Jeffrey A. Green

Founder, Green Financial Group
Registered Principal, RJFS

Phone: 713-244-3030
Fax: 713-513-5669
Email: Jeff@greenfinancialgrp.com

 

Jeff Green’s goal in life is to help other people be successful.  As founder of Green Financial Group and Registered Principal with RJFS, Jeff helps clients and their families navigate to a better financial future through comprehensive retirement planning and wealth management.  Employing rigorous financial analysis, holistic wealth and retirement planning and proactive investing strategies, Jeff’s focus is to help grow and help preserve the money his clients have worked so hard to earn.  Seeing the positive, sometimes truly life-changing, impact that conscientious planning and investing can make in clients’ lives is the greatest reward of his job and the reason for Green Financial Group’s existence.

Jeff grew up as the son of a bond trader who frequently worked on Wall Street.  Jeff would see him go to work every day in a suit and tie and even at a young age, envisioned a career in financial services, just like his father.  Ultimately, it was his dad who inspired him to focus on retirement planning.  The ever-evolving niche within the industry appealed to him and he wanted to help other folks, like his father, who needed smart, straightforward financial strategies as they planned for their future.  Jeff wanted to build a business where he could take care of clients like family.

Prior to establishing Green Financial Group, Jeff spent more than a decade at two major investment firms, Morgan Stanley and Banc of America Investment Services, where he crafted a wide variety of equity trading and investment strategies for his clients.  Feeling that he could better serve clients with his own team offering financial advisory and wealth management service – and more like family – Jeff launched his local independent practice, Green Financial Group, in 2008.

Jeff served in the United States Army Airborne Infantry for three years, where he learned critical leadership and decision-making skills, how to perform under pressure and how take a stand for what he believes in.  The camaraderie he felt with his platoon was the beginning of his lifelong passion for mentorship.  He would later coach his three sons in every sport imaginable, serve as a mentor for youth in the community and help guide and support other talented financial professionals, including those on the Green Financial Group team.  Upon completing his military commitment, Jeff was selected for the inaugural class at the University of Houston Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.  He earned his degree from the University of Houston after being one of only 30 students accepted into the elite Entrepreneurship program.

A true Southerner, Jeff grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and later made Houston, Texas his home.  He is proud to have three sons who, as every father can relate to, are his entire life.  Anything they’re involved with, Jeff’s involved with.  So whether they’re hunting, fishing, watching football, or throwing meat on the grill, that’s where you’ll find Jeff (when he’s not in the office, of course).

Lauren Smith, MBA, CFP®

Financial Advisor, RJFS
Managing Director, GFG

Phone: 713-244-3030
Fax: 713-513-5669
Email: Lauren@greenfinancialgrp.com

 

Lauren Smith likes making money – especially for other people.  As a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Green Financial Group, Lauren Smith helps guide clients to their best retirement outcomes through comprehensive planning and portfolio management.  Lauren serves as a sounding board to her clients whether that means developing a retirement plan, advising on strategic timing of Social Security withdrawals, establishing a client’s most optimal cash flow or supporting clients through unexpected financial situations.  Her goal is always to make the retirement planning and wealth management process both straightforward and strategic so that her clients have the road map they need for their continued success and most importantly, financial confidence.

Lauren’s focus on retirement planning is deeply personal.  The daughter of a doctor and a small business owner, Lauren has vivid memories of seeing her parents work hard and make sacrifices throughout their lives to ensure their family’s well-being and happiness well into retirement.  Inspired by their diligence, Lauren helps other families make important, and sometimes complicated, financial decisions about their lives.  The most rewarding part for her at the end of the day is being able to make a real impact on her clients’ futures.  Given her passion for retirement planning as well as her youthful perspective, Lauren is uniquely suited to cohesively serve Green Financial Group’s current clients as well as their next generations. 

In particular, Lauren understands the weight of the burden that falls on women – particularly widowed, divorced and head of household women – to provide for their own future. She is dedicated to supporting women through these transitions to help them set themselves up for financial independence. You can learn more about her women-specific work here: www.laurensmithcfp.com

Ever the entrepreneur, Lauren would find ways to create and preserve wealth, even when she was growing up.  She was known for collecting seashells on family trips to Florida and charging admission for people to look at them.  And her interest in finance as a career piqued in middle school when her team won a stock market simulation game run by the Houston Chronicle.  Later, Lauren graduated with Honors from the University of Georgia with her degree in Finance.  Competitive by nature, Lauren has always worked hard to take anything she does to the next level and so decided to hone her business skills by attending graduate school at the University of Houston.  While there, she earned a dual MBA at the Bauer College of Business and Masters in Science in Hospitality Management at the Conrad Hilton School.  Lauren also holds the AAMS (Accredited Asset Management Specialist) designation from the College of Financial Planning, the series 7 and 66 and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®).

Prior to joining Green Financial Group, Lauren spent two years in New York where she worked for a Raymond James branch in Manhattan.  Lauren is originally from Beaumont, Texas and is happy to finally be back in the Lone Star State.  A devout Bulldog, every fall you can find Lauren in Athens, Georgia in the stands of UGA football games.  She also loves travelling with friends and spending time with her cat, Pippa, and dog, Mamba.

