGraff attended Baylor University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Finance. After graduation, Matt worked as a financial advisor for a firm in Fort Worth, Texas before eventually joining the SageSpring team.
As a mentee for the Travis Cullman Wealth Team in Knoxville, Matt's role is focused on assisting Travis providing clients the best level of service possible.
While looking for a company focused on embodying the heart of a teacher and not simply "selling a product," Matt felt right at home at SageSpring. He enjoys working with like-minded people each day and being able to make a positive impact in others' lives.
Beyond the office, Matt loves staying active and taking his German Shepherd on walks. He's also become quite the pro at smoking brisket.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring
- Marketing Coordinator, SageSpring
My passion is to contribute, support, and make a difference in both my career and personal life. Having the opportunity to create and maintain great relationships is one of the many reasons I enjoy working in a client- centric industry. After being self-employed for almost three years working with accounting clients, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and responsibility that pushes me to strive for the best client satisfaction possible.
Through my work with CPAs, I found a love for the finance industry and working with numbers. My career then took me into the world of Retirement Plan Administration where I helped our clients plan for their future which led me to where I am today.
I grew up in California, just outside of San Francisco, and recently relocated to Frisco, TX to be closer to my family. Outside of the office, I enjoy snowboarding, playing with my puppy Bentley and spending time with loved ones. Spontaneous adventures with my friends and family will always be my favorite pastime.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring
Job Titles:
- Client Service Assistant, SageSpring
- the Client Service Associate
Melanie is the Client Service Associate to Brian Hart and is responsible for providing outstanding service to the team's valued clients, acting as a key resource for all client inquiries and ensuring follow-up actions are completed in a timely manner.
Melanie joined the Hart Wealth Team at SageSpring Wealth Partners in 2022 after spending time at home to raise her family.
Outside of the office, Melanie devotes her time to her two sons, Landon, 10, and Jamison, 8, as well as her two dogs, Bailey, and Zoe. She enjoys being outside as much as possible and watching her boys play sports.
Job Titles:
- Registered Sales Assistant, SageSpring
Job Titles:
- Financial Planning Executive, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Melissa has worked in the financial industry since 2009. Her experience ranges from one year as an independent adviser in a community bank in Paducah, Kentucky, to just shy of seven years servicing high-net-worth individuals and families with a wealth management firm in Brentwood, Tennessee. Melissa obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Certificate in Financial Planning from Belmont University.
As a a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Melissa knows that financial planning is not a set-it-and-forget-it occupation. Client financial goals continually shift over time when life circumstances change. One of Melissa's many roles is to meet with clients periodically to stay informed on these ever-changing circumstances. She is also responsible for review meeting preparation. This extremely involved process ranges from figuring out the most efficient ways to merge finances with a loved one, saving for a large purchases, financially planning for a growing family, education funds, life insurance, and retirement decisions to forethought into tax strategies for higher incomes, estate planning, caring for aging parents, and long-term care options.
Melissa and her family relocated back to Nashville after spending two years in Kentucky. She met a SageSpring financial advisor through mutual friends and was impressed with their love of the firm. After getting to spend eight months at home with her first child, she felt like it was time to join the workforce again. Melissa immediately thought of SageSpring and has been here ever since.
As a working mother, Melissa appreciates the flexibility that SageSpring provides. Being able to develop lifelong relationships with clients through personalized service is one of her greatest missions. She also gets the opportunity to balance work and life by utilizing the flexible hours to stay at home with her kids once during the work week.
Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, Caroline and Wyatt. When she's not chasing the kids, Melissa is chasing her two wild fur kids. She prefers to spend time together outdoors and is extremely proud of her StrongFirst kettlebell training.
Job Titles:
- Compliance Assistant, SageSpring
Melissa Smith came to Southwestern Investment Group in 2010 after working in the banking industry for seven years. In her role as a compliance assistant, she assists with monitoring daily compliance and regulatory tasks.
Beginning as a part-time employee working on a summer project, Melissa has enjoyed the transition to a full-time compliance assistant position. She particularly enjoys that the job requires attention to detail and great organizational skills.
Melissa loves photography, watching Alabama football, and spending time with her husband, three boys, and their two dogs Jax and Mylee Caroline.
Job Titles:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
- CFP
- Member of the Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring Wealth Advisor, RJFS
Michael Purifoy provides clients with the comprehensive financial expertise that has helped make SageSpring Wealth Partners one of the top-producing branches of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. As a member of the Executive Leadership Board, Michael also devotes his time and expertise to the strategic direction of the team.
Michael assists his clients in building wealth through comprehensive financial planning with a specialty in professional money management, tax planning strategies and exceptional client service. He has an extensive list of qualifications that attest to his capabilities, including:
Michael is an active member in his church and has held local leadership positions with national non-profit organizations. He and his wife Lindsey have three boys, Jacob, Luke, and Sam. Michael enjoys spending much of his time with his family, playing golf, and cheering on the Vols.
Michael J. Purifoy, CPA, CFP® has enjoyed extraordinary success providing comprehensive financial planning to retirees, entrepreneurs and executives by taking the time to truly know his clients, understand their goals, and develop and execute their ongoing, strategic, financial plans.
