With over thirty years’ experience in the financial services arena, Brent Peoples and his group, Peoples Financial Planning, advise individuals, corporations, 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 works alongside other professionals such as estate planning attorneys and CPAs to design and implement strategies to 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 took a job with a bank in Ohio and was relocated in 1985 to Florida to help the bank with the real estate projects it was developing on the Space Coast. His experience with the bank included construction, mortgage, consumer, and commercial loans. He also utilized financial products and services while managing two offices and 30 employees. 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.
In order to service 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. The Investment Management Consultant 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 own clients, Brent has managed the Raymond James office in Melbourne since 1995. Since that time, he has also opened additional offices in Viera and Merritt Island. There are currently 30 employees in those offices. Brent not only oversees the day-to-day operations at all branches, but also their long-term management. In addition, 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 as needed, 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 is on the board of four: the Melbourne Regional Chamber, Junior Achievement of the Space Coast, Business Voice, and the Melbourne Orlando International Airport Authority Board.
Brent is married to his wife Deanna. Together, they have four children and two grandchildren. Their oldest child, Ashley, is married and lives in Ohio with their two grandchildren, Noah, and Piper. Their oldest son, Logan, married to Dr. Mackenzie Gerringer, got his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida as well as graduating from the University of California, San Diego with a PhD in microbiology. Arin lives and works in the hospitality industry in Brevard County. Their youngest son, Taylor, is married to Michele Mandel; graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in computer engineering and currently works with DuckDuckGo in Denver, CO.
Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
Raymond James is not affiliated with the above organizations and/or charitable causes.
