Our People
We at JC Grason endeavor to enhance the lives of those we touch. To best serve our clients, we bring together a team of professionals consisting of Financial Advisors, Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorneys, as well as CPA’s and Tax Services Professionals, all supported by a tremendous staff. Each and every member of our team plays a crucial role in our commitment to excellence and our reputation for unparalleled client service.
From the very beginning, JC Grason was more than just a company. Our roots are anchored in a solid foundation of old-fashioned values and a dedication to treating each and every person with the respect and dignity they deserve. We believe that our client focus coupled with our time-tested strategies, will continue to provide our clients the consistent growth and lasting success they desire.
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: tpackard@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0321
Overview Tom Packard serves as Branch Manager and Investment Advisor Representative for our Surprise office. His focus is on helping the families he works with develop strategies that generate reliable income, protect assets and provide meaningful legacies for children and grandchildren. Tom believes that getting to know each client on a personal level is very important when helping them design their financial plan. An Indiana native, Tom currently resides in the Phoenix area. He and his wife, Terry, have been married since 1984 and have two grown daughters and one son-in-law. Away from work, Tom enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing golf.
Qualification & Experience Tom received his bachelor degree from Indiana University. He began his career in the financial services industry in 1991. Having held numerous industry licenses, including FINRA registrations Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and 24, Tom was awarded his Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner designation in 1999 and is now a licensed Investment Advisor Representative. He is also a licensed life, health, property and casualty insurance agent in multiple states, and has been long-term care partnership certified since 1995. Tom has a tremendous amount of experience working with families and other professionals, having served as the Director of Financial Services for a ten partner accounting firm and an estate planning law firm. Due to his past association with funeral centers, Tom has helped numerous families work through financial issues following the death of a loved one. His work with these families led to the development of his educational seminar titled "Prepare Financially for Finality." It was specifically designed to help individuals and families live better now and avoid many of the difficulties that can cause additional economic and emotional pain for surviving family members. |
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: jlunde@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0326
Overview As an Investment Advisor Representative in our Surprise, Arizona office, Justin Lunde assists clients in making informed financial decisions in retirement with a focus on asset preservation and income distribution. Client's appreciate Justin's sincere approach and genuine personality. Justin grew up in North Dakota where much of his family still resides today. In 2004, he moved to the valley, and now lives with his wife and their four dogs in the Phoenix area. Away from work, Justin enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His interests include hiking, hunting, motorsports, and learning new things. He also enjoys traveling and visiting the family lake home in Minnesota.
Qualification & Experience Justin has studied business and finance at Arizona State University and in 2008 received his MBA. In addition, he has successfully completed the FINRA Series 66 Exam and holds his Life and Health Insurance license in Arizona. Having began his career in Financial Services with Wachovia Securities, prior to coming to JC Grason, Justin had a successful career as a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. With his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC) designation, Justin demonstrates a specialized knowledge and professional commitment to helping those at or near retirement. With a focus on client-centered problem solving, he's helped many clients navigate through the entire retirement planning process. |
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: tbrown@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0324
Overview As an Investment Advisor Representative for JC Grason of Arizona, Travis Brown approaches each and every individual's situation with excitement and enthusiasm. At the same time, Travis takes great care in designing prudent strategies for his clients as they navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of retirement. Raised in northern California, Travis moved to Arizona to play college football as quarterback for Eastern Arizona College. After spending two years on a mission for his church serving the people of Kansas and Missouri, Travis has kept busy fishing, hunting, sports and enjoying anything outdoors.
Qualification & Experience After attending Eastern Arizona College, Travis transferred to Weber State University in Utah, where he studied business. As an Investment Advisor Representative, Travis holds his FINRA Series 65 license as well as his Arizona Life and Health Insurance license. As a member of the JC Grason team, Travis focuses on serving the needs of retirees and those nearing retirement. |
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: matthew@gormanandjones.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202
Overview Matthew Mark Jones, a native Michigander, focuses his practice primarily in the field of Estate Planning and has established himself as a bright, young, compassionate attorney whose personal attention to his clients' needs transcends his years as an attorney. Mr. Jones works closely with Nationally Certified Estate Planners, Financial Advisors, Elder Care Planners, and Certified Public Accounts to ensure that the client's needs are completely protected. In his spare time, Mr. Jones enjoys golfing, watching sports and spending time with his wife and son.
