Stephen James Francis,
CFP®
Branch Manager
Financial Advisor
Meet Steve—a proud lifelong resident of Wilmington who calls Oak Knoll Farm home alongside his wonderful wife. This beautiful farm, cherished for five generations, holds a special place in Steve’s heart. With degrees in Animal Science as well as Meat Science, and Muscle Biology from Kansas State University, he never expected these skills would lead him to a fulfilling career in financial planning.
Steve joined Raymond James in 2005, and after his partner retired, he took the reins at Oak Knoll Financial Strategies. As the branch manager and a Certified Financial Planner® professional, he’s dedicated to providing a friendly, holistic approach to financial and retirement planning, business planning, and investing. His mission is simple: to help his clients maintain their independence and dignity throughout life’s journey. With Steve, clients can expect integrity, respect, and a genuine care for their well-being.
Beyond his professional life, Steve is deeply committed to the community. He spends numerous hours volunteering with Rotary, his church, and various local nonprofits. When he’s not working alongside his family on their flower farm or repairing bicycles to give away, you can find him enjoying some time mowing the grass or diving into woodworking projects. Steve truly embodies the spirit of community and connection in everything he does!
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
