There comes a time in life when you switch your thinking from "How can I build my wealth?" to "How can I protect it?" I'm here to help answer that question.

I started my Edward Jones practice in 2000 and now serve clients nearing or in retirement, many of whom have been with me from Day 1. We've set goals along the way and watched them become reality – that first home, kids in college, debt-free living, a comfortable nest egg. Now we want to make sure that neither market swings nor unexpected life events threaten to devastate plans for retirement and legacies.

It can be tempting to spend more time planning for holidays than finances – likely because, while holidays are fun, finances can feel a bit uncomfortable. But procrastinating about your financial security isn't in your best interest. Ward, my branch office administrator of the past 18 years, and I work hard to build warm, honest relationship with each client and to create and inviting, relaxed office that you feel comfortable even when I ask the tough questions. Very quickly, all your answers come back to you in well-conceived, personalized strategies designed specifically to help you reach your goals.

I purposefully manage our number of clients so that Ward and I can deliver the one-on-one service and due diligence that is the hallmark of our branch. We work with honesty and integrity in looking out for your best interest. And we support the community through my role in the Chamber of Commerce and our sponsorship of a girls' soccer team. I've built our approach on the small-town values from growing up on a grain farm and ultimately joining my father to manage and work the farm.

My farm background comes in handy, too, at the lake house my wife and I visit every weekend. We follow the philosophy of "you break it, you fix it; you want it, you build it." I'm an amateur carpenter, and my wife does the gardening and landscaping. We have six fabulous grandchildren who we fortunately see often.