A native of Knoxville, Michael attended one of the nation's top public accounting programs and holds both a master's degree in accounting and a degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee, where he served the student body through leadership positions in student government and contributed much of his time to the Knoxville community through Young Life.*
Since joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Michael has been named a member of the firm's Executive Leadership Board, and has been recognized as a member of Raymond James Financial Services "Executive Council" from 2012 to 2018 and "Leaders Council" in 2019.** Michael works directly with clients, helping them plan their financial futures in a manner that aligns with their values and helps provide them with financial confidence. To help meet these goals, Michael leads the Purifoy Wealth Team and also incorporates the expertise of attorneys, accountants and other professionals to provide quality financial, tax and estate planning, and ongoing asset and risk management.
In order to meet the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the industry, Michael is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional*** and a Licensed Certified Public Accountant.**** Michael is also a participant of the Dave Ramsey SmartVestor program.
As independent advisory businesses, neither SageSpring Wealth Partners nor Purifoy Wealth Team hold any assets on behalf of clients, with such custodial and brokerage services being provided by Raymond James. As a leader in wealth management, Raymond James has an exemplary reputation and today serves more than three million client accounts through 7,800 financial advisors worldwide.
Michael and his wife Lindsey have three boys, Jacob, Luke, and Sam. Michael enjoys spending much of his time with his family, playing golf, coaching youth basketball, and cheering on the Vols.
Investment advisory services offered through SageSpring Wealth Partners, an independent registered investment adviser. SageSpring Wealth Partners and the Purifoy Wealth Team are not registered broker/dealers and are Independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states.
Job Titles:
- Facilities Manager, SageSpring
After more than 12 years at our corporate headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, Michelle Johns wanted to explore other opportunities within the Southwestern Family of Companies. She transitioned to the Dobyns Wealth Team in 2016 as a client operations specialist and moved into the role of Facilities Manager two years later.
As the Facilities Manager, Michelle oversees the needs of each office to ensure they run effectively and efficiently, meeting the facilities requests of staff and clients.
Michelle moved to the team because, after consideration, she felt that SageSpring was the right fit for her. She loves the people, the culture, and the vibe of the office. "It's like one big family," affirms Michelle.
Michelle and her husband, Chris, live on a small farm south of Franklin, Tennessee, where they enjoy playing with their grandchildren. When she's not in the office, Michelle loves gardening and entertaining her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate at SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
Michelle LaBarge is a Client Services Associate at SageSpring Wealth Partners. As part of the Nail Wealth Team, Michelle works collaboratively with the team and serves as a point of contact for prospects and clients. Her day-to-day responsibilities include proactively reaching out to clients to address their needs, as well as working to ensure the team maintains an exceptional level of service as the practice grows.
Outside of the office, Michelle enjoys being outdoors, listening to country music, and traveling abroad. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they live with their two daughters and dog.
Job Titles:
- Client Operations Associate, RJFS
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
A Tuscaloosa native, Nathan graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Finance in 2007. After graduating, Nathan worked in property management for three years while also working as the worship director for a local church, New Beginning Family Worship Center. In 2011, Nathan transitioned into full time real estate sales. He established himself as one of Tuscaloosa's top young Realtors when he was awarded the Tuscaloosa Association of the Realtors "Rookie of the Year" in 2011. In his first-year full time in the business, Nathan sold 33 units, and nearly 3.5 million dollars in real estate closed volume.
In October 2015, Nathan partnered with a group of influential local Tuscaloosa Realtors to launch a Keller Williams Realty franchise in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Nathan stepped away from his real estate sales business and took on the role of Team Leader/CEO for the new Keller Williams franchise. Responsible for the company's growth, productivity, and profitability, Nathan helped grow the company from 40 to 100 real estate agents in less than three years. Keller Williams Tuscaloosa quickly became number one real estate company in the Tuscaloosa area in closed transactions, closed volume, and agent count, gaining 33% of market in 2021.
During his time at Keller Williams, Nathan enjoyed coaching and consulting real estate agents in areas of their businesses, finances, and wealth building. As CEO, Nathan's passion for investing in the growth of others helped drive the company to enormous success. In 2020, Keller Williams Tuscaloosa was ranked by Real Trends as the #470 real estate office in the nation in closed units out of over 100,000 real estate offices nationwide. Keller Williams Tuscaloosa was also ranked by Swanepoel Mega 1000 as the #6 real estate brokerage office in the State of Alabama in closed units in 2019.
With his finance background, one of Nathan's passions has always been to help support and educate people in the areas of personal finances and wealth management. In 2022, Nathan joined forces with the Will Scroggins Wealth Team and SageSpring Wealth Partners as a financial advisor. Nathan is excited to continue to use his business, consulting, and leadership experience to help his clients thrive in the area of their personal finances.
In 2014, Nathan received one of the greatest gifts of his life when he married Susan Dendy. Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife, Susan, and his three daughters, Livi Joy, Alley, and Louise. His hobbies include reading, golf, running, water skiing, snowboarding, and playing the piano. Nathan has completed two marathons and has a passion for travel and adventure. Nathan and his family are active members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Nick Parker attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Finance. Nick has interned with our team on two separate occasions within the past two years, as well as with a private equity real estate firm in Walnut Creek, California.
