Meet Our Team
We empower our clients with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve financial independence and security.
Rodrigo Gil
Chief Executive Officer
rodrigo@financialgrowthgroup.com
Meet Rodrigo Gil, a seasoned veteran in the financial realm, boasting over eleven years of dedicated service. Mentored by industry leading figures such as Josh Mellberg, Matt Macyntire, and Tom Hegna. From his humble beginnings as a junior recruiter to rising to National Manager & Coach after two years with JDMellberg to his current role as President of Client Development at UPG, Rodrigo's passion for empowering both retirees and fellow advisors has been unwavering.
Throughout his career, Rodrigo has left an indelible mark on the industry. His strategic vision and leadership have led to remarkable milestones, including facilitating a record-breaking overseeing $3Billion in retirement accounts from his agent distribution, earning prestigious accolades as a top regional marketer, top product designing, and playing a pivotal role in the successful launch of a BBB+ rated annuity carrier, recognized as the #37 fastest-growing independently owned company on the INC 500 list.
Armed with a dual bachelor's degree in Economics and Accounting from the esteemed University of Arizona, coupled with a Green Belt in Six Sigma, Rodrigo is widely acknowledged as an expert in advanced case design and retirement planning. His commitment to excellence extends beyond his personal success; Rodrigo is deeply passionate about helping retirees achieve their financial goals and assisting fellow advisors in honing their skills to become exemplary professionals.
Rodrigo's mission is clear: to amplify support for his team and clients, ensuring that retirees receive the guidance they need to optimize their retirement plans, maximize net income, minimize taxes, and preserve capital for generations to come. Rodrigo's dedication to mentorship and thought leadership is unparalleled, as he eagerly shares his knowledge and expertise with aspiring advisors, empowering them to deliver exceptional service and make a meaningful impact in the lives of their clients. With Rodrigo by their side, advisors can navigate the complexities of the financial landscape with confidence, knowing that they have a trusted partner committed to their success and the prosperity of their clients.
Austin Chua
Chief Marketing Officer
Austin got his first taste of the financial services world when a family friend recruited him to sell insurance policies. He did that for a few months until he started his own marketing company, Financial Clients NOW LLC back in 2019 to help the other agents he worked with. A year later, he changed the name to “Annuity Cases NOW LLC” to solely focus on Annuities as he saw the opportunity & discovered how lucrative the industry can be when done right. From selling marketing services to local businesses back in college, narrowing down in financial services to eventually only helping Annuity Advisors & Agents. At this point in 2024, he has worked with hundreds of Insurance Agents & Financial Advisors. His experience includes spending over $100k+ in paid media per month to result in making Annuity Advisors millions from closed Annuity Cases. Focusing on being a great marketer and specifically only in the Annuity niche, has helped him understand the right type of desires/pains & how to really attract Annuity prospects. Austin is the brains behind the operation, putting all the marketing materials & tools needed together to make sure Advisors on the “Annuity Cases NOW” system are having consistent success.
Jason Purvis Investment Advisor, CFP Retirement & Income Planner
As the visionary Founder of Next Phase Money Management and a certified financial planner, I have dedicated over a decade to transforming the financial landscapes of high-net-worth families. My journey as an Investment Advisor Representative and an award-winning Regional Director has empowered hundreds of families to live the life they've always dreamed of. I specialize in addressing the frustrations that many high-net-worth families face: high tax bills and the relentless market volatility that threatens their hard-earned wealth. My approach is simple yet effective—reduce taxes on retirement accounts and enhance the underperforming areas of their portfolios. The result? A retirement that allows my clients to savor each moment, free from the fear of impending changes. With my guidance, they can focus on enjoying life to the fullest, knowing their financial future is secure.
Ben Connor
Retirement & Income Planner
Benjamin Conner is the founder of Conner Financial in North Myrtle Beach, SC, with over a decade of experience in the retirement planning world. He is a Certified Financial Fiduciary (CF2) recognized by the National Association of Certified Financial Fiduciaries (NACFF). His previous background of Commercial Real Estate valuation plays a large part in the reason why he takes a careful, strategic and analytical approach to helping his clients retire with safety and certainty. He has been on the forefront of developing proprietary Roth conversion strategies which have helped his clients, and other colleagues and their clients throughout the country save millions in taxes as they navigate retirement. Ben believes that if you take care of the client, the rest will take care of itself. Ben lives with his wife Whitney who is a 2nd Grade teacher, his two daughters Greer and Graylynn, and their loyal labrador companion of 11 years, Beau. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, staying in shape, golf cart rides, offshore fishing, coaching his kid’s soccer teams, and taking trips to the NC mountains to cool off during the heat of summer. His dedication to things that are important to him are visible through his commitment to his clients, his family, and his health.
