Jeff Sheppard
Financial Advisor
FAMILY WEALTH GROUP
2704 OLD ROSEBUD RD. SUITE 180 // THEFAMILYWEALTHGROUP.COM
According to Jeff Sheppard, “At Family Wealth Group, we believe everyone should be able to live the retirement they’ve always wanted.” To facilitate this, their advisors specialize in helping Kentuckians understand the power of holistic planning, including estate planning, tax planning, retirement income planning, and investment planning.
Sheppard explains, “We bring a team of professionals to the same table to build a comprehensive retirement plan for Kentuckians. Most firms specialize in investments only. However, retirement planning is much more than just investment planning. Although investment planning is a huge part of the overall plan, without proper estate planning, tax planning and income planning, the retiree is left with an incomplete strategy.” To keep pre-retirees and retirees up to speed on their options, Family Wealth Group offers monthly education seminars and “Lunch and Learns” for both clients and members of the community at large.
On becoming a financial advisor, Sheppard says, “Everything I have done up until that point led me and prepared me for this role. I personally believe that God has been shaping me for this career through all of my previous life experiences.” Sheppard will be sharing his wealth of knowledge in a soon to be released book titled, Retirement is a Team Sport.
Coby Adkins
City Executive
SOUTH CENTRAL BANK
386 WALLER AVE., SUITE 110
SOUTHCENTRALBANK.COM
Coby Adkins espouses, “Do what you enjoy and you’ll be successful at it.” That philosophy led to becoming the City Executive at South Central Bank. Of this role, Adkins says, “As the City Executive my main focus is commercial lending. I do loans for the purchase of both owner occupied and investment real estate, commercial lines of credit, and construction loans.”
South Central Bank believes in “offering a small town banking experience with big bank “know how” and a “can do attitude!” Adkins elaborates, “A bank of our size can handle most size transactions, but we still offer local decision making and use common sense.”
Rebekah Welch
Assistant Vice President- Lending
SOUTH CENTRAL BANK
386 WALLER AVE., SUITE 110
SOUTHCENTRALBANK.COM
Rebekah Welch has been instrumental in building the deposit and loan portfolio in the Lexington market for South Central Bank. Rebekah serves in all lending capacities offering expertise in construction, commercial, residential loans and Home Equity lines of credit, as well as, personalized guidance. Welch says, “We do not expect you to understand financing. We are here to help determine the best way to structure a loan for you and your situation.”
Welch offers these words of wisdom, “When making financial decisions, keep in mind, it’s important to sleep at night.”
Logan Foster
Accredited Investment Fiduciary
FOSTER INVESTMENT SERVICES
151 PROSPEROUS PLACE
FOSTERINVESTMENT.NET
After over 20 years in the investment management business, Logan Foster has a straightforward method for helping his clients. He states, “One of the most obvious ways to improve clients’ investment performance is to keep the cost of investing as low as possible. Our firm has a relentless focus on lowering the cost of investing for our clients. Our fees are substantially lower than our competitors in this market.”
Founded in 2017, Foster Investment Services provides investment management services for individual, custodian, trust, IRA, and 401K rollover accounts with one mission in mind: “Our main goal is to make our clients money.”
Brandon Green
Relationship Strategist
PNC WEALTH MANAGEMENT |
ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
301 E. MAIN ST. SUITE 300
PNC.COM
“We have a very credentialed and knowledgeable team here in Lexington that provide customized solutions to guide our clients on the path to financial success. Whether you’re selling a business, have a complex estate, getting ready for retirement, or need a finance strategy; we can provide expertise and service for our clients as they make these decisions,” says Brandon Green of the team at PNC Wealth Management.
As a Relationship Strategist, Green who describes himself as “an entrepreneur with a love and knack for business” provides customized investment management, estate planning, trust and estate administration, wealth planning, and private banking solutions to help clients meet their goals.
Mark J. Dill
Financial Advisor
BRENNAN & ASSOCIATES
AT MERRILL LYNCH
300 W VINE ST. FLOOR 10
BIT.LY/BRENNANASSOCIATES
Brennan & Associates specializes in business succession and exit planning, and prides themselves in knowing that “families can sleep better at night knowing that there is a plan in place for every outcome.” As a partner, Mark Dill says his one mission is “to find solutions for families in our community. We leverage the power of Merrill Lynch and the comfort of familiar faces to provide customized advice and guidance to business owners and affluent families.”
Dill adds, “We help families navigate the options for exiting their business, retirement, or passing on their legacy. After walking through each step of our process, we can see and feel the tension fall out of our client’s lives.”
