Our Team
John grew up in family retail clothing store. From an early age he learned some important principles about business and life: service to others, understanding a client's needs and situation so that he can provide the best solution, hard work, trustworthiness, effective communication, and treating others like family.
While pursuing his MBA, John took coursework in Investments and, as they say, the rest is history. The idea of investing to build wealth to provide opportunities for clients and their families really appealed to him. He began his journey in the financial services industry over 20 years ago with a purpose to help clients create a clear path to their financial security. John is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who utilizes a goals-based, holistic approach to investment planning and portfolio management. He believes in partnering with a client's other professionals responsible for their financial health; CPA, Estate Planning Attorney, Insurance professional, etc.
John has been married to his wife, Heather, for 25 years. They have two sons, Avery and Worth, who currently attend East Carolina University. They have a golden retriever named Dolly who spends her time at the local library on weekends helping kids read. His hobbies include spending time with family, hiking, cycling, and reading. In his community he has volunteered and served the Boys Scouts, Young Life, The Chamber of Commerce, and his Church.
Emily Pittman serves as Senior Registered Private Client Associate for Best Financial Strategies Group. She prides herself on being able to form meaningful relationships with their clients where they become like family. She works hard to understand her clients’ passions and what drives them, while being their cheerleader and advocate.
She started her career at Wells Fargo Advisors in 2015 and holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses. She earned her BSBA degree from East Carolina University with a concentration in Finance.
Outside of the office, Emily enjoys baking, spending time with family, friends, and her yellow lab, Emmett. She currently resides in Wayne County, where she was born and raised.
As a Financial Advisor, Barbara is dedicated to helping individuals develop investment strategies that line up with their needs, goals and risk tolerance. Her mission is to provide every client with targeted, comprehensive financial advice and portfolio strategies - delivered with the highest level of personal service and professional integrity.
She strives to help each one of her clients plan for a financial future in a way that best meets his or her goals. Planning takes more than a single session to put wealth to work in support of your life goals. It takes a process. As your life circumstances change, so must the investment strategies she uses to help keep clients on course toward their objectives.
Barbara has over 20 years of experience in the Financial Industry, serving in numerous capacities including Market Leader of multiple locations for 8 years. This experience has provided her with the tools needed to help clients with a holistic approach to investment planning and placing clients' needs at the forefront of every decision that is made.
Away from the office she enjoys spending time with family, reading, visiting the beach, and worshiping with her church family at The Bridge Church. She also enjoys volunteering in the community, where she has served on the Partners in Education committee for Wayne County Public Schools, numerous sporting organizations and church youth programs.