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: jfawson@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0124
Overview As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of JC Grason, John Fawson is a man with great entrepreneurial spirit and talent. His hunger for building individuals, creating idealistic work environments, and his drive for success are just a few of the needed skills and assets he has brought to the table. As an innovative thinker, John has owned and operated several companies ranging from such businesses as landscaping, internet book sales, and organizations within the financial realm. Seeing a need for an uplifting work environment that is focused on individuals rather than company politics, John founded JC Grason. John married his sweetheart, Monica, in August of 1996. Together, they share three children: Ammon, Mychaela, and Caleb. His time away from the office is spent primarily enjoying his family, church, and the community.
Qualification & Experience John has studied business at Utah Valley State College and the University of Utah. In addition, he holds industry specific licenses and designations. John began his career in Financial Services with World Group Securities. Prior to forming JC Grason, he had a successful career as a Financial Advisor with American Express Financial Advisors. John is a student of his profession and enjoys attending educational workshops and leadership conferences. His passion for helping others is evident in all that he does. |
Office: Surprise, Arizona
Email: cgraham@jcgrason.com
Phone: (623) 975-3202 x0105
Overview As Chief Operating Officer, Chris Graham is primarily responsible for overseeing the company’s operations and developing a strategic plan to insure all goals and objectives are attained. Chris grew up in the Midwest on a farm in rural Kansas where much of his family still resides today. In 2006, Chris and his family relocated to Arizona to further support the growth of the company. Today he resides in the Phoenix area with his wife and two children. Away from work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His interests include sports, computers and technology, and learning new things. He also enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and projects around the house.
Qualification & Experience Chris graduated from both Butler County Community College and Kansas State University. His academic education centered around Business, Finance, Accounting, and Economics. Upon receiving his degree, Chris began his career with American Express Financial Advisors and later helped form JC Grason. Chris is an Ed Slott trained IRA Distribution Expert and in 2005, he qualified as a Top of the Table Member with MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table). Chris continues to maintain his professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing professional publications. |
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: 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: 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: 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. |
Office: Kansas City, Missouri
Email: adewitt@jcgrason.com
Phone: (816) 746-0080 x0106
Overview Arleen Dewitt serves as Office Manager for the Kansas City and Lee's Summit offices. Her duties include the overall daily management of the office and client services, including the scheduling of client reviews, client file management, and completion of applications and other pertinent paperwork in managing client accounts. She also manages countless other administrative duties for the offices. She has a dynamic, outgoing personality and takes pride in her focus to providing exceptional customer service. She is extremely organized and proactive in her work. Arleen is originally from New York State and has lived in the Kansas City area for over 20 years. She served in the United States Air Force. Her hobbies include making scrapbooks, playing cards and sports, although she readily admits she is a much better spectator than participant! She is also a big Facebook fan! She has a daughter and two sons and resides in the Kansas City North area.
Qualification & Experience Arleen has a diverse background that has allowed her to develop the critical skills necessary to be as successful as she is in her position, including positions in accounting, a home-based business, and in the insurance field as both a producer and most recently a customer relations manager. She holds a life and health license in the states of Missouri and Kansas, and is a notary in Missouri. These professional skills, coupled with her keen focus on exceeding client expectations, has led to her exceptional ability to manage the Kansas City and Lee's Summit offices. |
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Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: ddickens@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0125
Overview David Dickens joined the JC Grason family in March, 2010 as President and Branch Owner of JC Grason of Leawood. The majority of his professional experience is in fixed income investments, investment advisory, risk management and executive leadership, most recently as the Executive Vice President of US Central Federal Credit Union in Lenexa. After growing up in Saint Joseph, Missouri and 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 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 and fighting each other for the camera.
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, 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. 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 the Branch Manager for JC Grason of Kansas. His engaging personality and superior interpersonal skills allow him to develop sincere and lasting relationships with his clients and everyone he meets. Dave is the proud father of four sons and one daughter and lives in Overland Park. Away from work, Dave enjoys all kinds of sports both as a participant and spectator, has coached boy’s basketball for years and served on mission trips around the world.
Qualification & Experience Dave is an accomplished leader, teacher and trainer and brings a passion to create a client first environment at JC Grason of Leawood. He has a proven track record of performance and success in various organizations. Dave first joined our team in July 2007, and has served as an advisor in both the Kansas and Missouri locations. He has passed his Series 65 exam and has his Life and Health license in Kansas and Missouri. In 1980, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Missouri State University. Dave went on to receive his Masters in Divinity from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. |
Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: dkinton@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0107
Overview Gerald ‘Dale’ Kinton is a Tax Services Professional for JC Grason of Kansas. His wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable to our clients and associates – particularly when questions arise about complex estate, trust an income tax matters. He and his wife have three adult children. He spends his off-season time at Lake Pomme de Terre, fishing, hunting and golfing. He keeps busy being the president of a Shriner golf league in Kansas City.
