I was raised on a dairy farm in Jasper County and even though I had a great childhood, I knew that milking cows for the rest of my life was not for me. I saw my dad not miss a milking for over a decade to make sure my siblings and I had opportunities he never enjoyed (I am the youngest one in the picture). We learned first-hand the discipline and focus it takes to finish a job no matter the difficulties you encounter. My parents worked very hard on that farm, and they taught us what it takes to fulfill your dreams. I met my beautiful wife Jodi in college and we started making dreams of our own. Jodi has retired after over 30 years of teaching grade school and now evaluates student teachers for Eastern Illinois University. She also runs a college consulting business on the side, Achieve with Jodi. We raised 3 amazing children. Mark and his wife Whitley are new parents to our granddaughter Rainey. Also known as the “the sweetest baby in the world”. We have twin daughters Jordan & Rachel. Jordan is married to a young man named Jordan. We need nicknames to keep them straight. Rachel recently married her husband John and they live in Effingham.
I grew up in a sports family and our favorite sport was whatever was in season. My two older brothers were setting school records and winning championships and I wanted nothing more than to do the same. I loved basketball, but was fortunate to win the state in the high jump and earn a track scholarship. Track was my ticket to college, but after an injury I soon realized that I was better with numbers than staying healthy. (I’ve had multiple knee surgeries and have the HONOR of being the youngest double knee replacement for Dr. Bonutti at age 45.) I still golf and love sports, but eventually realized that finance was my REAL calling, where I really could help people.
After graduating from Eastern Illinois University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, I moved to St. Louis and obtained my securities registrations. After a year in the “city”, my high school accounting teacher told me that Peoples State Bank was looking for someone like me. This led to me starting the investment center for the bank. In 2003, I completed my degree from the College of Financial Planning and became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. This certification requires a broad understanding of investments, insurance, taxes and estate planning strategies including trusts. I truly enjoy the personal relationships involved in financial planning and love to develop a plan that fits my client’s situation.
I fortunately decided to affiliate with Commonwealth Financial Network in 2017. It has been a wonderful decision to partner with an independent firm with so much to offer. They offer a unique networking experience designed to help hone my knowledge, share best practices, and provide ever-higher levels of service, education, and leadership to my clients.