After interning with different firms and working on different sides of the investment industry, Nick chose to begin his career with SageSpring Wealth Partners because of the phenomenal culture of the company and the impact that an advisor can have on an individual's life.
His favorite thing about working at SageSpring is the relationships he gets to create and continue to build with clients. He enjoys almost any outdoor activity, from playing golf to riding his motorcycle. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Nick Parker attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Finance. Nick has interned with our team on two separate occasions within the past two years, as well as with a private equity real estate firm in Walnut Creek, California.
After interning with different firms and working on different sides of the investment industry, Nick chose to begin his career with SageSpring Wealth Partners because of the phenomenal culture of the company and the impact that an advisor can have on an individual's life.
His favorite thing about working at SageSpring is the relationships he gets to create and continue to build with clients. He enjoys almost any outdoor activity, from playing golf to riding his motorcycle. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring
Nicole Holguin brings with her over 15 years of experience in the banking industry. In her current role, Nicole is primarily responsible for client onboarding, account maintenance, assisting clients with money movement and transfers, and other administrative tasks. Her primary focus is providing exceptional, timely, and efficient service to clients and her team. When she's not in the office, Nicole loves spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Controller at SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Assistant Controller, SageSpring
- President, SageSpring Group Financial Advisor, RJFS
With over 20 years of accounting experience, Patricia is currently the Assistant Controller at SageSpring Wealth Partners. She handles many of the day-to-day accounting functions for her team.
Patricia spent many years in the music industry before she was ready to move on to something different. SageSpring Wealth Partners seemed like the perfect place. She is thrilled to be working in such a warm and inviting atmosphere. The people make it a joy for her to come to work each day.
When Patricia isn't working, she can be found spending time with her family, volunteering for various organizations, or gardening.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant, SageSpring
Rachel joined the team in July 2022. She brings with her 17 years combined experience in Accounting, Personnel Management, Project Management, Leadership and Executive Assistance. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, emphasis in accounting, from the University of South Florida.
Rachel's faith in God is the foundation of her life. While not in the office, she loves to spend time with her husband, Eric, and lab, Zuko, and her two daughters, Gwynevere and Ellery, both college students. She enjoys paddleboarding, yoga, reading, hiking, swimming, the beach, boating, the farmer's market, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She's very passionate about being healthy in all aspects of life: spiritual, physical, and mental.
She was drawn to SageSpring, because of the professionalism and quality of the employees and the business as a whole. She could tell right away SageSpring values their clients and their employees and serves them both in exceptional ways. She also loves that SageSpring is all about giving back to the community and not only about accumulating wealth for its clients, but also creating a legacy of generosity and giving.
Job Titles:
- Client Operations Specialist, SageSpring
Rachel has served as the Client Operations Specialist for Bradley Barnes, CFP®, since joining SageSpring Wealth Partners in 2012. Her daily responsibilities include maintaining plan reviews, account maintenance, and assisting clients with money movement and transfers. She has a passion for helping others and loves getting to know her clients on a personal level, always seeking new ways to address their financial planning needs. In May 2022, Rachel was honored to receive the award for RJFS Branch Associate of the Quarter*.
Prior to joining SageSpring, Rachel held a number of business administration and customer relations positions where she gained extensive knowledge. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University.
Originally from Thomasville, Georgia, Rachel has called Tennessee her home since 2009, although she loves her Georgia roots and welcomes any chance to go back. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and family exploring middle TN and all it has to offer. She loves traveling, getting outdoors, and listening to live music, and is continually scouring her cookbook collection to inspire her next recipe.
*The Branch Associate Recognition Program is an internal Raymond James recognition that runs on a calendar year and winners are chosen based on a point system. Associates earn points through Core Program Qualifiers and Educational Program Qualifiers. Core Program Qualifiers, such as industry licenses, designations, academics, and tenure, are awarded as earned and will not expire. Educational Course Qualifiers, consist of topics that focus on Practice Management, as identified by PCG Senior Management, and points are awarded as earned and reset each calendar year. The top 600-point earners will be recognized. To be eligible, a minimum year-end appraisal score of Valued Contributor is needed. Also, associates must be employed prior to July 1st of the calendar year. This may not be representative of any one client's experience, it's not an endorsement, and is not indicative of future performance. No fee was paid in exchange for this award/rating.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
Rachel McLaughlin holds a bachelor's degree in Music Performance and a minor in Public Relations from Valparaiso University. Prior to working at SageSpring, she worked in Human Resources at PepsiCo.
Currently, Rachel handles the day-to-day front desk operations for the Brentwood office. She joined SageSpring because of the company's core values and client-first mindset, and she truly enjoys getting to interact with and meet all of SageSpring's clients.
Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Contact your local Raymond James office for information and availability.
Raymond James is our broker-dealer, meaning they hold our clients' assets and provide support to our firm with reporting, statements, trading platform, investment analysis, and other various financial planning technology and resources. Raymond James was started in 1962 and currently has approximately $1.26 trillion in client assets under management.
Raymond James nor its advisors provide tax or legal advice.
*Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Raymond James is not affiliated with the above organizations.
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is our broker-dealer, meaning they hold our clients' assets and provide support to our firm with reporting, statements, trading platform, investment analysis, and other various financial planning technology and resources. Through Raymond James, we have the support of a large company, while also being able to offer the personalized and intimate service of a small firm. With the independence we are provided through Raymond James, we are able to make recommendations that are best for our clients with no vested interest in any product.
Community support and philanthropy are close to our hearts. In this regard, we share common values with our broker-dealer. Raymond James has been nationally recognized for its community support and corporate philanthropy, and has been ranked as one of the best companies in the country for customer service, as a top place to work, and as a national leader in support of the arts.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring Founder & Emeritus Wealth Advisor, LHWG Financial Professional, RJFS
Rich Smith started his career with Southwestern/Great American Inc. selling books part-time with Southwestern and paying his way through Taylor University in Indiana. After college, Rich joined the company full-time as a sales representative. He quickly moved into a leadership position with Great American and developed the largest organization in the company. He served as divisional Vice President and was recently inducted as a Charter Member into Great American's Hall of Fame. In his 39 year career with the company, he has also served as a Corporate Board Member of Southwestern/Great American Inc.
In January 2006, Rich made the decision to leave Great American and follow his passion in the area of personal finance to join a sister company, Southwestern Investment Group (now known as SageSpring Wealth Partners), as a Raymond James financial advisor. He quickly distinguished himself there becoming a member of the Leadership Board and a Senior Vice President.
Rich has received his Series 7, Series 66, and Life and Annuity Insurance Licenses. He is registered with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Rich's focus is helping his clients build wealth through Comprehensive Financial Planning with a specialty in fee-based* professional money management, tax planning strategies, and exceptional customer service.
Rich has been married to Rhonda, a middle school principal at Christ Presbyterian Academy, for 37 years. They have three children who are all married and live in the Nashville area, along with grandchildren. Besides spending time with family, Rich enjoys watching sports, reading, and playing golf.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner, SageSpring
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Riley Nelsen found himself in Birmingham, Alabama, when he attended Samford University, majoring in finance. Knowing he wanted to become a financial planner, Riley came to SageSpring Wealth Partners for a college internship. He knew instantly upon starting his internship that this was the company where he wanted to spend the rest of his career.
Riley specializes in creating a personal planning experience for each client, with an emphasis on comprehensive financial planning, tax and estate planning, and excellent customer service. He is first and foremost committed to putting his clients first and serving them diligently.
When he's not working with clients, Riley can be found spending his time with his wife, Gigi Nelsen, and their friends. He also enjoys spending time outdoors from fishing to playing golf.
Rob hails from Florida where he worked for four years at our brokerage firm, Raymond James. During his time with Raymond James, he traveled the country auditing other financial advisor offices and banks. He received two bachelor's degrees in Business and Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville, and is an avid college football fan as a result. Rob enjoys hiking, golf, and spending time with his friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Rob Soerens had experience at three other national wealth management firms prior to joining SageSpring Wealth Partners. Formerly an attorney with an AmLaw 100 firm, Rob received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin, cum laude, in 2006.
In his role on the Lange Wealth Team, Rob is part of a financial advising team at SageSpring, making sure that the team's client needs are proactively met.
The culture is what really brought Rob to SageSpring. "They really have a collegial, family culture here. I know every company likes to say that, but here, it's really true." And it's the people, the culture, and the customer focus that he values most about the company.
Beyond the office, Rob is a father to three children, Maddy, Annika, and Hudson. He's married to Stephanie, who's also an attorney. When he can find the spare time, Rob is an avid cards player (euchre, pitch, whist, hearts, etc.).
Job Titles:
- Wealth Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Ryan is an accomplished Financial Advisor with over 10 years' experience in the financial industry. He understands that each client is unique, and getting to know them and what makes them tick is the most important thing when establishing and executing any plan. Ryan specializes in helping his clients employ tax planning strategies, transfer wealth, effectively save for retirement and generate an income stream. What he enjoys most about working with clients is helping them realize what else they can accomplish once they become financially independent.
Ryan graduated from Utah State University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Business Entrepreneurship and a Minor in Spanish. After working for a start-up company in Utah doing sales & marketing, he and his family moved to San Antonio, Texas where he started his financial career with JPMorgan Chase. He worked with the firm for 10 years in Texas then Colorado, both as a Banker and a Financial Advisor, before moving with his family to Dickson, TN in 2021.
Ryan is a self-proclaimed expert in marriage and parenting with over 14 and 12 years of experience respectively. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, coaching soccer, golfing, and writing and performing Country music around Nashville. He holds Series 7, 66, life, health, long-term care and annuity insurance licenses.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners
- Financial Advisor, RJFS
Ryan Hensley is a financial advisor at SageSpring Wealth Partners and holds a degree in finance from Texas A&M University. Ryan chose SageSpring because of its culture, its dedication to clients, and the flexibility he has to do what is right for each client.
Beyond the office, Ryan enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Johnna, of 14 years, as well as his three kids. Currently, Ryan and Johnna are foster parents of a two-year-old little girl. Ryan enjoys coaching his kids' baseball and football teams and will always be an avid fan of all Texas A&M sports.
