Jennifer Malone

early influences “Dad, that sounds so boring.

” I never actually said those words, but I remember thinking that as a kid when my Dad, Rocky Buford, would talk about being a financial advisor. I had no interest in his career. I knew he worked hard and talked to everyone, but I didn’t get how he connected and helped people make their dreams a reality. My mom was a nurse and cared for people incredibly well. I loved her work ethic and the care she took for patients and those she mentored. From an early age, I respected the hard work of my parents, and I knew I wanted to help people. Professional Background After High School, I continued my dream of furthering my soccer career and went to Rockhurst University. While there, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and added a second major in Middle and Secondary Education. I taught mathematics for 3 years, and after starting my own family with my husband, Bob, I quickly realized that finances, particularly financial planning, began to make more sense. That’s when I went from “Dad, that sounds boring” to “Dad, tell me more about what it is you do.” And I fell in love. I began working with my dad in 2005, earning my CMFC designation in 2006, was licensed in Series 7, 66 Registrations, now held with LPL Financial, and Life and Health in 2007, and obtained my CFP® designation in 2012. As it turns out, my goal in life hasn’t changed. I still want to help and teach people. I just found a career path that allows me to do it differently. Role at BMG Advisors As the Lead Wealth Advisor at BMG Advisors, my #1 passion is helping our clients; we call it “Plan Your Story.” Most of my time is spent in client meetings, but as our business grows, I’m finding a new joy I didn’t realize I’d like so much, growing advisors. Watching them take great care of BMG Clients, knowing they’re doing it with the same care and expertise we expect, has really elevated our firm and allowed us to serve more people than any one person can possibly care for. And although I didn’t know it then, I’ve found real joy in that. Upon branching out on our own, my business partner, Adam Hawley, and I thought hard about how we could do business differently with three main pillars in mind: taking care of clients, taking care of our employees, and doing good in the community. With those non-negotiables in mind, BMG Advisors was born as a non-commission advisor model. Since the launch in 2018, we have quadrupled our assets under management and employee headcount. In the end, our mission is to leave the community better than we found it through the work we do. We’re not done yet, but it sure feels like we’re making progress. Outside of Work My #1 passions in my life are my kids- Maddie, Charlotte, and Paul. My husband, Bob, and I have been fortunate to see them grow and cheer them on in various ways through their childhood and young adulthood. As we navigate the realization that they are almost grown, our relationships continue to evolve. It is incredible watching the phenomenal humans they are, and I love watching them take on the world. Outside of gushing on my kids, I love attending concerts and sporting events and spending time with friends and family. I am on the go a lot and find energy and joy when surrounded by people I care for. I enjoy being active, and although I am a “retired” athlete, you can still find me in the gym, on a hike, kicking the soccer ball with my boys, or on the pickleball court competing and having fun.