From their warm and comfortable “boutique, family office,” they serve multiple generations. Dill explains, “We understand that families in our community desire guidance for themselves, but also their children and grandchildren.”
It was Dill’s own father who introduced him to finance and investing. He says, “My father brought the USA Today to our family dinners to teach me about the markets and business news. These memories motivate me to serve other multi-generational families in the highest capacity.” Investment products, disclosures apply.
David Smyth
Senior Partner
FAMILY FINANCIAL PARTNERS
1792 ALYSHEBA WAY, SUITE 201
FAMILYFINANCIALPARTNERS.COM
As a senior partner at Family Financial Partners, David Smyth says, “We like to say we’re financial therapists. And, that’s the most rewarding thing we do— helping people organize their financial lives and work toward a secure financial future.”
The firm offers comprehensive financial planning for every life stage using a team approach that sets them apart. “With our advisory team, an operations team, and a marketing and communications team, everyone in our office is free to focus on what they do best.” This allows Smyth to focus on integrating each client’s overall financial plan with insurance protection, customized asset management, and coordinated legal, tax, and accounting advice.
Alex Roig
Senior Partner
FAMILY FINANCIAL PARTNERS
1792 ALYSHEBA WAY, SUITE 201
FAMILYFINANCIALPARTNERS.COM
Alex Roig, Transylvania graduate and senior partner at Family Financial Partners, offers comprehensive financial planning for every life stage. “Our financial advisors operate on the belief that professional management of your finances is the driving force behind long-term financial stability,” says Roig.
Watching the families he works with set, tackle and achieve their goals is what keeps Roig coming to work each and every day. “No matter what stage of life you’re in, or what age you’re at, it’s never too early or too late to start working toward a better and brighter financial future,” says Roig.
Danielle Luigart
Branch Manager (Meijer Way and Versailles)
COMMONWEALTH
CREDIT UNION
280 MEIJER WAY
CCUKY.ORG
Right out of college, with a degree in Business Management, Danielle Luigart started working for a finance company. She says, “I loved finance, but I didn’t feel like I was fulfilling my passion of helping people.” At Commonwealth Credit Union, she found a way to use her financial expertise to serve individuals by helping them meet their financial goals. “The most rewarding part for me is getting to know our members (customers). In the 24 years I’ve been with Commonwealth Credit Union, I’ve been able to see the life cycle of our members. The parents who came in with their babies are now coming back for car loans and planning for college.”
For two consecutive years, Commonwealth Credit Union (CCU) has been ranked as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes Magazine. CCU is a notfor-profit financial institution that is 100% owned and operated by its more than 100,000 members. Luigart explains, “Our not-for-profit structure allows us to give back to the members in the form of higher savings rates and lower loan rates. When you’re a member of Commonwealth Credit Union, you’re also an owner. ”
Luigart’s advice is to “Plan. Revise. Repeat. That applies across all ages. Invest in yourself, first.”
Cathy Taylor
Vice President/Market Senior Loan Officer
COMMUNITY TRUST BANK, INC.
100 EAST VINE ST.
CTBI.COM
Founded in 1903, in Pikeville, Community Trust Bank serves its customers with 79 locations providing full service banking with innovative products and services to Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee. A major reason for its growth and success is its client-focused structure and committed leaders like Cathy Taylor. She says, “I believe what sets Community Trust Bank apart from others is our relationship banking model. We strive to provide excellent customer service each and every day focusing on the needs of our customers. My motivation is taking great care of my customers and being a vital part of the community.”
Cathy started her banking career in college and it quickly became her “focus and passion.” She explains, “I enjoy the ever-changing banking environment and all of the opportunities that has brought during my career. I have worked in all areas of banking, but primarily focused on retail, operations and security functions.”
Throughout, relationships have proven the most rewarding—“I have had the pleasure of working for and with so many great people in my career over the years.”
When not working, Cathy enjoys UK basketball, shopping, golf, and spending time with her husband of 23 years, Gregg, and their teenaged son, Mason.
Diane Verhalen
Certified Financial Planner® Professional
ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PLANNING
525 DARBY CREEK #29
ALLIANCEFP.NET
Diane Verhalen measures her success by the prosperity of her clients. With a practice specialized in retirement planning, risk management, insurance planning, wealth accumulation strategies, and financial planning, she works with her clients to produce investment strategies unique to each person’s financial goals, while setting the foundation for mutually beneficial relationships that will last for many years to come.