Job Titles:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
- Financial Advisor, RJFS
Ryan Terry is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner at SageSpring Wealth Partners, and a Raymond James Financial Advisor. Through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Ryan provides his clients with sound investment strategies designed to help build wealth through comprehensive financial planning. Ryan's integrity and commitment to excellence equip him to soundly advise his clients on virtually any financial issue. His ethical approach, combined with his financial expertise, adds much to the overall financial guidance that his team provides.
Ryan holds the Series 7, 66, Life and Annuity Licenses, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and is registered as a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Ryan is originally from Evansville, IN. He graduated right here in Nashville, Tennessee, from Lipscomb University with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Spanish. While at Lipscomb, he was the captain of the university's golf team and the president of Lipscomb's Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Ryan was also very active in the mission department at Lipscomb, where he served on or led seven trips to Honduras during his time there. Since graduating, Ryan has continued his service by leading an annual mission trip to El Salvador. In his free time, Ryan is an active member at Ethos Church, and he still enjoys playing competitive golf and basketball.
Job Titles:
- Director of Advisor Business Development, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
Sarah Esposito brings with her a background in operations, project management, and corporate event planning. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University.
On the business development team, Sarah's main areas of focus are corporate marketing and communications, and supporting the training, recruiting, and promotion of advisor growth. She also facilitates sales management, company events, and corporate travel.
Sarah was drawn to SageSpring Wealth Partners because she quickly found it to be a work environment where she could grow personally and professionally. She feels challenged every day on the job and is grateful for the ongoing encouragement she receives from her colleagues.
Sarah appreciates working alongside so many wonderful, supportive individuals who truly love what they do. Her coworkers' desire to help others is what she loves most about being a part of the SageSpring team. Beyond the office, you'll find Sarah spending time with her husband, Lee, their son, Ryder, and their two dogs. She also enjoys running, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Perhaps her greatest passion, though, is helping others in any way she can.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant, SageSpring
Sarah's focus is making sure the team operations are running smoothly. She attends and assists in client meetings. She coordinates all meeting preparation, follow-up items that may have been identified during a client meeting and makes certain that all tasks are completed in a timely fashion. Sarah has 6 years of industry experience and is capable of assisting with any situation short of making explicit investment decisions.
Sarah is an honors graduate of Texas Christian University. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sarah moved to the Dallas area in 2011 with her family and is now happy to call Texas her home.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring Branch Associate RJFS / Shannon
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
Shannon is a client services associate, working alongside Ben Biggs and Nick Parker. Her primary responsibilities include servicing the needs of the Biggs Wealth Team's clients, while also managing the office and handling administrative duties.
Before joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Shannon worked for Ameriprise Financial for 12 years as a Client Service Coordinator, where she assisted in managing a team of advisors and their clients.
Her favorite thing about working at SageSpring is building relationships with her co-workers and clients. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband Jim, her family, and her grandchildren. She also loves decorating her home, playing golf with her husband and sons, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Client Operations Associate, SageSpring
Before joining SageSpring, Shelby Callaway was a stay-at-home mom to her two wonderful sons. During her time at home, she also completed her degree in Applied arts & Science from the University of North Texas.
In her current role serving the Crème Wealth Team - based in Frisco, Texas- Shelby is a Client Operations Associate and assists the team by providing clients with quality service. She routinely contacts internal and external customers to obtain, clarify, or provide facts and information. Shelby also coordinates meetings, events, and appointments for advisors.
Shelby is proud to work for SageSpring because of the genuine support and guidance offered to her by colleague's and the company alike. She is also impressed by how her team really cares about their clients, and focuses on nurturing those relationships.
Outside of work Shelby enjoys watching her sons excel in Sports and friendships. Her favorite past time is spending quality time with family and friends, and traveling to new places.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFS
After being born in Atlanta, Georgia, Stephen's family moved to Montgomery, Alabama where he spent most of his years growing up. He and his wife met in their senior year of high school after they moved one more time to Knoxville, Tennessee. Prior to joining SageSpring, Stephen attended Union University for an undergraduate degree in Business Management as well as a Master's of Accounting. During his time at Union, Stephen worked in the Office of University Ministries followed by Student Financial Planning. He currently holds the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.
His favorite part of what he does is getting to hear parts of a client's story. Each of the clients that we work with are unique and the uniqueness of the clients is what keeps the job exciting. No client is ever exactly these same, so no day is ever exactly the same. He also loves the opportunity to learn under other advisors. Being new to the industry, he sees it as a huge blessing to sit under people that do their job excellently and follow them to see how the job should be done.
At this time, Stephen primarily focuses on preparing reports and account information for client meetings with advisors on the team. He assists them during meetings and completes behind-the-scenes tasks that need to take place in order to help clients have their needs met.