Qualification & Experience Mr. Jones received his Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. From there, he went on to get his Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. He is licensed to practice law in the states of Arizona and Florida. In addition, he is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Arizona, Maricopa County Bar Association, and State Bar of Florida. |
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: rstenmoen@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0322
Overview Robert is a Tax Services Professional for JC Grason of Arizona. He brings more than 30 years of experience into the arena of taxation. His care, professionalism and attention to detail is appreciated by all our clients. Robert, his wife Judy, their 4 children and 5 grandchildren all reside in the Greater Phoenix Area. His hobbies include world travel, snow skiing and water sports of all kinds.
Qualification & Experience Robert received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Montana and earned his CPA with the state of Arizona. His experiences include working for the IRS as a Field Agent in San Francisco and as a partner in a CPA firm in Scottsdale, Arizona for a number of years. He is also a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Arizona. |
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: lvitale@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0309
Overview Linda is a Tax Services Professional for JC Grason of Arizona. She thoroughly enjoys meeting with and helping her tax clients. The secret to her success is that she treats each one of her client's tax returns as if it were her own. Linda grew up in Manhattan, but spent 30 years in Los Angeles raising her three sons before moving to Surprise in 2002. In her spare time she enjoys working out at the local gym, listening to music, cooking health conscious meals, and gardening. She also volunteers at the local "4Paws" animal adoption center matching up orphaned pets with caring pet parents.
Qualification & Experience Linda has been preparing tax returns for individuals since 1996. In addition, she has her Arizona Life & Health Insurance license and has been licensed as a Real Estate Agent since 2004. She was the Treasurer for an all women's stock investment club in California for two years. Her many years of working with clients has given her excellent customer service skills. |
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: jklenke@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0323
Overview Janice Klenke serves as Advisor's Assistant for JC Grason of Arizona. In this position, Janice works closely with the financial advisors and our clients to ensure their needs are met and their expectations exceeded. Our clients appreciate the excellent communication and exceptional customer service she provides. Janice and her husband, Jeff, were married in 1992 and share 3 children, Ryan, Cassie, and Morgan. Today, they reside in Buckeye, Arizona after relocating from their small farm in rural Illinois in 2004. Janice's passion for large and small livestock continues today by educating youth exhibitors through her volunteer work with her local 4-H, FFA, and pygmy goat clubs. She currently serves as a Maricopa County Fair Board Superintendent and as the National Pygmy Goat Association Youth Committee representative for Arizona.
Qualification & Experience Janice has a diverse background that has given her over 25 years of experience in client service, sales, and administration. Prior to joining the JC Grason family, she held a position in a large brokerage firm as an Administrative Assistant, owned her own successful home-based business, and has served as a contract administrator for a land development and construction management firm. Throughout her career, Janice has consistently been recognized as a top performer earning many awards and achievements over the years. |
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: szells@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0325
Overview Sue Zells serves as Administrative Assistant for JC Grason of Arizona. Her duties include greeting clients, managing the office’s marketing activities, and general administrative work. Sue creates a warm and friendly atmosphere in the office and really enjoys getting to know each and every client. Sue grew up in a military family and traveled the world with her sister and two brothers. Today, Sue resides in Sun City West, Arizona, and has two daughters and two grandsons. Outside of work, Sue enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her personal interests include traveling, music, and teaching. Sue is very active in her local Bible Study group and enjoys ministering God’s love at every opportunity.
Qualification & Experience Sue is an experienced professional and is very accomplished in the areas of public relations. Her self-employment background has given her invaluable experience in the areas of client relations, marketing, and business development. In addition, Sue has served as a volunteer for various non-profit organizations which has further enhanced her communication and presentation skills. Sue has a unique ability to relate with all types of people and has a sincere heart for everyone she meets. |
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Office: Kansas City, Missouri
Email: dblickhan@jcgrason.com
Phone: (816) 746-0080 x0133
Overview
David Blickhan began his career with JC Grason as a seasonal Tax Services Professional. After his initial tax season with the company, David became a Financial Services Professional and began helping clients protect their retirement assets. Having served in various leadership roles for the company throughout the years such as Branch Manager, Director of Tax Services, and Director of Compliance, he went on to eventually become owner of the North Kansas City office and has continued building his practice from there.
David and his wife Karen are lifelong residents of Kansas City and currently reside in the Brookside area. They have three sons and one daughter and are members of Visitation Catholic Church, where Karen is a Kindergarten teacher. David enjoys a variety of sports including softball, volleyball, golf and an occasional road race. He is also the coach of his son's basketball team, as well as his daughter's soccer and basketball teams.
