Meet the Team

After 13 years working at large financial institutions, Rick wanted to challenge the status quo and develop a financial planning and investment firm built on the core values of Integrity, Caring, Passion, and Balance. A firm that measured its success by clients’ long-term well-being and financial independence – success defined by clients’ ability to live their BEST Lives on their terms. This work required a team of empathetic and passionate professionals capable of designing plans that address the unique challenges of clients in the context of ever-changing technologies and unpredictable economic and geopolitical events. And, most importantly, a team of professionals who define living their BEST lives as helping clients live theirs.

Rick’s founding vision continues to inspire Financial Independence today.

A fireside chat with Rick

Jude has 20+ years of experience helping organizations leverage talent, technology, and processes to deliver exceptional client experiences and strong business operating results. Outcomes that can only be achieved by ensuring the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Jude believes this is what transforms a good workplace that provides satisfactory client experiences into a truly great workplace that helps clients and employees live their BEST lives.

Mark is an outgoing and empathetic individual who takes great pride in getting to know our clients at a personal level in order to develop customized and workable plans. After 25 years in the financial services industry working with institutions, corporations and individuals, Mark found a natural fit with Financial Independence because of both his and the firm’s compassionate client focused philosophy.

For Kevin, helping clients live their BEST Lives is his ultimate compensation. He is particularly drawn to making a difference for the younger generation, a group that hasn’t historically had access to high-quality planning at a reasonable cost. It gives Kevin a gratifying sense of accomplishment to do what is best for clients, a value that seemed to be lacking with other firms that he interviewed with, and why he was so pleased to join Financial Independence in 2018.

Helping clients gain clarity and confidence in their financial lives is what motivates Mack each day. After working with the firm for many years as an intern and gaining experience in financial services at Citizens Bank supporting advisors and their clients, he was proud to officially join Financial Independence and continue serving families as part of the team. The commitment to always doing what is best for clients — rooted in integrity, caring, passion, and balance — is what drew him to Financial Independence and continues to fuel his dedication to helping clients live their BEST Lives.

Kevin is passionate about creating the systems and processes that help clients enjoy a smooth, responsive, and reliable experience. With a strong background in analytics and operations, he supports both the behind-the-scenes infrastructure and the more complex client work that allows our advisors to stay fully focused on our clients. He brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to improving workflows and strengthening the consistency of the firm's service model. His work is part of the team's broader commitment to ensuring every process, procedure, and client interaction is supported by accuracy, efficiency, and care, all in support of helping clients live their BEST Lives.

Building lasting connections with clients and helping them feel supported is the most rewarding part of this role for Nikki. She is passionate about creating meaningful relationships and exceptional client experiences. As Office and Client Experience Manager, Nikki is dedicated to ensuring every client feels welcomed, valued, and at home from the moment they walk through the door. She believes clients are more than just numbers. They are family. Nikki's sincere caring nature and upbeat attitude set the tone of the office. Alongside managing daily operations, Nikki helps ensure all our business processes keep client experience front and center, all in support of helping clients live their BEST Lives.