Originally from Tolland, Connecticut, I graduated from High Point University in 2022 with a major in Business Administration and a minor in sales. At Blakely Financial, I’m primarily responsible for providing investment research, assisting advisors as they manage models, and preparing for client meetings. Outside of Blakely Financial, I am an avid hiker, backpacker, and skier, and love traveling and exploring new places.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

• Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor, APMA®, College for Financial Planning

Personal Points

My superpower would be…

the ability to see into the future (to pick the best stocks for our clients, of course)

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Podcasts – The Tim Ferris Show / Masters in Business with Barry Ritholtz / Book - Principles by Ray Dalio

My favorite quote is…

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” – M.K. Gandhi

My dream travel destination is…

the Himalaya mountains of Nepal

Causes I’m passionate about…

I am very passionate about environmental conservation and the protection and the protection public lands. I am a frequent donor of non-profits such as the Sierra Club & the Trust for Public land with the belief that nature should be protected, experienced, and appreciated by all.

My happy hour order is…

an ice cold Blue Moon

I joined Blakely Financial in May 2022 after spending more than 20 years as a human resources and employee benefits executive within both the private and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on retirement plans and compensation. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and earned an MBA in finance from Boston University. I also hold life, accident, and health insurance licenses and am an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. The most fulfilling aspect of my job is when I feel that I have truly earned the trust of my clients and have made a difference in their lives.

My practice spans the entire spectrum of wealth management and retirement plan consulting, although my area of specialty is helping pre-retirees/retirees with planning their retirement goals and assisting them transition from the accumulation stage of their retirement investing to the retirement income distribution stage i.e. developing a strategic distribution strategy which takes into account tax ramifications, proper asset allocation, inflation, social security maximization, and ongoing and long-term health care planning.

I am an advisor with the Pro Bono Financial Coaching Program, a collaborative effort of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts.

My wife, Linda, and I live in Beverly with our golden retriever Ozzie.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by CFP Board
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®, College for Fiduciary Studies
• Registered representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®
• FINRA Series 6 securities registration
• FINRA Series 7 securities registration
• FINRA Series 63 securities registration
• FINRA Series 65 securities registration

Professional Memberships

• Family Reach organization – Pro Bono financial planning for cancer patients

Education

• Boston University, Boston, MA – MBA in Finance

Personal Points

My superpower would be…

Being able to fly without using the airlines

My favorite quote is…

“The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself”

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Cloud Cuckoo | Land Premonition | The Code Breaker

My dream travel destination is…

East African safari

My favorite restaurant is…

Abe & Louie’s Steakhouse in Boston

My happy hour order is…

Jameson or Moscow Mule

I founded Blakely Financial in 1995, driven by a deep commitment to prioritizing clients’ well-being. As the Founder, I dedicated myself to building a firm that excels in comprehensive wealth planning for professionals, business owners and retirees ensuring our team meets the diverse needs of our clients.  Over the years, Blakely Financial has grown into a respected institution, known for its personalized approach and meticulous attention to detail in financial planning.

My vision has always been to provide exceptional financial advice and to foster long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect. This approach has enabled us to guide our clients through various stages of their financial journeys, adapting our strategies to meet their evolving needs and unique financial objectives.

I am proud that our firm and team members have been recognized over the years as Leaders and President Club level advisors by Commonwealth Financial Network*. This distinction exemplifies the dedication and hard work our team puts into serving our clients and helping them achieve their financial goals.

Blakely Financial stands as a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence in financial planning and investment management. As we continue to grow our firm, I remain focused on leading our team members with integrity, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to our clients’ success.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community as an active volunteer with several charitable and educational organizations, contributing my time and expertise to support local initiatives. This involvement reflects my belief in the importance of community and the impact we can make when we work together.

I reside in High Point, North Carolina with my wife, Donna. When we’re not working or volunteering in our community, we spend our free time traveling and being anywhere near the water. Our shared devotion to service and philanthropy has been a cornerstone of our lives, enriching our connection to our area and its residents.

*Robert Blakely is proud to have been recognized as a Leaders Level advisor for 2023—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 6 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

*Emily Promise is proud to have been recognized as a President’s Club advisor for 2023—a distinction based on annual production that places her among the top 11 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by CFP Board
• Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) Certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies
• Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), The American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
• Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), The American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
• Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), Institute of Business and Finance
• Registered representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®, FINRA Series 7 securities registration
• Life and disability insurance licensed
• Long-term care insurance licensed

Professional Memberships

• Financial Planning Association
• Society of Financial Service Professionals

Education

• Averett University, Danville, Virginia, B.A. in Business Administration

Personal Points

If I wrote my own job description…

Duties Delegation Director

My favorite quote is…

"Never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

My dream travel destination is…

Jackson Hole, Wyoming and/or a trip to Italy

My happy hour order is…

A very nice bourbon on the rocks with a splash of water

My superpower would be…

Time Traveler – I would travel ahead in time research all major stock market corrections, come back and time the market, which just like time travel, is impossible to do.