Qualification & Experience
David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Missouri State University in 1986. He went on to get his MBA from Rockhurst College in 1990. In addition, David has successfully passed the CPA examination in the State of Missouri.
David worked for a major telecommunications company in Kansas City for 18 years, serving in various accounting, financial, and management roles. He enjoys being involved in his community and currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Catholic Family Credit Union in Kansas City, Missouri. |
Office: Kansas City, Missouri
Email: mwolfe@jcgrason.com
Phone: (816) 746-0080 x0126
Overview Mike Wolfe is a Tax Services Professional for JC Grason of Kansas City. In this role, he brings a wealth of experience in the areas of taxation and finance. Clients appreciate his attention to detail and his understanding of the concerns and issues facing today's retirees.
Mike currently resides in Liberty, Missouri and has one daughter and two grandchildren who live in the Kansas City area as well. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and traveling within the United States as well as abroad. Outside of work, Mike keeps busy gardening, going to movies and keeping up with the stock market and his real estate investments.
Qualification & Experience Mike received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri. As an Accounting major, he received a scholarship for Top Accounting Student and graduated with Honors. Mike has been a Certified Public Accountant for over 30 years and is currently licensed to practice in both Kansas and Missouri. In addition, he has experience in the area of financial planning, having worked for American Express Financial Advisors where he developed financial plans for his clients and managed their retirement portfolios. |
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Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: ddickens@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0125
Overview David Dickens is an Investment Advisor Representative as well as the Owner of JC Grason of Leawood. The majority of his professional experience is in fixed income investments, investment advisory, risk management and executive leadership. Having been a Series 65 registered investment advisor since 1991, he has served in leadership positions with a diverse group of banks, registered investment advisory firms and credit unions. After graduating from the University of Missouri, David married his college sweetheart and moved to Kansas City. David and his wife Linda have lived in the Overland Park area most of their married life, and are the proud parents of three daughters. David is an avid golfer, a "retired" runner, and an involved husband and father. He is actively involved in his church, and among other responsibilities sponsors a weekly small group for high school aged young men. David and Linda also enjoy traveling every chance they get.
Qualification & Experience David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1980. He went on to earn his Chartered Financial Analyst professional designation in 1993, and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Kansas City Society of CFAs. David has spent virtually all of his 30+ year career working in the investment arena. He has served as president of two broker/dealers, built an investment advisory service from the ground up, and has both actively managed and advised on fixed income securities portfolios. Even though David has years of working with billion dollar portfolios, he has advised on portfolios much smaller as well. |
Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: dcox@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0102
Overview Dave Cox is an Investment Advisor Representative known for the counsel he gives people throughout the Kansas City area. Since 2007 he has helped hundreds of JC Grason families establish sophisticated, yet easy to understand solutions for protecting and preserving wealth while minimizing their tax exposure. Dave has been recognized as a KC Business Magazine Five Star Wealth Manager, and has over twenty-five years invested in providing leadership and helping families navigate the complexities of our increasingly global economy. Dave is the proud father of four sons and one daughter and lives in Leawood with the three that remain at home. His oldest two sons are serving in the Army and working on a PhD/MD at KUMC, respectively. Away from work he is involved in numerous non-profit charitable works, is a loyal Chiefs, Royals and Big 12 fan, and enjoys travel in addition to various sports and games with his family.
Qualification & Experience Dave earned both a Master's and Bachelor's Degrees, and has dual professional licenses including his FINRA Series 65 for investment advisory as well as his license in life, accident and health insurance with the state of Kansas. In both 2010 and 2011, KC Business Magazine recognized Dave as a "FIVE STAR Wealth Manager: Best in Client Satisfaction℠." This distinction is only awarded to wealth managers who have scored highest in client-based research conducted by a national, independent research company. A maximum of seven percent of financial professionals in any market area receive this prestigious award. |
Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: ckobza@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0108
Overview A native Nebraskan, Carol now calls the Kansas City area home. When not at work, Carol's love for the arts and animals is evidenced in her volunteer activities. She serves as a board member for the Kansas City Artists Coalition, a volunteer in the foster program for Halfway Home Animal Shelter and in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Ambassadors program. Carol's experience in corporate life combined with her experience in teaching and coaching has given her a unique ability to understand the needs of her clients and problem-solve on their behalf. She is passionate about seeing her clients light up when they discover how a new investment strategy can change their lives for the better. A strong sense of purpose drives her to help clients make informed, confident decisions that move them closer to their goals.