After work hours, Stephen enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashleigh, and one-year-old daughter, Mia. If it's a nice afternoon, he might take Ashleigh on a motorcycle ride or go on a family hike. No matter what they are doing, though, they always love meeting other people and hearing about them and their stories.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, Senior Vice President and Partner, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Steve provides Investment and Financial Planning. His specialty is providing sound, conservative, confidential, and comprehensive investment advice to clients in order to help them effectively and efficiently save for retirement, minimize tax liability, and transfer their wealth. Steve holds his Series 7, Series 66, and life/health insurance licenses. Steve works with clients through portfolio analysis and truly understanding their goals and objectives to put together a framework to help them meet their financial goals and objectives.
Steve is originally from Dayton, Ohio and holds a bachelor's degree in Finance and Marketing from the University of Kentucky. Steve worked for the Southwestern Company for eight years, starting in his early college years and was a financial advisor with Edward Jones for four years before joining SageSpring Wealth Partners in 2012.
Steve is married to Amanda, and they have a daughter, Anna. They enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching college basketball and football, and are very involved with their church, where Steve currently serves as a Deacon.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring Branch Associate, RJFS
Susan Harris came to SageSpring after managing her family farm for 25 years. She enjoys the flexibility that SageSpring offers, especially when her kids were at home.
Susan has worked with Duane since 1999. She knows our clients well and considers it a privilege to work with them. She loves helping people and enjoys the variety of tasks each day brings. She ensures our clients have a positive experience each time. Susan appreciates working for a Christian firm with strong values.
In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband and family, including her seven grandkids. She also devotes time to volunteering at church, gardening, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Taylor received his Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Tennessee. After graduating, he moved to Nashville to begin his career.
As a mentee in the Mentorship Program at SageSpring Wealth Partners, his responsibilities are to aid his mentor, while learning how to best support a client's needs. He is learning the basics of comprehensive financial planning and how to best provide value for the relationships he will one day build. He also helps prepare for and observes meetings in order to pick up skills that will help him serve his clients to the highest degree.
When he arrived in Nashville, Taylor began as a SageSpring client because of his belief in their core values and how they treated people. Through this working relationship, he saw how great of a place SageSpring Wealth Partners really was because of the company's approach to serving others. Taylor then began pursuing a career to serve people through financial planning and knew this was where he needed to be.
Taylor loves how the passion he sees within his colleagues at SageSpring that pushes everyone to always be learning and putting relationships first. In his time here, Taylor has found that everyone has an open door policy and is willing to help at any time.
In his spare time, Taylor loves to be with friends and family and always tries to stay active. He enjoys cooking (or trying to) and throwing cookouts with his friends.
Job Titles:
- Financial Professional, SageSpring
- Member of the Kew Wealth Team
Teri Ann Greenfield thoroughly enjoys being a member of the Kew Wealth Team because it allows her to connect with many people in ways that are specific to each relationship - making this a very rewarding career! She has over eight years in the financial services industry and continues to be delighted with how much there is to discover. Teri Ann has made it her mission to combine this zest for learning with her sincere love for people to create exceptional, meaningful client experiences.
Teri Ann holds the Series 7, 24, and 66 securities licenses and has attained the FPQP® (Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional) designation. When she is not in the office, Teri Ann can be found playing piano, crafting, or spending time with her amazing family.
Job Titles:
- Client Operations Associate, SageSpring
Theresa Tucker spent much of her career as a Human Resource Specialist. She served as a HR generalist for a national real estate firm, as well as directing HR for the UMG companies.
Theresa serves the Manny Gonzalez Wealth Team as Client Operations Associate. She promotes a hassle-free experience for clients, while preserving the accuracy of their information.
Outside of work, Theresa enjoys camping, hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the great outdoors. Her true joy and fulfillment come from spending time with her family. Theresa and her husband, Steve, have three children and two amazing grandchildren.
Timothy is originally from South Bend, Indiana and graduated with honors from Bethel College with degrees in both Business and Liberal Studies focusing in Christian Ministries. While attending school, Timothy was introduced to the financial planning industry by his golf coach. Upon graduation, Timothy moved to Knoxville and assisted Travis Cullman in building the Knoxville office.
Using Biblical stewardship principles regarding money, Timothy specializes in working with career changes and recent widows. Timothy believes that financial planning is a process and not a product. The relationship between a trusted advisor and his clients are paramount to any affiliation with investment products or companies. Some of the areas of focus include tax planning-helping clients systematically lower their taxes owed, estate planning-ensuring clients' wishes are honored, risk management-helping protect clients from potential pitfalls, and investment planning-designing strategies to grow wealth and help clients meet their goals.
Outside of working with clients, Timothy enjoys playing golf and studying golf course architecture. Most of all, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Keilan, and their son Grayson. They live in Knoxville and attend First Apostolic Church of Knoxville.
Job Titles:
- CEPA, CFP
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Tommy Doerfler graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Business Administration degree with an emphasis in finance. Receiving his Series 7, Series 66, Life, Health and Annuity Licenses, Tommy is also a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, has a Certified Public Accountant License, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.* He is registered with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and is on the Financial Committee of SageSpring Wealth Partners.
Tommy is focused on helping his clients build wealth through comprehensive financial planning, with a specialty in fee-based** professional money management, tax planning strategies, and exceptional customer service. At SageSpring, he enjoys the atmosphere of sharing and collaboration with other teams but also the autonomy that the organization is afforded. Personal development is abundant throughout the company culture, and Tommy appreciates the high moral standard the organization is held to.
