Leadership Team
When it comes to leadership, we believe the best thing we can do is lead by example. As top producers and dedicated financial advisors, we take pride in our “family” approach to managing the firm. Most importantly, we are committed to making things work – our relationships, our processes, and our business.
Together, the firm’s four principal owners share more than 100 years of financial services experience. Our advisors value the skills, guidance, and insights of our management team, all of which is rooted in their breadth of expertise in securities, broker-dealer operations, money management, insurance, and private investing.
Jerry E. Dempsey
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Member
A 1986 graduate of the University of Georgia with a BBA in Finance, Jerry worked in two family businesses before joining the world of financial services. He began his advisory career at Raymond James Financial, then formed Dempsey Lord...
John H. Lord
Vice President Compliance
John H. Lord graduated from Auburn University with two degrees (BS in Aviation Management in 1969 and BS in Marketing in 1970). John managed his family’s business prior to bringing his sales and management experience to Edward D....
Ernest L. Smith
Vice President Sales and Marketing
Ernest L. Smith graduated from the University of Georgia in 1970 with a BBA in Marketing. After college, Ernie worked in all facets of the financial industry from marketing and branch management to banking at Farm Credit Service,...
Duvan L. Brock, CFP®, CLU, CMFC®, ChFC®, CRPC®
Vice President Due Diligence
Duvan L. Brock is a 1986 graduate of Jacksonville State University. Duvan has devoted his entire career to the financial services industry where he has worked for Edward Jones, Mariner Financial Services and Ameriprise Financial. After...