Qualification & Experience Carol received her bachelor's degree from the College of St. Catherine. She did her post-graduate work at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and also studied at the Kansas City Art Institute. As an Investment Advisor Representative, she holds FINRA's Series 65 securities license and is also a licensed life, accident and health insurance agent with the State of Kansas. Carol's background in corporate life was spent fostering innovation in organizations as diverse as Hallmark Cards, Inc., and U.S. Central Federal Corporate Credit Union. At Hallmark she led teams of executives and staff to develop profitable new brands and growth strategies. She served as Vice President of Research and Innovation at the Midwest's premier Federal Corporate Credit Union. As an entrepreneur in her own business Carol has provided professional development for organizations and individuals that help them center their creativity on ways to increase revenue. |
Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: mshuman@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0107
Overview Mary Shuman is the lead Tax Services Professional for JC Grason of Leawood. She has a combined nineteen years of experience in tax preparation, tax instruction and accounting. She has expertise in individual, partnership, corporate and trust tax returns. Mary is a woman of many interests, having owned and successfully operated her own business. She was also an organizer and founding Board member of the Weston, Missouri Garden Club. She has three children and four grandchildren and enjoys knitting and gardening in her spare time.
Qualification & Experience Mary comes to JC Grason with seventeen years of experience at the largest tax preparation firm in the world, working as a Senior Tax Advisor as well as an Instructor on advanced tax topics to tax professionals. She also has eleven years of bookkeeping and financial experience working for two corporations and two partnerships. She is a graduate of Central Missouri State University and stays current on all tax issues through continuing education with the Internal Revenue Service, the Missouri Department of Revenue, the Kansas Department of Revenue and the National Association of Accountants. |
Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: astapp@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0111
Overview Amy is a Tax Services Professional for JC Grason of Leawood. Amy has extensive experience in preparing tax returns for partnerships, corporations and individuals. She also has auditing, controlling and accounts receivable expertise, in addition to having taught accounting and economics at the junior college level. Amy and her husband are the proud parents of three very active children. In her "spare" time, Amy enjoys curling up with a good book, watching sports, and sewing for family and friends.
Qualification & Experience Amy earned her Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN, where she was a National Merit Scholar studying International Studies and Spanish, with a minor in Economics. Amy has worked in the corporate world as a Senior Auditor for a large Tennessee CPA firm and an Accounts Receivable Analyst for Federal Mogul Corporation. She has also taught accounting, economics and finance at the junior college level. |
Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: mcollins@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0129
Overview Melody is the Office Manager for JC Grason of Kansas. In this position, Melody works closely with the associates in the office to accommodate the day-to-day needs of our clients. Clients really enjoy her sense of humor and warm personality. Melody has three grown children, Michael, Christopher and Brandi-Lynne. She and her husband Phil live in Kansas City, Missouri. Away from work, Melody loves spending time with family and friends and watching the KC Chiefs during football season. She also enjoys reading, crocheting and needlepoint, when she finds the time.
Qualification & Experience Melody currently holds her life insurance licenses in the states of Missouri and Kansas. Prior to joining JC Grason, Melody worked for an insurance company as a Claims Adjuster. In addition, she has over twenty years experience in the health care industry working with and caring for clients and patients. |
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Office: Chandler, Arizona
Email: tbear@jcgrason.com
Phone: (480) 371-3188 x0307
Overview Teresa Bear, owner of JC Grason of Mesa, is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner, and licensed Investment Advisor Representative. Her knowledge and expertise in financial and tax matters serves as a great resource for her office. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to her clients. Teresa lives in Tempe, Arizona with her husband and son. Teresa enjoys sewing and scrapbooking and spending time with her family. Outside of work, she is very involved with her church in planning worship services and teaching Sunday school.
Qualification & Experience Teresa has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Graceland University in Iowa and her MBA from the University of Kansas. In addition, she is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Arizona. Teresa is very knowledgeable and has a wide range of accounting and tax experience both on an individual and corporate level. |
Office: Chandler, Arizona
Email: bswanson@jcgrason.com
Phone: (480) 371-3188 x0303
Overview Bonnie Swanson, a seasonal Tax Services Professional, holds a law degree and is licensed to practice in Washington State. Although not a member of Arizona's State Bar, Bonnie's background and experience in business law and tax are invaluable in assisting her clients. Bonnie lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband and high school aged son. Her two older sons attend Arizona State University. In addition to spending time with her family, hobbies include reading, travel, abstract oil painting, and attending Bible Studies at church.