Tommy initially moved to Nashville in 2003 out of his passion for music. Two years after living his dream in the music industry, Tommy decided it was time to hang up his drumsticks and choose another career. Since money wasn't something for which he had a lot of knowledge, Tommy decided to redirect his passion towards a subject that was personal to him. During the time he spent traveling and playing music, Tommy became interested in learning what to do with his hard-earned dollars and how to invest in his career and save for the future. This interest soon became a passion that led Tommy to enrolling at MTSU to learn everything he could about personal finance.
Tommy wasn't sure exactly what he wanted to do with his newfound knowledge until he did a summer internship with SageSpring Wealth Partners and realized that he could use his knowledge to assist people who did not understand wealth and who wanted personal assistance. It was his passion for learning about personal finance that led him to assist others with the same concerns he held as a musician.
Along with helping clients build and preserve their wealth, Tommy also enjoys spending his free time with his wife and daughter, watching soccer, and being outdoors.
Job Titles:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
- Senior Vice President, SageSpring / Investment Professional, RJFS
Growing up in the Lone Star State, Travis learned the meaning of hard work at an early age. Patching fence and feeding cows, Travis spent his childhood as a ranch hand helping his dad maintain 800 acres beneath the sweltering Texas sun. Cowboy boots and blue jeans were not only functional-they were necessary protection from thorns, ticks, and every other "challenge of nature" that ranch work presented!
Travis began his financial planning career with SageSpring Wealth Partners. After marrying his college sweetheart, Travis saw an unfulfilled need in East Tennessee, so he started his own branch in Knoxville to serve the city and the surrounding communities.
Travis' true calling is working directly with clients, helping them plan their financial futures in a manner that aligns with their values and ensures their families will be confident in their finances. To help meet these goals, Travis leads Cullman Wealth Team and incorporates the expertise of attorneys, accountants, and other professionals to provide exceptional service and advice.
In order to meet the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the industry, Travis is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner*. Travis enjoys working with fellow Dave Ramsey fans and supporting Financial Peace University coordinators.
Travis and his wife, Rebekah, live in Knoxville and are active members of Christ Covenant Church. They are enthusiastic fans of Dave Ramsey and the broader message of financial literacy and behavioral change pioneered by Ramsey Solutions. Travis' work and personal life are both guided by his faith and the Christian principles of honesty, generosity, compassion, and integrity. Outside of work, Travis enjoys music, football, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and four young children-Bryan, Brynleigh, Tyler, and Zakai.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Specializing in retirement planning, estate planning, and income tax planning, Tyler Nace's background as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CHARTERED FINANCIAL CONSULTANT professional helps him advise his clients on an array of any financial issues. He believes financial planning is using your money to match your values so that you can live the life you envision.
Tyler donates his time and resources to several community based non-profit organizations. One charity especially meaningful to him is Mommies in Need, which is dedicated to helping stay at home mothers and their families as they endure a health crisis.
Born and raised in Kauai, Hawaii, Tyler grew up loving the outdoors. As a teenager, he then moved to North Carolina, where he finished high school and then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on Finance. Outside of Raymond James, Tyler enjoys gardening, hiking, wakeboarding, and most importantly, he loves spending time with his children.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Associate, SageSpring
Venita Cagle is a native to Williamson County who attended Belmont University. With a degree in Finance and Business Administration, Venita has worked in the financial industry and for several ministry organizations. At SageSpring Wealth Partners, Venita is focused mainly on meeting the insurance needs of our clients, and she works with several of our advisors in this role.
Venita recognized the mission of SageSpring fit perfectly with her own values and industry focus. She enjoys ensuring an excellent experience for clients, so she sought to become part of our organization so she could offer the warm, personal approach we value here at SageSpring.
Venita believes SageSpring is a great place to work (for many reasons) and truly appreciates the quality service we consistently provide by approaching our clients' needs and interests as our very own. She sees her job here as an excellent opportunity for blessing individuals and families.
Venita and her husband, Ed, are servant leaders in their church, community, and in their families. They firmly believe that is the most fulfilling way to live and enjoy life.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Advisor, SageSpring Financial Professional, RJFS
Will Bratton joined SageSpring Wealth Partners in January of 2016. For three years, he partnered with his mentor, Michael Purifoy, CPA, CFP®, to help provide clients with the comprehensive financial expertise that has helped make SageSpring one of the top-producing branches of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Will works diligently with his clients to create comprehensive financial plans focused on sound investing principles, advanced long-term tax planning strategies, proper risk management, and estate planning. Will's desire is to serve his clients with the heart of a teacher, educating them on strategies designed to provide confidence and help build generational wealth.
Will is focused on building long-term relationships to help his clients navigate the complicated decisions that need to be made on the journey to achieving their financial independence. Will currently holds the Series 7 and Series 66, as well as Life, Health, and Annuity licenses.
Will was born and raised in the Nashville area and is a graduate of Brentwood High School (‘02). He obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Evansville ('06). He holds a Master's of Sport Administration from Belmont University ('07).
