John Furey
Managing Partner
- John started Advisor Growth Strategies to do what he loves professionally - help business owners advance their financial advisory firms. His professional goal is to improve business management within the wealth management industry. Since the inception of Advisor Growth, John has worked with over 300 firms representing $400+ billion in investable assets. AGS has been trusted to help with some of the most important strategic decisions in the lifecycle of advisory including structuring new entities, optimizing business performance, and transaction advisory.
- In addition to working with clients, John spends his time collaborating with the industry’s brightest minds to advance the wealth management profession. He conceptualized and created aRIA (alliance for Registered Advisors), a think tank made up of seven of the most successful industry firms dedicated to improve the RIA industry through a culture of continuous learning and sharing. Learn more about aRIA at a conference or by reading an industry report.
- As a recognized thought leader, John has written dozens of research papers and whitepapers. John has contributed commentary to many financial publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Investment News, Barron’s, RIABiz, Financial-Planning, Think Advisor, CityWire and Financial Advisor. He is also invited regularly to speak at the major financial conferences in the industry including Barron’s, all major asset custodians, and FPA. John was recognized as one of the 25 Most Influential People in Wealth Management (the IA25). John has also been invited to speak about the future of the industry with various boards and industry organizations.
- On a personal note, traveling with his wife Julie and adding to his wine collection are a few of the ways in which he rejuvenates. John also loves watching his two sons play competitive soccer and enjoys round of golf (the boys are quickly catching up to his handicap)! John keeps an eye on various sports in town, especially Arizona State and frequently gives back to schools, church, and various local charities.
Brandon Kawal
Principal
- Brandon leads client engagements, thought leadership, and research. He is tasked with bringing insight, creativity, and analytical know-how to collaborate with and help our clients reach new heights.
- Brandon enjoys writing about industry challenges and trends, especially all things millennial. He authors and leads the annual M&A research for "The RIA Deal Room" which was recognized as the Industry Research Initiative of the Year in the 2021 Wealth Management Industry Awards. Brandon has contributed to major industry publishers such as Wealth Management, Barron's, Citywire, and ThinkAdvisor. Brandon has been recognized as a ThinkAdvisor Luminary in Dealmaking and Growth.
- Brandon resides in Phoenix and, thus, always roots for the Sun Devils. Brandon will always be a Californian at heart. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kristi, and chasing his two young daughters and young son.
- A former New York Mets baseball player, Brandon never misses watching a game. He also enjoys water sports, traveling with his family, and a well-crafted microbrew.
Alexander Dorr
Consultant
- Alex uses his passion for data to help drive innovative solutions for clients. His background is in financial technology, and he strives to provide meaningful insights by applying and adjusting established models with a fresh perspective.
- He specialized in the study of collaboration, information management, and creativity at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change while completing his B.S. in Mathematics at Arizona State University. Alex’s primary focus is on redefining technical challenges in a variety of disciplines, and he maintains research interests in both Flow and Mathematics.
- Alex loves music and spends most of his free time writing and performing pieces for piano. He has had pieces featured at the Musical Instruments Museum and has performed with several local musicians, earning the AriZoni Theatre Award in Original Music Composition. When he’s not at the piano, you’ll find him playing chess (latte in hand) or skating at the nearest Skateland.
Rebecca Daves, CFA
Consultant
- Rebecca earned her BA in Economics and International Relations from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She earned the CFA Charter in August 2021 after passing all three exams on the first attempt.
- She started her career as a consultant with FactSet in London working with 12 boutique asset management and wealth management firms to integrate data and analytics solutions. She progressed to the role of Senior Consultant before making the move to Arizona in 2019 to work with advisors on other components of their practice management.
- Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys hiking, swimming, and exploring the Phoenix area with her husband, Jakob.
JP Damron
Senior Analyst
- JP holds a B.S. in Finance from Utah State University's Huntsman School of Business. Prior to joining AGS, he worked for a consulting firm that specialized in helping public companies design and value their equity linked compensation instruments.
- JP is a self-proclaimed finance nerd who loves reading, watching, or talking about all things finance related. JP applies his passion for problem solving to help clients tackle their toughest challenges.
- JP loves to play golf as often as possible. He recently has taken up the hobby of making barbeque on his smoker which is quickly turning into a slight obsession. JP also enjoys playing tennis with his wife and taking their goldendoodle, Marty, on walks.
Ryan Staudinger
Senior Analyst
- Ryan graduated from Arizona State University. Prior to joining AGS, he worked as an operational team lead for a personal lending startup. Here he managed several teams of professionals and specialized in creating operational changes that created positive business performance. Ryan loves coming up with unique ideas to solve problems and optimize strategic plans. He leverages data and develops modeling to solve problems and create tangible solutions.
- Outside of work, Ryan enjoys staying active and takes on a variety of hobbies such as golf, tennis, hiking, chess, and poker. Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, Samantha, and their four dogs.
Rachael White
Chief of Staff
- Rachael supports the team with client services, assisting with the development of business proposals, and marketing.
- She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida. Rachael began her career as a high school English teacher before transitioning to an Executive Assistant role.
- Rachael enjoys playing soccer and loves a good brunch on the weekends. Snooze’s breakfast tacos are her top pick. She recently relocated to Chicago with her husband, James, daughter, Emma, and their golden retriever, Cooper.
Barri Arney
Executive Assistant
- Barri supports the team by organizing client meetings, assisting with developing/maintaining processes, and delivering operational and organizational support.
- Barri, an Arizona native, studied at Phoenix College and worked in Marketing and Restaurant Management prior to arriving to her role as Executive Assistant.
- She enjoys starting her day with a good sweat session at her favorite local gym, F45. On the weekends, she loves a round of golf and checking out all of the latest local restaurants. Barri currently resides in Phoenix, AZ with her son, Donivan, her partner, Adam, and dog, Bill Murray.
Lola
Comfort Consultant
- Our resident Comfort Consultant, Lola, has over four years experience analyzing which office furniture makes the cut by implementing her world-renowned nap tests. Lola earned her qualifications in the many days she spent training for her Certificate of Achievement in puppy education and human stress therapy.
- When Lola isn’t making sure our office lives up to the high standards our clients expect, you can find her causing mischief with her sister, Suri the Boston Terrier.
- Lola’s professional services are available for a flat fee of five peanut butter pretzels and 30 minutes of head scratches (she’s open to negotiation). When she’s in the office, you might be able to have a virtual introduction organized via FaceTime!