After 15 years in the industry, the most rewarding part of her work is “seeing the client’s plans actually come full circle is the best reward. When a couple retires with no worry of where their income is coming from, because we have planned for it, it is a joy.” Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Caroline French
AVP, Financial Center Manager
BANK OF THE BLUEGRASS
361 ROMANY RD.
BANKOFTHEBLUEGRASS.COM
Caroline French is dedicated to helping clients “save time, money, and create wealth.” She and her husband both work at Bank of the Bluegrass, and have three children. Initially, French planned to be a voice professor; she taught voice at Valdosta State University before her move to Lexington. But after joining Bank of the Bluegrass while working on her doctorate, she realized “the end-goals of university teaching and personal banking were identical, in my view—to give people hope and freedom by expanding the choices they have available, with the individual attention each deserves.”
Bank of the Bluegrass provides full service commercial and consumer products while creating customer relationships for life.
Kate Nelson
Business Development Manager
REPUBLIC BANK & TRUST CO.
3608 WALDEN DR.
REPUBLICBANK.COM
Of her role as Business Development Manager, Kate Nelson says, “I thrive on being able to help my clients reach their financial goals. I enjoy building the relationships that I have with my clients and watching their dreams become a reality.”
She does this by using her 13 years of banking experience to help business owners manage their cash flow with a large array of business lending options structured to help clients grow and be profitable.
Nelson has specific advice for readers in their twenties—”Start developing good financial habits as soon as possible. It is important to seek financial advice at an early age.”
Louis Prichard
President and Chief Executive Officer
KENTUCKY BANK
339 MAIN ST. PARIS
KYBANK.COM
Though Kentucky Bank will soon have 19 locations in 10 counties offering a full array of services for individuals and businesses, they still pride themselves on personal relationships.
According to Louis Prichard, “What sets us apart is our ability to stay close to our clients and customers, thus allowing us to be better listeners and better providers of Premier Customer Service.”
Prichard offers a prudent piece of advice: “Your credit score will align your financial opportunities as you go through life. Take great care in protecting and building your credit score.”
Jennifer L. Drennan
President - Lexington
FIELD & MAIN BANK
369 E. MAIN ST. SUITE 100 // FIELDANDMAIN.COM
Of her career in finance, Jennifer Drennan says, “In short, banking found me by chance, and I’ve stayed by choice.” One day while standing in line at her local bank, the manager noticed her “smile, demeanor, and positive attitude” and offered her a job. Over the years, she has gained experience in retail, lending, operations and regulatory examining within the banking industry. Jennifer currently serves as the President of the Lexington market with Field & Main Bank, the creator of Modern Craft Banking®.
Jennifer explains, “We are driven by the needs of our customers, motivated by their success, and committed to working alongside the members of our community to craft the experiences, the lives, and the futures we all desire and deserve.” She adds, “What sets us apart is our abiding objective of always recognizing the urgency of the needs of our valued clients and reacting accordingly. Think of me as your concierge banker and on call 24/7.”
Field & Main Bank has had a presence in Lexington since 2013, as a loan production office and recently opened a full service banking center downtown in May of 2019. Field & Main Bank may be relatively new to the Lexington area, but its roots go back to its original charter of 1887 in Henderson, Kentucky.
Lisa T. Smith
Mortgage Loan Specialist
CUMBERLAND VALLEY
NATIONAL BANK
900 BEASLEY ST. STE 150
CVNB.COM
After 22 years in banking and 9 in the mortgage industry, Lisa Smith is still passionate about helping clients make the right decisions and “working with people until I can get them in the home they desire.” To this end, CVNB offers a wide variety of loanoptions including FHA, USDA, Kentucky housing and CVNB adjustable rate mortgages with no mortgage insurance.
She says, “Your home is likely the most expensive purchase you will make and I feel humbled to facilitate such an important step. There are many first-time home buyers in our area and I want to help guide them to home ownership.” NMLS #1028219
Eric Robertson
Vice President, Financial Advisor
CVINVESTMENTS
1721 NICHOLASVILLE RD.
CVINVESTMENTS.NET
Most CVinvestments clients need assistance with one of three areas in their lives: retirement planning, educational planning, or legacy planning.
Robertson says, “For me, the most rewarding part of working in finance is helping my clients through life’s up and downs. Saving for a child, planning for a first home purchase, when to retire, preparing a plan for your own long-term care insurance needs, or the emotional time of losing a parent and managing their estate.” **Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFG STC Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Neither firm is affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered. Advisory services are only offered by Investment Adviser Representatives. Investments are: *Not FDIC/NCUSIF insured *May lose value *Not financial institution guaranteed *Not a deposit *Not insured by any federal government agency.
