Mr. Bell began his career in the financial services industry with Smith Barney in 1983, after serving as a Captain and pilot in the United States Air Force.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree at the U.S. Air Force Academy before serving as a T-38 Instructor Pilot in Enid, Oklahoma and San Antonio, Texas. 

After completing his duty in the Air Force, Mr. Bell served as a Financial Advisor in San Antonio for five years with Smith Barney.  In 1988, he was promoted to First Vice President and Branch Manager for the firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Mr. Bell then advanced to Senior Vice President and Branch manager with Smith Barney in Dallas, Texas.  He held this position for 13 years from 1990-2003, and was responsible for handling all aspects of his office with 60 employees. Then in 2003, Mr. Bell was promoted again to the position of Senior Vice President-Wealth Management for Smith Barney in Plano, Texas.  

In January 2008, Mr. Bell formed Bell & Valente, LLC, which is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.  He offers securities through Raymond James Financial Services and investment advisory services through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Mr. Bell is active in the local community.  He has served as president of the Board of Directors and as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight’s South Central Region.  Mr. Bell also is a member and past President of the Plano Rotary Club, a past vice chairman of the Collin College Foundation, and is the past President of the Board of the North Texas Association of Air Force Academy Graduates.