Marco Pallares has dedicated over 20 years to helping clients achieve financial security. Beginning his career with the largest bank in the US, Marco developed a keen understanding of personal banking and financial advising. As a retirement specialist for the past 15 years, he has focused on helping individuals and couples meet their future income goals and secure a worry-free retirement, regardless of market conditions.
Marco Pallares
Retirement & Income Planner
Bobby Ewan
Retirement & Income Planner
Bobby Ewan is the founder of Elevate Financial, bringing over six years of experience in financial planning, with a specialization in retirement and tax-free legacy planning. His expertise lies in guiding clients through strategies that ensure financial security and the preservation of wealth for future generations. Beyond his client work, Bobby is a dedicated mentor, having guided over two dozen financial advisors in adopting best practices within the industry. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping professionals who prioritize client-centric approaches and ethical standards. Residing in McKinney, Texas, Bobby balances his professional life with a fulfilling personal life alongside his wife, Lucy, and their two sons. Before venturing into the financial sector, Bobby honed his skills as a construction project manager, overseeing budgets for projects exceeding $255 million. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit early on, he successfully expanded a youth soccer training program to 3 franchises over 1200 participants weekly, showcasing his commitment to growth and community development.
Ed Caldera Investment Advisor
Retirement & Income Planner
A dedicated financial advisor committed to helping clients achieve their financial goals with confidence. With extensive experience in wealth management, retirement planning, and investment strategies, takes a personalized approach to financial planning, ensuring each client receives tailored advice suited to their unique needs. Known for clear communication and a client-first mentality, strives to provide practical solutions that build long-term financial security. Whether planning for retirement, growing investments, or navigating life’s financial decisions, is here to guide every step of the way.
Mehran Rad Investment Advisor
Retirement & Income Planner
Mehran Rad is an Investment Advisor Representative with a passion in helping retirees, and those approaching retirement, to avoid the common financial mistakes of retirement through comprehensive financial planning. As a Fiduciary, Mehran works diligently with his clients to help them take control of their financial future through education and use of financial strategies designed to help them with the critical areas of retirement planning, including: Retirement Income & Social Security Planning, Tax Minimization Strategies, Investment & Risk Management Strategies, Estate & Legacy Planning. Mehran started in real estate development and investment back in 1988 and has been in the financial service industry for the last 23 years. He is a graduate of Guilford College with a BS degree in Business and a minor in Economics. Mehran has passed the NASD Series 65 (Investment Advisor Representative) and has met all requirements for Life insurance and Long-Term Care licenses in several States. Mehran grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and is a big Tarheels fan. Soccer has been a big part of his life as he played in college, and several years after. All three of his boys have played professionally for teams such as Sporting Kansas City, Hartford Athletic, Huntsville FC and Portland Timbers. Outside of the financial world, Mehran enjoys walking, golf, hiking the Arizona trails, watching soccer, but above all, he loves spending quality time with his family.
Kyle Gannon
Case Design Executive National Insurance Producer
Meet Kyle Gannon,
Kyle Gannon is a seasoned veteran in the financial realm, boasting over 7 years of dedicated service. His journey began with humble beginnings in the workforce, managing a mining crew and assisting CPAs in handling their books. His exceptional performance earned him accolades and led to a remarkable opportunity to meet the CEO during his time at Intuit Inc., in the QuickBooks division.
Transition to the Insurance Industry
Recognizing the potential in the insurance industry, Kyle pivoted his career direction. During this phase, he had the privilege of working alongside Rodrigo while at Josh Mellberg. This experience enriched his expertise and broadened his professional network. Since then, Kyle has been passionately developing advanced case design strategies for financial advisors across the nation. His innovative approaches and commitment to excellence have made a significant impact in the field.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2024, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Kyle established his own LLC. He is now happily collaborating with Financial Growth Group, focusing on helping individuals achieve a higher quality of life both financially and physically. Kyle Gannon’s career trajectory exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the financial industry. His diverse experiences and strategic insights continue to pave the way for his success and the betterment of those he serves.
August So
Executive Assistant Licensed Insurance Agent
As a deep thinker and problem solver, August is ready to help bridge the gaps between clients to advisors, advisors to carriers, & clients to carriers creating an effective full circle of communication. August’s expertise also extends to retirement income and tax strategy where he assists in case design.