Rockie Mason
Senior Vice President,
Lexington Market President
CUMBERLAND VALLEY
NATIONAL BANK
1721 NICHOLASVILLE RD.
CVNB.COM
“Trusted for Banking. Known for Caring” is a motto that Rockie Mason and the rest of the staff at CVNB strive to embody each day. Mason says, “CVNB is a community bank, first and foremost. We believe in serving our customers and our communities.” Mason originally wanted to “travel the world playing professional tennis,” but has found a career in finance and 30-year marriage to the love of his life have proved just as rewarding. He especially enjoys “getting to know people, what their interests are and finding out where they want to go in life. I firmly believe that relationships are the key to long-term success and creating wonderful friendships with clients is what I like to do best.”
Mason stresses what a great time it is to be a Lexingtonian. “Central Kentucky is a growing economy, and it feels like a small & welcoming town with all the benefits of a bigger city. It’s also a great place to raise a family. I have traveled a lot and I am always happy to come back to central Kentucky. We’re surrounded by so much beauty: it really adds value to the people who live, work, and visit here.” NMLS# 539169
Kristina Ping
CEO
POWERFUL LEGACY INSURANCE
AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
3260 BLAZER PKWY. SUITE 100
YOURPOWERFULLEGACY.COM
As CEO of a boutique insurance and financial firm specializing in retirement strategies and distribution solutions, Kristina Ping is dedicated to helping people achieve financial health. For her clients, Ping says she loves “turning dreams and goals into a solid plan and watching them come to fruition.” To do this, her company offers income protection, retirement strategies, safe money solutions, wealth management, and legacy planning.
Ping has a PhD in Finance and 15 years of experience in creating generations of wealth for her clients. To further empower people, Ping has authored a book, Your Ticket to the Retirement Train, taking readers on a journey through each decade of life in financial planning.
Christopher E. Anderson
CPA, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
UNIFIED TRUST
2353 ALEXANDRIA DR., SUITE 100
UNIFIEDTRUST.COM
When it comes to investing in 2020, Christopher Anderson offers an optimistic outlook. He states, “We see continued growth in corporate earnings and have a positive outlook for growth in the market. The key drivers for the stock and bond markets in 2020 will be Federal Reserve policy, US/China trade negotiations, and the presidential election. We see all three of those things having a favorable outcome for stocks in 2020.”
Upon retiring as a practicing CPA, Anderson started a second career with Unified Trust, where he now provides trust services, investment management, financial planning, and retirement income strategies to his clients.
Sarah Jefferson
Vice President, Cash Management Director
TRADITIONAL BANK
2801 PALUMBO DR.
TRADITIONALBANK.COM
Sarah has worked in banking for 18 years, 14 of those with Traditional Bank. Traditional Bank is a privately held community bank with 16 banking centers in six Kentucky counties. Though she’s held a variety of roles, she says leading the cash management department is her favorite.
“Over the years I’ve learned a few things about myself. One is that I love working with different types of businesses, which allows me to continue growing. Another is that I love a good challenge. Solving problems and making life easier for my clients is incredibly fulfilling.”
Sarah also understands her clients’ needs for worklife balance. With two young children, non-profit service commitments and a husband with ownership in multiple businesses she understands the time management struggles faced by today’s business owners.
“Having a dedicated commercial services department means fewer channels and faster resolutions for my customers,” Sarah said. “My team prides itself on the fact that we don’t have to transfer a customer to another department. And if something can’t be resolved over the phone, we hop in our vehicle and go visit our clients in person.”
R. Christopher Meng
Chartered Financial Analyst®, Senior Vice
President, Senior Investment Manager
COMMUNITY TRUST WEALTH
& TRUST MANAGEMENT
100 EAST VINE ST., SUITE 501
CTBI.COM/CTIC
As one of the largest independent trust companies in Kentucky, Community Trust Wealth & Trust Management offers a vast variety of investment services for individuals, families, and businesses alike. Chris Meng points out, “We have an investment staff of nine passionate and intelligent professionals, with access to the same resources and tools as those working on Wall Street.”
Meng became curious about investing in junior high school, spent his teen years watching Wall Street Week, and went on to garner an MBA from Ohio State. He’s since found he’s wellsuited to the finance field. Meng says, “I have a strong analytical mindset and I also get the ‘big picture’ and can think strategically. This helps me identify trends and be disciplined in security selections that will benefit from these trends. I try to bring these perspectives to my group. I think it makes us a stronger investment team.”
His advice to investors of all ages: “Save more, spend less, understand what you are investing in, and buy when the market is pessimistic. Most of all, be a patient investor.”
Hungry for adventure, as well as sound investments, Meng plans to visit the 91 restaurants featured in Gary West’s book, Eating My Way Across Kentucky, in 2020.
