Doug has been a financial professional for more than 35 years and, long before it was mainstream, began focusing his practice on working with those approaching or in retirement. He holds his Series 65 license along with designations as a Chartered Financial Consultant ChFC®, Retirement Income Certified Professional RICP ®, CLTC and has been recognized as a Top of the Table insurance professional for the last 14 years. These designations have strict educational and ethical standards and are considered top industry credentials.

Born in Winston-Salem, Doug graduated from East Carolina University in 1979, then served 8 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy as a combat aviator and instructor. During his instructor tour in Pensacola, he completed his MBA with a concentration in Finance. He and his family returned to North Carolina in 1988 when Doug began his financial career working for Merrill Lynch.

In 1998 Doug opened his practice as an independent financial advisor to offer his clients the best financial products and strategies for their goals without the pressure of corporate financial firms. He has offices in Clemmons and Charlotte with clients throughout North and South Carolina.

In 2007 Doug created The Wealth Guardians radio show dedicated to educating the community on current economic factors that could affect their retirement, including social security optimization, tax efficiencies and long-term health care planning. These days he often shares the microphone with the firm’s associate advisers and together in 2023 they launched a YouTube channel, The Vault.

Doug and his wife Sherrie married in May of 1980 and are blessed with two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and five delightful grandchildren. They have completed the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Course and Doug has also served as a facilitator of Crown Financial Ministries; a faith based financial program. In the Winston-Salem community he has given back to the community through the Make a Wish Foundation, the Clemmons Food Pantry and most recently, the Forsyth Humane Society. His hobbies include golf, coin collecting and following his beloved Green Bay Packers, East Carolina Pirates and of course, the Carolina Panthers.Why Doug Got Into the Retirement Planning Business