Our Team

John has over 30 years’ experience in the insurance and financial services industry.  He is a perennial MDRT qualifier and Conference of Champions qualifier with Nationwide Financial Network. In 2014 he founded Illumination Financial Group, LLC to partner with agencies to become their financial services department. This allows area agencies to finally help clients plan for and live in retirement.

John became the single advisor in the state of West Virginia (and 1 of only 18 in Ohio) to achieve certification as a Land as Your Legacy Advisor and works with the Ohio Farm Bureau to assist farm and ranch owner families in creating succession plans, ensuring farms thrive for future generations. As a Business as Your Legacy planner, John assists local owners in structuring their businesses to incorporate key man insurance, buy sell agreements, retirement plans and other programs to help keep operations financially healthy and productive.

“With our strategic philosophy and access to innovative solutions and options, we are able to help our client families throughout each stage of their financial journey.”  IFG offers a comprehensive suite of services including:  wealth management, financial planning, funds investing, 401k strategies and rollovers, college planning, long term care solutions, disability income, life insurance strategies, and legacy planning.

Denise will most likely be the first person on Team IFG to contact you. Denise is your personal investment concierge and is here to guide you through our processes step by step. Throughout her 14+ years in the industry she’s learned to navigate compliance laws and forms regulations to ensure your investments follow FINRA guidelines and all paperwork requirements are easily fulfilled. Denise also designs our education curriculum and keeps our office organized. Her combination of patience and let’s-get-it-done today is exactly what our current clients love most about her! In her years as a financial marketer, Denise has partnered with and learned from some of the largest firms in the industry. She’s enjoyed working on celebrity endorsement projects, coordinating nationwide advisor coaching programs and editing books for a few top financial advisors. When the office closes for the night, Denise finds joy in trail biking and travelling with her husband, Brian, and their two children, Georgia and Boston.

As the next generation of our financial team, Jackie was literally raised in an “advisor” family, so becoming a Financial Specialist was a natural revelation. Her studies at Walsh University garnered a degree in Sociology with a concentration in finance and ethics. The continual change within the financial industry inspires Jackie. “I enjoy learning new information and expanding my knowledge base, so the constant flux of the financial and insurance sector is a motivator. I can only guide our client families properly if I continue to educate myself.”

Our clients appreciate her attention to detail and sincere interest in their lives. Jackie focuses on retirement preparation strategies and income longevity. She also works with our farm families to structure legacy planning. “Local farmers grow needed crops while growing our communities. Sustaining them is an investment in everyone’s future.” Away from the office she and her husband Kyle love spending time with their two beautiful boys.

Matt’s skill set includes the ability to analyze financial data and evaluate market research. He tracks economic indicators and stays informed on current market trends to design personalized strategic advice for our client families. Matt loves to take the time to educate clients on investment planning. “I truly enjoy helping clients understand their financial capabilities and seeing that 'AHA' moment when we’re discussing investments and strategies.” Matt holds Series 66, Series 7, SIE (Securities)  and Life/Health Licenses.

All our client families love working with Emily! We receive constant feedback that she's a sweetheart and helps them understand compliance requirements more clearly. She has a warm, kind personality coupled with intense organizational skills. She began as our Customer Service Specialist and has moved into a Processor role. She helps keep us FINRA compliant throughout the account application process when structuring new accounts and keeps you informed of your financial transfers. 

Leigha's life revolves around helping people as both our Customer Service Specialist and as the mother of two beautiful children. At the office, her lively energy is focused on helping the members of the IFG family feel more at ease with their future, however that may look for them. She also manages our calendar and efficiently services accounts. Leigha is the first person you'll chat with when calling our office and the first smiling face you’ll see when visiting our headquarters in Steubenville.