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

"Simple Wealth, Inevitable Wealth" - Nick Murray, "Stay Positive" - Jon Gordon and Daniel Decker, "Think & Grow Rich" - Napoleon Hill

Rebecca Linhart, AIF®, is a retired financial advisor and the founder of Light Tower Financial Strategies. Clients of Becky’s can find a new home with Emily Promise and Blakely Financial,  an affiliated partner of Light Tower Financial Strategies. 

Over her career, Becky focused on investment management, retirement income planning, and wealth management, with a special emphasis on helping women navigate major life transitions like divorce, the death of a spouse, and retirement. With a degree in psychology, she brought unique insight into the personal side of financial planning and the challenges of change, co-creating meaningful outcomes with her clients. 

A long-time advocate for her community, Becky has held leadership roles in the Town of Essex, Massachusetts, including serving on the Board of Selectmen and chairing the Finance Committee. She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor, where she founded the “It Takes a Village” program to support families in need. She continues to serve as chair of the Rotary Club’s Enhanced Scholarship Trust, which provides educational scholarships, including the 2nd Chance Scholarship for adults seeking career advancement.

Becky’s professional achievements include receiving a graduate certificate in special studies in management from Harvard University and being recognized in Boston Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Manager [i] in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and the Women’s Choice [ii] award in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017.  Additionally, has achieved several professional credentials that speak to her experience:

• General Securities Registered Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network^®
• Securities Agent and Registered Investment Adviser Representative
• Managed Futures License
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary^®

I joined Blakely Financial in 2021 as an Administrative Assistant, but I affectionately think of myself as the A.M. Administrator because I work early in the morning. I assist the team in daily office operations, including scheduling appointments. I like helping the team so that they have more time to help others.

I reside in Clayton, NC, with my husband and our four homeschooled children. I love homeschooling my children for the strong family bond it builds. I also enjoy reading, puzzles, watching movies/TV, and playing video games with my husband.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

• Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional^™, FPQP^™, College for Financial Planning

Education

• Meredith College, Raleigh, NC – B.A. in Spanish & Education

Personal Points

My favorite quote is…

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

My superpower would be…

Invisibility

My dream travel destination is…

England! I really enjoy English history and would love to tour some of the castles.

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Mother Culture by Karen Andreola is my current favorite book; I also listen to a lot of Matt Chandler and Voddie Baucham.

Something people don’t know…

I am the mother of a micro preemie. My first child was born weighing in at 1lb 13oz.

My favorite restaurant is…

Houston’s in Atlanta, GA

As the Community Liaison at Blakely Financial, Inc., my role is primarily operational and behind-the-scenes. I take great pride knowing my contributions enhance our team’s efficiency. I am continually inspired by the meaningful impact our Blakely Financial team has on our clients’ lives every day.

Before joining Blakely Financial, I spent over a decade as a pharmaceutical sales representative with GlaxoSmithKline. Following that, I became the co-owner and general manager of the J.H. Adams Inn in High Point, North Carolina. These experiences in service-oriented roles have instilled in me a deep belief that the client is paramount. I am immensely proud of our team at Blakely Financial, who consistently prioritize personalized attention and exceptional service for our clients.

I am passionate about giving back to my community through volunteering and mentorship. One of my favorite activities has been teaching healthy cooking classes to fourth graders with Communities in Schools of Thomasville. Additionally, I enjoy leading Crockpot Cooking Classes for moms at the YWCA and The Salvation Army through the Junior League of High Point.

In my personal time, I enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending time at the coast in Southport, NC, or anywhere near water.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

• Accredited Asset Management Specialist, AAMS™, College for Financial Planning
• FINRA Series 7 securities registration

Professional Memberships

• The United Way of Greater High Point (2020 Campaign Co-Chair & Board Member)
• Women In Motion
• Past-President of the Junior League of High Point

Education

• Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C. – B.S. in Biology & Chemistry
• The University of North Carolina at Greensboro – MBA

Personal Points

If I wrote my own job description…

Director of Anything That Needs Fixin’

My superpower would be…

To sprinkle love and happiness everywhere!

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

“Inside the O’Briens’ by Lisa Genova, “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrick Backman, “The Alice Network” by Kate Quinn

Something people don’t know…

I am actually more introverted than I appear.

