A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, John graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor of business administration degree in 1983 and earned a masters degree with a concentration in financial planning from Georgia State University in 1984. After graduation, he worked with Magnolia Financial Corporation, whose business included the acquisition and operation of insurance companies and funeral homes in 14 states. As a member of Magnolia’s Board of Directors, John gained valuable insight into the financial services industry. His experience has included: company valuation and acquisition; investment planning and evaluation; financial statement analysis; life and health insurance product development and sales; and estate and charitable tax planning. In addition to his responsibilities with Magnolia Financial, John served as a General Partner and Investment Advisor to Hixson Properties, a real estate and investment company. He also received the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation in 1988 from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
In 1993, at Milton’s & Kevin’s invitation, John became a partner at FMP to better serve the increasing clientele. In 1995, John received the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification from the CFP Board of Standards. In 1997, he was one of the first advisors in the country to receive the Fee-Only professional designation from the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. In 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 John was named by Medical Economics magazine as one of the 150 Best Financial Advisors in the country. He was the only financial advisor in southwest Louisiana, and one of only four and recently one of only two in the state, to receive this designation.
In frequent demand as a speaker and expert on financial topics, John is often quoted in the local and national media, including the Dow Jones Newswires, Financial Planning Magazine, Forbes, Dow Jones Investment Advisor,Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, Business Week, Houston Chronicle, Lake Charles American Press, The Wall Street Journal, and Twins Magazine. John is continually sought as an instructor on various financial topics approved by the State Board for Continuing Education for CPAs and Attorneys.
John, his wife Sheila, and their two daughters make their home in Lake Charles, and are active members of Trinity Baptist Church where he serves as a Sunday school teacher. He is currently a member of the South Lake Charles Kiwanis Club and the Profit/Loss Christian Businessmen’s Organization where he previously served on the Board. John also serves on the Board of Rachel’s Challenge, a national anti-violence school assembly program.
