Wylie CONNECTION Magazine - October/November 2020

Page 8

JAL DENNIS GROUP

Demond Dawkins, Trace Dennis, Sarah Kalaj, Kristi Denham, Rhonda McDowell, Julia Thorman, Regina Smith, Derek Draper

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s a staple in the growing community, many exciting changes are happening at the Jal Dennis Group. Our clients learned recently that our founder Jal Dennis has stepped back from his role of working with clients as an advisor to spend more time caring for his ill father in Snyder, Texas. Jal is maintaining a strong coaching role with our advisors and serves on the LPL Advisor Council for Advisors. In preparation for this change, the Jal Dennis Group has added to its team to continue providing the outstanding family- and client-centric service that the firm was built on. Leading the team is Trace Dennis, Jal’s son. Trace joined the firm in 2014 after serving in the Marines in the Iraqi War and earning his degree from the University of New Mexico. As well as holding several securities licenses, Trace holds the designation of Chartered Market Technician (CMT) and enjoys analyzing market trends and investment research. The Jal Dennis Group’s team of licensed advisors includes Demond Dawkins, who joined the firm in 2017 after 25 years in the banking industry. Demond brings a wealth of knowledge to the community; he serves on the board of the Wylie Economic Development Corporation, has expertise in Social

Security, and is licensed with Medicare (he’s the resident Medicare expert in Wylie!). He also serves as a pastor in Fate, Texas. Demond recently passed the Certified Kingdom Advisor exam; he’s awaiting certification and is also studying for his AAMS accreditation. Demond and Derek Draper offer educational webinars on our unique Faith-Based Investment platform. Julia Thorman, Certified Financial Planner, brings over 35 years in the financial industry. Julia works with a wide range of clients from her office in McKinney. Julia is very active in the local community including becoming a foster parent after raising her own family. Advisor Kristi Denham holds the designation of Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) and joined the group last year with over a decade of customer service experience. Kristi has passion for the community and is often seen representing the Jal Dennis Group at Chamber events and visiting local businesses. Kristi also hosts a regular educational webinar series on financial topics unique to women. Rounding out the advisory team is Derek Draper, who is known to many as a former pastor at First Baptist Wylie. The Draper name is well known in the

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