Brent Peoples,

With over thirty years of experience in the financial services arena, Brent Peoples leads Peoples Financial Planning, a group that advises individuals, small businesses, foundations, and retirement plans. They concentrate on estate planning, retirement planning, financial planning, insurance analysis, risk management, and investment allocation – all facets of wealth management. Specializing in legacy planning, Brent collaborates with other professionals such as estate planning attorneys and CPAs to design and implement strategies that help clients pursue their financial goals and objectives.

Brent grew up in Ohio and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a degree in finance. After college, he joined a bank in Ohio and was relocated in 1985 to Florida to assist with the bank's real estate projects on the Space Coast. His experience with the bank included construction, mortgage, consumer, and commercial loans. Brent began his career in the financial services arena with Smith Barney in 1989. He accepted a position with Raymond James & Associates in 1995 and opened the Melbourne, Florida office.

To better serve his clients, Brent has continued to expand his knowledge of financial planning strategies and concepts. In 2006, Brent earned the Wealth Management Specialist™ (WMS™) designation from Kaplan University. This provided Brent with the fundamentals of wealth accumulation and management for high net-worth individuals. Topics included time value of money principles, the measurement of investment risk and return, the asset allocation process, insurance products in the wealth management process, business ownership and planning, as well as retirement and estate planning considerations.

Brent has also attained the Investment Management Consultant designation. This title is awarded to those who complete the Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting program. The certification program covered essential investment management consulting topics such as asset allocation, manager selection, and portfolio construction, providing advisors with knowledge commensurate with high-level institutional money management consultants. Over the years, he has completed numerous hours of instruction to earn the internal designation of Trust Specialist, advising on Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Lead Trusts. He is also a Retirement Plan Consultant, helping companies review their employee retirement plans for investment suitability as well as advising clients on their retirement plans.

In addition to helping his clients, Brent has managed the Raymond James office in Melbourne since 1995. During this time, he has also opened additional offices in Viera and Merritt Island. There are currently 30 employees in these offices. Brent oversees the day-to-day operations at all branches and their long-term management. His responsibilities include attracting, selecting, training, and retaining financial advisors and support staff. He continually evaluates the branch structure and strategic plan, including future growth, to promote overall efficiency and profitability while maintaining a commitment to quality client service.

Brent has been involved with several community service organizations and charities over the years. Currently, he serves on the boards of three: the Melbourne Regional Chamber, Junior Achievement of the Space Coast, and the Melbourne Orlando International Airport Authority Board. He is also involved with the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and The Civilian Military Community Relations Council.

Brent is married to Deanna and together they have four children and two grandchildren. Their oldest, Ashley, lives in Ohio with her two children, Noah and Piper. Their oldest son, Logan, is married to Dr. Mackenzie Gerringer and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida, as well as a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of California, San Diego. Arin lives and works in the hospitality industry in Brevard County. Their youngest son, Taylor, is married to Michele Mandel and has a degree in computer engineering from the University of Florida. Fun facts about Brent – he completed two marathons, was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, was on the Miami University track team, and won the Mid-American Conference Championship in 1983!