Qualification & Experience Dale is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Kansas, Missouri and Iowa with over 38 years of experience in the field. After graduating from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, he began his professional career with Price Waterhouse & Co. where he attained the position of Tax Manager. His private business experience includes eleven years with Panhandle Eastern Corporation, where his first position was Assistance Director of Tax Research. Prior to retirement from full time employment, he was Director of Audit for a large affiliate of the Zurich Insurance Company for seventeen years. He was a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter at that time. Dale also has an investment background, having passed his Series 6, 63 and 65 examinations. |
Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: speterson@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0108
Overview Steve Peterson is a Tax Service Professional for JC Grason of Kansas. His tax, consulting and financial services background offers a well rounded approach for clients in tax preparation. Steve has three teenage children and enjoys playing tennis, bridge, skiing and other sports outside of the office.
Qualification & Experience Steve earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Missouri and has over 20 years experience in public accounting, consulting, and financial services. |
Office: Leawood, Kansas
Email: kcrouch@jcgrason.com
Phone: (913) 317-1414 x0104
Overview Karol R Crouch is a Tax Service Professional for JC Grason of Kansas. Her many years of preparing income taxes for individuals and corporations has given her a keen sense of responsibility for doing the very best for her clients. Karol is married to Roy Wilkerson, retired, and they enjoy family get-togethers, traveling, books, dancing, college football and basketball. At American Royal time, you will find Karol at nearly all of the cattle and horse events.
Qualification & Experience Karol is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Missouri with over 25 years experience in the field. After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia, working the family business helped her discover her knack for numbers. She then attended Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, for accounting and auditing classes in order to sit for the CPA examinations. |
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: 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: rvoordeckers@jcgrason.com
Phone: (480) 503-0050 x0301
Overview Bob Voordeckers is a seasonal Tax Services Professional, working part-time preparing tax returns for clients. He is currently engaged to be married and has a teenage son. Bob is a Past Chairman for the Arizona Coliseum and Exposition Center Board of Directors, and a Past President of a local Kiwanis Club. In his spare time, he enjoys sports and travel, and is an Arizona State football and baseball season ticket holder.
Qualification & Experience Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Arizona State University in 1978. He is licensed as a CPA in the state of Arizona, and is a member of the AICPA and the Arizona Society of CPAs. Bob has over 30 years of experience providing tax and accounting services to individual, business, and non-profit organization clients for his own practice and other CPA firms. He has also worked as a controller in the construction industry, and as a manager in the finance department of a local government. |
Office: Mesa, Arizona
Email: csawyer@jcgrason.com
Phone: (480) 503-0050 x0310
Overview Carly serves as administrative assistant for JC Grason of Mesa. Her willingness to take on any task that needs to be done makes her perfect for this job. She enjoys serving clients and getting to know everyone who comes into the office. Carly grew up in Arizona and enjoys decorating her Apache Junction home – which she shares with her two 2 dachshunds. Outside of work, Carly enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves being outdoors and relaxing at the lake. Her interests include music, movies, swimming and working out at the gym.
Qualification & Experience Carly has served as an administrative assistant for an architectural firm before coming to JC Grason. She is attending college in the evenings to advance her education. She is very computer savvy and brings her experience in marketing to the firm. |
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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. |
Office: Lee's Summit, Missouri
Email: adewitt@jcgrason.com
Phone: (816) 291-3393 x0106
Overview Arleen Dewitt serves as Office Manager for the Kansas City and Lee's Summit offices. Her duties include the overall daily management of the office and client services, including the scheduling of client reviews, client file management, and completion of applications and other pertinent paperwork in managing client accounts. She also manages countless other administrative duties for the offices. She has a dynamic, outgoing personality and takes pride in her focus to providing exceptional customer service. She is extremely organized and proactive in her work. Arleen is originally from New York State and has lived in the Kansas City area for over 20 years. She served in the United States Air Force. Her hobbies include making scrapbooks, playing cards and sports, although she readily admits she is a much better spectator than participant! She is also a big Facebook fan! She has a daughter and two sons and resides in the Kansas City North area.
Qualification & Experience Arleen has a diverse background that has allowed her to develop the critical skills necessary to be as successful as she is in her position, including positions in accounting, a home-based business, and in the insurance field as both a producer and most recently a customer relations manager. She holds a life and health license in the states of Missouri and Kansas, and is a notary in Missouri. These professional skills, coupled with her keen focus on exceeding client expectations, has led to her exceptional ability to manage the Kansas City and Lee's Summit offices. |
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