Gary has held many jobs throughout his life, beginning as a door-to-door brush salesman at the age of 17. As an adult, he owned multiple businesses, including a construction company and a marine dealership. During his 40 years of business ownership, Gary realized the importance of a planned, organized, and systematic approach to finance—and just how much help many individuals and business owners needed in this regard. After reading an article about the financial planning industry in Atlanta Magazine, he decided to make the switch to financial planning as a career to provide others with the financial guidance needed to build a successful future.
Gary joined the financial planning industry in 1983 and received his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 1989. For over 35 years, Gary has been a reliable source of honest and impartial financial advice for his clients. In 2006, he founded Horizon Planning Group, building our firm on the principle of serving others with integrity and commitment.
He finds great motivation in helping others build financial success and reach their personal goals while relieving many of the day-to-day stresses associated with finances. These values continue to drive Horizon Planning Group today. Gary works directly with our clients as one of our financial advisors. He specializes in generational wealth transfer and expertly handles complex financial situations for our clients.
A longtime resident of Woodstock, Georgia, Gary lives in the area with his wife, Donna. Their son, Garrett, is now president of Horizon Planning Group, and Gary enjoys the opportunity to work alongside his son each day. Their daughter, Rebekah, works in the construction industry, and has been recognized as one of the top females in her field.
Family and community are central to Gary’s life. He believes that serving others is the best way to improve your own life, and so he remains active in many volunteer organizations. Gary is the BSA Atlanta Area Council Commodore for Sea Scouts and a member of Southwinds Sailing Club on Lake Allatoona. He is also a very active member of the Towne Lake Rotary Club and serves as the Youth Services Chair, and lives the motto of “Service above Self.”
In addition to his CFP® designation, Gary received his Series 7 and 63 securities licenses, Series 24 principal/supervisory exam, state insurance license, and he became a Merchant Marine Capitan in 2019.