Qualification & Experience Bonnie received her Bachelor's Degree from Pacific Lutheran University and her Juris Doctorate from Seattle University Law School in Washington State. Her past tax experience includes employment at Boeing (Corporate Tax Division), Deloitte & Touche and at Moss Adams. Bonnie's business law practice included real estate, bank and other creditor representation in addition to facilitating complex multi-million dollar asset sales and Chapter 11 Reorganizations. Bonnie has also owned and operated a commercial real estate consulting and internet marketing company. |
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Office: Mesa, Arizona
Email: tbear@jcgrason.com
Phone: (480) 503-0050 x0307
Overview Teresa Bear, owner of JC Grason of Mesa, is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner, and licensed Investment Advisor Representative. Her knowledge and expertise in financial and tax matters serves as a great resource for her office. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to her clients. Teresa lives in Tempe, Arizona with her husband and son. Teresa enjoys sewing and scrapbooking and spending time with her family. Outside of work, she is very involved with her church in planning worship services and teaching Sunday school.
Qualification & Experience Teresa has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Graceland University in Iowa and her MBA from the University of Kansas. In addition, she is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Arizona. Teresa is very knowledgeable and has a wide range of accounting and tax experience both on an individual and corporate level. |
Office: Mesa, Arizona
Email: bswanson@jcgrason.com
Phone: (480) 503-0050 x0303
Overview Bonnie Swanson, a seasonal Tax Services Professional, holds a law degree and is licensed to practice in Washington State. Although not a member of Arizona's State Bar, Bonnie's background and experience in business law and tax are invaluable in assisting her clients. Bonnie lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband and high school aged son. Her two older sons attend Arizona State University. In addition to spending time with her family, hobbies include reading, travel, abstract oil painting, and attending Bible Studies at church.
Qualification & Experience Bonnie received her Bachelor's Degree from Pacific Lutheran University and her Juris Doctorate from Seattle University Law School in Washington State. Her past tax experience includes employment at Boeing (Corporate Tax Division), Deloitte & Touche and at Moss Adams. Bonnie's business law practice included real estate, bank and other creditor representation in addition to facilitating complex multi-million dollar asset sales and Chapter 11 Reorganizations. Bonnie has also owned and operated a commercial real estate consulting and internet marketing company. |
Office: Mesa, Arizona
Email: kwells@jcgrason.com
Phone: (480) 503-0050 x0303
Overview Kimberly Wells serves as a seasonal Income Tax Professional for JC Grason of Mesa. She holds a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Accounting. She specializes in all facets of personal and business income tax preparation. Her greatest satisfaction is assisting taxpayers to save on their tax liabilities. Kimberly is an Arizona native who grew up in a family of accountants. During the off season, she is a flight attendant for a Regional Airline. She enjoys spending time with her family, planning social events, music, traveling and staying active.
Qualification & Experience Kimberly obtained her Bachelor's of Science degree from University of Phoenix. Additionally, she studied business law, accounting and taxation at various accredited institutions. Over the years, she has served as Tax Preparer with various CPA firms. |
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Office: Lee's Summit, Missouri
Email: dblickhan@jcgrason.com
Phone: (816) 291-3393 x0133
Overview
David Blickhan began his career with JC Grason as a seasonal Tax Services Professional. After his initial tax season with the company, David became a Financial Services Professional and began helping clients protect their retirement assets. Having served in various leadership roles for the company throughout the years such as Branch Manager, Director of Tax Services, and Director of Compliance, he went on to eventually become owner of the North Kansas City office and has continued building his practice from there.
David and his wife Karen are lifelong residents of Kansas City and currently reside in the Brookside area. They have three sons and one daughter and are members of Visitation Catholic Church, where Karen is a Kindergarten teacher. David enjoys a variety of sports including softball, volleyball, golf and an occasional road race. He is also the coach of his son's basketball team, as well as his daughter's soccer and basketball teams.
Qualification & Experience
David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Missouri State University in 1986. He went on to get his MBA from Rockhurst College in 1990. In addition, David has successfully passed the CPA examination in the State of Missouri.
David worked for a major telecommunications company in Kansas City for 18 years, serving in various accounting, financial, and management roles. He enjoys being involved in his community and currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Catholic Family Credit Union in Kansas City, Missouri. |
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