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ABOUT OUR FIRM
Here’s our story. We look forward to hearing yours.
MEET GARRY THURMAN
Owner, CEO
For thirteen-year-old Garry Thurman, being told “no” was exactly what it took. Growing up in a single mother home, with two older sisters, money was already tight. When long-term
care needs arose for his Grandmother, his mother chose to do what she could and moved her into their small-town Tennessee home to care for her. Garry’s whole world changed. He quickly went from being the youngest boy in a modest family of four, to the man of the house. His mother had to quit her job to care for her mother and they began to live off a small amount of social security.
The anger and embarrassment he experienced initially quickly turned into work ethic and appreciation for life that would benefit Garry in ways nothing else could. Garry began his very first business mowing lawns at the age of 13 and he has never looked back.
When Garry began his work in the financial industry in 1996, he made a promise to that 13-year-old boy to help families be financially prepared for whatever life may bring them.
Today Garry is surrounded by a diverse team of industry professionals. His hard work has led to opening his own firm and helping his clients through their retirement. As an Independent Financial Professional, Garry enjoys the freedom to customize income strategies promoting growth, income, safety, and long-term care. With the mentorship and support of the best in the business, Garry proudly presents a strong team to help you plan today and own tomorrow.
MEET RHONDA THURMAN
Co-Owner, COO
Rhonda is a seasoned professional, business owner, and mentor who draws on her years of experience as a single mother and leader to inspire others. Having spent many years balancing the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship, she has a deep understanding of perseverance and resilience. Her professional career has been dedicated to leading and empowering women, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their personal and professional goals. Passionate about mentoring and uplifting others, she works tirelessly to guide individuals toward confidence, growth, and success.
Meet the Guardian Investment Advisors Team
TIM MCDERMOTT
Investment Adviser Representative
Raised in the financial industry, Tim has grown to thrive in the market. His experience and understanding of market trends and forecasts, makes his contribution to the advisor team unique. Tim’s awareness, consistency and focus inspires confidence with our clients.
TANNER MOORE
Licensed Insurance Agent
Motivated & hard working, Tanner adds his knowledge of Medicare and love of people to our team. His professional experience teaching high school math and coaching competitive sports built valuable skills he now uses to inform, educate, and help our clients assess health insurance needs and options. Whether you’re planning for the years ahead or currently seeking guidance, you will be glad you connect with Tanner.
BOBBY FUTCH
Financial Advisor
Dedicated and experienced, Bobby brings over a decade of knowledge to Guardian Investment Advisors. Bobby is both a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Certified Insurance Counselor. When not assisting clients plan for a successful retirement, he enjoys spending time with his wife Allison and their young daughter.
DAVID YOUNG, CFA®
Consultant – Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC
Senior Portfolio Manager Consultant
Chief Investment Officer David Young comes to us by way of Foundations Investment Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory Firm we are partnering with. He has provided investment strategy, portfolio management, and asset allocation for many of the largest and most sophisticated institutional and private investors across the globe. During his 26 years of investment experience, he served as the executive vice president of Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO) for fourteen years, retiring in 2008 to pursue teaching opportunities at the Paul Merage School of Business in Irvine, California. As a professor, he currently teaches finance and investment courses there and at the Financial Times Knowledge Programs in the UK, along with CFA exam preparation courses sponsored by CFA societies in California and abroad. From 1999 to 2006, David also served as head of the PIMCO account management group in London, where he built a team of investment professionals managing approximately $50 billion in assets across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
David holds the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation from the CFA Institute, considered by many to be the most difficult test on Wall Street. He also earned an MBA with a concentration in finance from the Paul Merage School of Business, with degrees in economics and political science from the University of California, Irvine. He sits on several non-profit investment committees and boards, including the county-organized health system, CalOptima, serving residents of Orange County, California.
DARREN LEAVITT, CFA®
Consultant – Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC
Chief Investment Strategist
Darren Leavitt comes to us by way of Foundations Investment Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory Firm we are partnering with. He has been working in the financial markets for over 20 years, primarily as a buy-side institutional investor. He has provided multiple investment solutions to clients utilizing his extensive knowledge of the public and private global markets. Darren has created growth-oriented equity portfolios, fundamental tactical asset allocation models, passive asset allocation models, and developed quantitative strategy solutions for clients. Throughout his career, Darren had held a variety of senior positions including Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Manager, Senior Analyst, Senior Trader, and Financial Advisor.
Darren received his BS in Finance from DePaul University and an MS in Financial Markets and Trading from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Darren is a CFA charter holder and is a member of the CFA Society of San Francisco. He has also been a member of both the San Francisco and Chicago Security Traders Associations.
Outside of work, Darren enjoys spending time with his two sons, Cole and Declan. He is an avid Thoroughbred racing fan. His other interests include art, golf, travel, and cooking.
Customer Relations Team
ABBIE HEMPHILL
Client Relations Specialist
Sharp and ambitious, Abbie excels at communication and case management. She is your first phone call for Managed Money customer relations. Whether you would like to schedule time with an advisor, are opening a new account or have a service request, Abbie is eager to help.
BRIDGET FRIZZELL
Client Relations Specialist
Friendly and driven, Bridget excels in communication and customer relations. She is your go to girl for life & annuity customer relations. If you are in need of an appointment to discuss annuity or life business or have a customer service request, Bridget is here to help.
KELSEY WALKER
Client Relations Specialist
Dedicated and knowledgeable, Kelsey
merges her expertise in Medicare
planning and health insurance with
her genuine care for people. With a
background in healthcare administration, she excels in
providing tailored solutions to meet each client’s needs.
Kelsey’s empathetic approach ensures that individuals
receive informed guidance and support in navigating their
healthcare options. Whether planning for the future or
seeking immediate assistance, Kelsey is committed to
empowering clients with the resources they need to make
confident healthcare decisions. With Kelsey, you can trust your healthcare needs will be met with expertise, integrity,
and personalized attention.