My dream travel destination is…

Italy and a Mediterranean Cruise

My happy hour order is…

Cosmopolitan made with Titos Vodka

As a financial advisor, my primary role is to act as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for the families, individuals, and non-profit organizations who we serve. My role transcends the traditional duties of an investment advisor or planner; I am committed to serving as a Chief Financial Officer, dedicated to the financial well-being of all of our valued clients.

I take a holistic look at each individual’s financial picture, rather than viewing areas in silos. The opportunity to help others plan for significant life events, whether retirement, selling a business, or generational wealth planning, and then seeing them achieve their dreams is unparalleled. One of my primary passions is to help educate female investors and empower them to control their finances. Nothing gives me more fulfillment than helping a family plan the road map for their financial future or offering a business owner peace of mind.

I am proud to have been selected as one of 2023 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors , 2024 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, and 2025 Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State.

2023 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors created by SHOOK Research. Presented in Aug 2023 based on data gathered from March 2022 to March 2023. 3738 Advisors were considered, 1464 Advisors were recognized. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for more award information. 2024 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in Aug 2023; based on data gathered over a 12-month period as of 03/31/24. 4081 Advisors were considered, 1621 Advisors were recognized. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for more award information .2025 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in Jan 2025 based on data as of March 2024. 44,028 nominations were considered, approximately 1,700 women were recognized. Not indicative of future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, click here. 

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by CFP Board
• Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, CDFA®, Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts
• 2023 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors
• 2024 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
• 2025 Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
• Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor, APMA®, College for Financial Planning
• Charted Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPC®, College for Financial Planning
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®, College for Fiduciary Studies
• The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, CAP®,The American College of Financial Services
• CFA® Investment Foundations Certifications, CFA® Institute
• Registered representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®
• FINRA Series 7 securities registration
• FINRA Series 66 (Investment Adviser Representative) securities registration

Professional Memberships

• Commonwealth Financial Network’s Women’s Advisory Council
• High Point University, Phillips School of Business Advisory Board
• SPUR (Marblehead MA) Treasurer, Board Member
• Women’s Business League, Marblehead MA, President
• Commonwealth Financial Networks Advisory Council
• The Financial Service Advisors Council, President, Board Member
• Marblehead Festival of The Arts, Treasurer, Board Member

Education

• High Point University, High Point, NC – B.S. in Finance and Accounting

Personal Points

My superpower would be…

To uplift with positivity

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Mind Gym by Gary Mack ,The Help by Kathryn Stockett, The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew series

My favorite restaurant is…

Shubies in Marblehead; nothing will ever beat their craft your own salad station and their potatoes baras

My favorite quote is…

“Champions are built in the off season”

My happy hour order is…

Club soda, vodka, and lime

My dream travel destination is…

Hawaii

I became a part of Blakely Financial in early 2009, bringing with me experience from a leading global wealth management firm based in Switzerland. I focus on addressing the financial planning needs of professionals, business owners, and retirees. It is deeply rewarding to use my extensive experience and education to assist individuals in making informed financial decisions and building confidence for their future.

I am dedicated to providing quality strategies customized to our client’s needs. My goal is to be a primary source of financial advice, and he concentrates his efforts on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service. I provide a high level of service and an ongoing dialogue, including regular portfolio reviews and performance analysis.

I am very active in the Triad community and reside in Greensboro with my wife, Emily, and our two sons. I enjoy coaching youth baseball, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, and piddling in the garage. Some of my most cherished memories are from our family beach trips to the North Carolina coast.

Professional Designations, Registrations, and Licenses

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by CFP Board
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®, College for Fiduciary Studies
• Chartered Special Needs Consultant® designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services®
• Registered representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®
• FINRA Series 7 securities registration
• FINRA Series 66 (Investment Adviser Representative) securities registration
• Life and disability insurance licensed
• Long-term care insurance licensed

Professional Memberships

• Society of Financial Service Professionals

Education

• NC State University, Raleigh, NC –  B.S. in Natural Resources
• Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC – M.B.A in Business

Personal Points

If I wrote my own job description…

Chief Solver

My superpower would be…

Teleportation

My favorite quote is…

“A ballplayer spends a good piece of his life gripping a baseball, and in the end, it turns out that it was the other way around all along.” – Jim Bouton

Causes I’m passionate about…

Kiwanis Club of High Point, Glory Ridge (a Christian youth camp supported by our church) Supporting families with special needs

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Freakonomics, Youth Baseball Edge, Life of the Beloved

My happy hour order is…

An Old Fashioned