4 minute read
Jal Dennis Group
JAL DENNIS GROUP Demond Dawkins, Trace Dennis, Sarah Kalaj, Kristi Denham, Rhonda McDowell, Julia Thorman, Regina Smith, Derek Draper
As 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
community, and Derek is active in the Wylie athletic and camp community as well as broadcasting the Wylie High School football games. Along with Demond, Derek is an advocate for our Faith-Based Investment platform.
Heading up the office staff is our office manager Rhonda McDowell. Rhonda has been with the Jal Dennis Group since 2011. She ensures that all clients have an enjoyable experience and serves on the LPL Service and Operations Council. She makes sure that the entire team is up to date and trained on the latest technologies and procedures. Rhonda’s personal life centers around church and family. She and her family have participated in several missionary trips.
When you first contact our office, you will be instantly greeted with a warm smile and pleasant introduction. Regina Smith joined the firm in 2016 and has endeared herself to everyone as she makes sure all clients and visitors speak with the person best equipped to help them. It would be impossible to list all the ways Regina keeps our office organized. Her primary duties are scheduling client meetings and maintaining the calendar as well as assisting everyone in all of our projects.
The most recent addition to the Jal Dennis group, joining earlier this year, is our Marketing Director Sarah Kalaj. She is a local native who is often seen all over the community at events. Sarah has served for over a decade in the financial industry and as an insurance and Medicare professional. Sarah brings experience with benefits for federal workers as well as a wealth of knowledge for state, the private sector and teachers. She also has a strong background working with life insurance, annuities, and Social Security and helping others find the right places for help when facing unexpected life changes and loss.
Our team offers a wide variety of licenses, skills and life experiences to meet the needs of our growing community and client base. We still strive to maintain the highest level of client satisfaction to provide the best and most personal experience. We believe in investing in our clients before they invest in us. If we can help in any way, please give us a call at 972-429-0603 or email us at info@jaldennis.com. •
