Experience
Founder – Acru Strategy
October, 2013 – Present
After receiving international acclaim for the retail financial services delivery model developed and launched by Acru in 2011, I refocused Acru in late 2013 on the discipline of integrating brand strategy and business model design for organizations in industries ranging from financial services to engineering to non-profits and anywhere in between. Often functioning in the role of an outsourced Chief Strategy Officer, I work with CEO’s, Founders, Executives and board members of companies with annual revenue up to and above $100mm. In most cases, these organizations are successful, profitable businesses looking to grow beyond the plateau on which they find themselves.
Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer – National Christian Foundation
March, 2020 – February, 2022
As Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer (CSMO) I was responsible for the overall strategy of NCF. The CSMO had executive-level responsibility for anticipating the future and mobilizing the ministry to respond to both opportunities and disruptions identified on the horizon. The CSMO also led the envisioning, design and enterprise-wide adoption of a comprehensive strategic roadmap that aligns with and advances the purpose of the ministry. This involved collaborative engagement with all functions of the ministry in the interest of enabling NCF to operate at the highest level as we pursue the mission to which NCF has been called.
Senior Vice President – National Christian Foundation
September, 2018 – February, 2020
I served as Senior Vice President of Channel Development at National Christian Foundation where I worked to develop and deploy strategies through our relationships with groups such as advisors, ministries and other partners in the interest of mobilizing resources by inspiring Biblical generosity. I also served on the Investment Team and was involved in the development of enterprise level strategies for NCF.
Executive Director – Timothy + Barnabas
August, 2016 – September, 2018
Timothy Barnabas was founded in 1994 by Pastor Johnny Hunt for the purpose of advancing the Gospel by investing in leaders. Timothy Barnabas does this by offering Biblical instruction and practical encouragement for pastors, their wives and other ministry leaders in the US and around the world. As Executive Director, I was responsible for the oversight of all aspects of the ministry. In 2017, TB trained over 3,700 leaders at 19 events in 13 cities in 7 countries.
Co-Founder – Acru Insurance
May, 2016 – Present
Acru Insurance was created to design tailored solutions that protect money and secure families. We believe resolving risk requires the integration of exceptional plan design and insightful strategic thinking. Acru Insurance specializes in policy review, new product placement and non-qualified plan design utilizing life, long-term care and disability insurance as well as fixed annuities.
Chief Strategy Officer – Henssler Financial
January, 2014 – July, 2016
Henssler Financial is a metro-Atlanta based Registered Investment Advisor with approximately $1.5b in assets under advisement. Responsible for brand strategy, organizational design, the insurance planning division and weekly co-host of Money Talks, Atlanta’s longest running, most respected money show on radio.
CEO – Acru | Money + Life
July, 2010 – December, 2013
Led the transformation of CNT into Acru. Redesigned the business model, brand and go-to-market strategy for First Cherokee State Bank and CNT. Raised $15mm in capital for the parent company as Acru opened an award-winning retail location focused on delivering personalized wisdom through a relevant experience. Providing clarity and preparedness related to the interaction of money and life, Acru redefined how banking, investments, insurance, tax and estate planning could be delivered through a community-based financial services organization.
President/CEO – CNT Wealth Management
January, 2001 – June, 2010
Founder of the trust subsidiary of First Cherokee State Bank; a joint venture with Gene W. Henssler, PhD. Custodian for over $400mm of assets. Opened an independent insurance agency within CNT in 2004 focusing primarily on life, long-term care and disability insurance as well as fixed annuities. CNT had clients in 29 states and was the largest single source of core deposit funding for First Cherokee State Bank.
Associate – G.W. Henssler & Assoc. Ltd.
2000-2001
Responsible for the creation and implementation of cash flow based financial plans for both individual and institutional clients.
Research Associate – G.W. Henssler & Assoc. Ltd. 1998-2000
One of the four members of the research staff which had responsibility for analyzing and managing over $500mm in assets for clients of the firm.
Education
BBA, Management – Kennesaw State University 1994-1998
Graduate of the Coles College of Business with a specialization in entrepreneurship and small business creation. Four-year, scholarship member of the NCAA Division II men’s basketball program.
CTFA – Cannon Trust School 2000
Graduate of the Cannon Trust School and holder of the professional designation Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), indicating excellence in the areas of fiduciary responsibilities, trust activities, personal finance, insurance, estate planning, tax planning and investment management.