Prior to returning to Nashville in the summer of 2015, Will spent eight years in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. His career began in the sports industry with the unique opportunity to work with the PGA TOUR and The First Tee, a non-profit youth development organization dedicated to positively impacting young lives through the game of golf.
Will was involved in various roles with the organization, including working with PGA TOUR events and other third-party sponsors to expand The First Tee National School Program to thousands of elementary school students across the country. During his last two years with The First Tee, Will was responsible for developing relationships with high capacity donors, inspiring them to support The First Tee's mission.
Working in the non-profit sector provided Will with invaluable experiences in working with a diverse group of people to achieve a common goal. These experiences taught Will that the most effective way to inspire is through dedication to serving others by forming and maintaining meaningful, positive relationships. Will continues to take this approach, building long-term relationships with his clients.
In his free time, you can find Will on the golf course, looking for his golf ball in the woods. He and his wife, Graham, also a Nashville native, enjoy trying the newest restaurants around town, as well as attending Vandy baseball and basketball games. Their daughter, Harper, arrived in February, 2019. They are active members at Christ Presbyterian Church in Brentwood, TN. Will serves on the board of Harvest Hands Community Development Center, an organization that serves as a catalyst for Christ-centered, holistic community development in South Nashville.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner
- Vice President, SageSpring Financial Advisor, RJFS
Will Scroggins has been a financial planner for over eleven years and has served with SageSpring Wealth Partners since 2015. Soon after joining SageSpring, he was asked to spearhead the Birmingham branch in 2016, with goals to provide comprehensive holistic financial planning to those living in the greater Birmingham area. Stay up to date with the Will Scroggins Wealth Team by viewing our latest newsletter.
Will has always had a deep desire to help people. Experiencing firsthand how difficult, yet rewarding, it is to help clients build a financial foundation from the ground up, Will is passionate about assisting people who are ready to take control of their financial plan. He understands where they are coming from and has the tools and expertise to help them. Will works with people from all walks of life, and has the ability to help meet his clients exactly where they are in creating a financial plan that is tailored to their personal situation and comfort.
As the son of a pastor and sibling to four, Will learned from a young age the value of listening. He sits with his clients and listens to their needs and dreams for the future. He works with them to create a plan that strives to accomplish their goals while maintaining their current needs. As evidence of his commitment to excellence, Will fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements to hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.
Will has deep roots in both the Homewood/Birmingham area and in finance. Will graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Business and a major in Finance. He then worked several years for Cadence Bank here in Birmingham, before joining SageSpring Wealth Partners and becoming a Senior Executive Vice President. Not only has Will's business grown, but so has his family. Will married Caroline Scroggins in 2019 and has since welcomed two children, Lucy and Frank, into the world.
Job Titles:
- Compliance Manager, SageSpring
Originally from California, Yancey Wade graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Yancey worked as a compliance officer for Wedbush Securities in downtown Los Angeles.
Yancey provides broad support to SageSpring's regulatory compliance function. He joined our team after moving to Franklin, Tennessee, to be closer to family and enjoys being part of our welcoming and friendly culture.
When he's not in the office, Yancey loves hiking and camping with his wife and daughter. He's also an active member of his church.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, SageSpring
Zach Hurd is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner and Executive Vice
President at SageSpring Wealth Partners, and a Financial Professional for Raymond James Financial Services. Through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Zach provides their clients with sound investment strategies designed to build wealth through comprehensive financial planning. Zach's integrity and commitment to excellence equip him to soundly advise their clients on virtually any financial issue. His ethical approach, combined with his financial expertise, adds much to the overall financial guidance that his team provides.
Zach holds the Series 7, 66, Life and Annuity licenses, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and is a financial professional with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Zach is originally from Portage, Michigan. He graduated from Bethel University in Minneapolis, MN with a degree in Finance and Economics and a minor in pre-medical studies. While at Bethel, he was the captain of the university's basketball and soccer teams. Zach and his wife, Jourdan, currently reside in Brentwood with their daughter, Hallie. They are involved with their local church, Midtown Fellowship Church and in their free time, Zach and Jourdan spend time with their Goldendoodle, Colbie, golfing, cheering on the Nashville Predators, and enjoying as much time as they can on the lake.
An extremely important aspect that Zach enjoys at SageSpring is in being a part of an INDEPENDENT team. By being completely independent, the team's allegiance is with the client and not with any particular product-as the team is not obligated to sell any proprietary funds or products.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor at SageSpring
- Financial Advisor, SageSpring Investment Professional, RJFS
Zach LaBroad is a Financial Advisor at SageSpring, specializing in retirement planning, tax efficient strategies, and investment management. Leader of the LaBroad Wealth Team, Zach is always seeking new ways to provide exceptional service to his clients.
Zach began his career as a Financial Advisor based on a desire to help people, combined with a strong passion for finance. He was drawn to SageSpring by the high level of service they provide to clients and their commitment to helping others while having the heart of a teacher. Before his current role, he was a member of the SageSpring mentorship program and an advisor on Jeff Casey's Wealth Team.
Zach graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in managerial finance. He has his Series 7, Series 66, and insurance licenses. Outside of the office, Zach enjoys golf, hockey, and traveling to see family.