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Stephanie Lanier FPQP®

Administrative Assistant

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

Blakely Financial Intern Team

Interns

We have a rotating group of interns who join the Blakely Financial team each year. Our interns assist advisors with investment research, preparing for client meetings, and learning from our advisors.

Kayla Orr

Intern

Kayla grew up in Sarasota, Florida. Currently, she is dedicated to pursuing a degree in Finance at High Point University. She is a member of the High Point Investment Club and Panther Real Estate Club. 

Kayla became part of the Blakely Financial team in January 2024, contributing her skills to assist advisors, prepare for client meetings, and absorb valuable insights from experienced professionals.

Outside of her academic and professional commitments, Kayla finds joy in indulging her passion for golfing, watersports, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Jack Quinn

Intern

Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Jack is currently earning his B.S.B.A. in Finance and Economics at High Point University. He holds the positions of Portfolio Manager and Treasurer in the university’s Investment Club and is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a Professional Business Fraternity. In September 2023, Jack was invited to join High Point University’s Student Government Finance Committee, marking a significant achievement in his academic career. 

Jack joined the Blakely Financial team in February 2023, where he assists advisors and conducts market research. Outside of work, he plays golf for the HPU club team, enjoys movies with friends, and mentors the Junior Team at Commonwealth National Golf Club in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

Colin Scharneck

Intern

Colin grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Management at the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul School of Business and Economics.

Growing up on a farm, Colin learned at a young age to take on many responsibilities. Colin has worked as a Funeral Assistant at Paul C. Rogers & Sons Funeral Home for the past five years. On the BFI team, Colin assists advisors with preparations for client meetings and conducts research. In his free time, Colin enjoys going to the lake and staying active by hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, and practicing jiu-jitsu. 

Blakely Financial

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Donna Blakely AAMS™, MBA

Controller

As the Controller at Blakely Financial, Inc., I oversee financial reporting, daily accounting, payroll, and budgeting. While 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

Emily Promise CFP®, CAP®, CDFA®, AIF®, APMA®, CRPC®

Vice-President, Financial Advisor

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 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors in 2023.

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.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by CFP Board
  • Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best in State in 2023
  • 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

Steve LaFrance CFP®, AIF®, ChSNC®, MBA

Financial Advisor

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