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’s passion for the past 20+ years has been helping organizations leverage talent, technology, and processes to deliver exceptional client experiences. Helping organizations ensure the whole is greater than the sum of the parts is what can make the difference between a good place to work that delivers satisfactory client experiences, and a great place to work where every process, procedure, and client interaction creates a positive experience with clients; an organization 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.

Melanie’s devotion for the past 15 years has been to help improve client and employee experiences by building long-lasting relationships and creating a positive environment for all. Melanie found Financial Independence a natural fit to use this experience to help clients live their BEST Lives which also helps her live hers.

Stacey’s core values of Honesty, Passion, Loyalty, and Commitment have guided her 10 years of customer service experience. Doing what is in the best interest of clients is Stacey’s top priority. Her positive attitude, eagerness to learn and solve problems are attributes critical to delivering exceptional service experiences and achieving a sense of accomplishment.

For Mack, helping people is something he would like to do, no matter where his future takes him. Mack’s time as an intern at Financial Independence has taught him the true meaning of helping people - putting clients’ interests first is always the right thing to do.

During Mack’s time with Financial Independence, he has become part of the culture that is focused on always doing what is best for the client. Mack realized that wherever the next few years take him, the lessons of dedication, client focus, and passion for one’s work will serve him well in being a good person and realizing the positive impact he can have on others by doing even small things.

Mack is attending Bryant University, majoring in Finance and looks to build on his skills so one day he can make a difference, like the members of Financial Independence do every single day.