What Rick loves most about his life’s work is helping people prepare for and realize great things – for themselves and for those who matter most to them. At the same time, Rick strives to develop deep relationships with clients that in many cases, span generations.
Rick established the Wealth Management Practice at The Planning Group (TPG) in 1999 after 13 years with Price Waterhouse, where he managed the West Michigan Tax and Financial Planning practice, and five years with the Kellogg Company, ultimately serving as Director of International Tax Planning.
That background helped him develop an all-embracing approach to wealth building, looking at client goals and preferences more holistically, while applying a thorough knowledge of wealth management and investment strategies. Along with asset management, Rick utilizes his expertise to help clients manage their businesses more effectively. As a sitting board member on many community organizations and several businesses, Rick helps them with operational efficiency and accountability.
But of all things Rick provides to clients, it’s the listening ear, counsel, and problem solving that he enjoys the most. In an era when clients can become mere numbers in an account, many of Rick’s clients become close friends and confidants who rely on Rick and his team to guide them on their wealth-building journey over many years.
At Home in Battle Creek
Rick and his wife, Linda, are partners in the truest sense. Together as a team they have taken every opportunity to nurture and invest in their community. Rick is the current Chairman of the Board at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and also serves as a board member for the Binda Foundation, Battle Creek Unlimited Finance and Audit Committee, and Stewart Industries. Rick and Linda are currently serving as co-chairs of the 2020 Capital Campaign for the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center. He has previously served numerous other boards, including the Battle Creek Community Foundation, Calhoun County Board of Health, Battle Creek Health System, Kestra Financial Rep Advisory Council, Art Center of Battle Creek, and many others. Outside of wealth and community building, Rick enjoys fly fishing, golf, reading, and spending time with his two daughters and their families who both reside in Denver, and delights in this first grandchild, Remy.
Credentials
Rick obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designations. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Accounting and Finance from Miami University. He is a registered Series 7-General Securities Representative of Kestra Investment Services, LLC, and an investment advisor through Kestra Advisory Services. Rick is licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in both of these professional capacities in over 25 states.