Dylan Daggett

Financial Advisor, RJFS
Relationship Manager, GFG

Phone: 713-244-3030
Fax: 713-513-5669
Email: Dylan@greenfinancialgrp.com

 

Dylan Daggett likes to get things done.  As a Relationship Manager with Green Financial Group, he is focused on fostering meaningful client relationships, understanding their financial goals and objectives, and tailoring personalized strategies for their retirement plans, wealth portfolios, and investment tactics. Dylan serves as a trusted point of contact for clients, addressing their inquiries, providing ongoing education and guidance, and ensuring a seamless experience throughout their financial journey.

Dylan's analytical mindset, strong memory, and meticulous, process-driven approach make him a true asset in his role. He also draws upon his innate strengths as a teacher and mentor to help simplify complex financial jargon and strategies for clients and colleagues alike. Dylan places great importance on integrity in an industry where genuine care for clients' success can sometimes be lacking.  He finds fulfillment in witnessing the tangible impact his work makes in clients' lives—helping them achieve their retirement dreams and ultimately putting them in a better position for success.

Starting his early career as a Fitness Consultant and Sales Team Lead at health food companies, Dylan cultivated a passion for working closely with people, which was the catalyst for his transition to the financial industry.  He served as an Associate Financial Service Professional at Charles Schwab and later as an Analyst at a wealth management firm, excelling in building trust-based client relationships, managing accounts, handling trades, and providing financial education as well as guidance on complex financial matters. While there, Dylan earned his FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 designations and led a team of three other financial associates.

Raised as the son of a Lieutenant Colonel in the USAF, Dylan's early life was defined by military rigor as well as constant relocation; he called five different places (including England) his home by the time he was 11 years old. While he currently resides in Houston, Dylan's heart remains rooted in New Braunfels, where his family now lives. Outside of work, Dylan enjoys hitting the gym, playing basketball with friends, and cheering on his beloved Boston Celtics.

John Grover

Financial Advisor

Phone: 713-244-3030
Fax: 713-513-5669
Email: John.Grover@RaymondJames.com


With the heart of a teacher and the skills of a coach, John brings a distinct approach to helping his clients pursue their financial goals. He uses these valuable relational assets – that he honed as a teacher and coach directly out of college before entering the financial industry – to help educate, instruct and guide clients, not only in the investments they make, but also in other financial decisions that could affect their overall financial plans.

John joined Raymond James in 2005 and brought with him years of experience in the financial industry that began in 1989 at Prudential Securities. After becoming a branch manager and vice president of investments at Prudential, John also would work for Kidder Peabody, Legg Mason and Dain Rauscher before coming to work for Raymond James. An industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience, John has seen his clients through some of the best and some of the most historically challenging markets our country has ever seen.

Born in San Jose, California, John was a child when his family moved to Houston in 1967. He later attended the University of Texas, Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Today, John and his wife, Beth, live in Sugar Land and have four children. He is an active volunteer in his community and enjoys, golf, fishing, waterfowl hunting and family activities.

Robert "Bobby" Burks

Financial Advisor

Phone: 713-244-3030
Fax: 713-513-5669
Email: Bobby.Burks@RaymondJames.com

With over 2 decades of financial planning and investment advice experience, Robert “Bobby” Burks brings his passion every day to help families pursue and achieve their short- and long-term financial goals. Through a disciplined process of listening to and understanding each client’s unique goals and objectives, he utilizes the extensive resources available through his team at Green Financial Group and Raymond James to create achievable and proactive financial strategies. Throughout his career, Bobby has maintained a passion for sharing his understanding of financial markets and assisting clients with making smart decisions in managing their wealth. An industry veteran, Bobby has spent the majority of his career providing investment solutions and planning advice for individuals and families. He began his career in 1997 with Invesco before beginning to provide investment advice in 2000 at Morgan Stanley. He later joined Bank of America Investments. He then spent 13 years at JP Morgan as a Private Client Advisor before settling in at Raymond James in 2018. Bobby attended the University of Houston where he majored in Marketing. Bobby moved to Houston as a young child in the early 1970’s. As a proud Houstonian, he resides in Sugar Land with his wife Katie and their two daughters. Bobby has volunteered a lot of his time over the years coaching youth sports. He currently enjoys traveling, select softball with his daughter, family time and, when time allows, the occasional round of golf.

Laura Garza

Client Service Associate, RJFS
Client Concierge, GFG

Phone: 713-244-3030
Fax: 713-513-5669
Email: Laura@greenfinancialgrp.com

Laura Garza is a natural servant leader. As Client Concierge at Green Financial Group, she supports clients and their families by ensuring a seamless client onboarding process, comprehensive account management and attentive communication. She also sustains our business operations by serving as our office manager and a friendly liaison for everyone who walks through our doors. Our team and clients alike appreciate Laura's intelligence, kindness and quirkiness. She approaches her role with a can-do attitude and is dedicated to ensuring that every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed to deliver exceptional results.

In an industry that can sometimes feel cold, Laura brings warmth and a genuine passion for supporting clients that stems from a personal mission. While in college, the 2008 financial crisis devastated her family with bankruptcy and foreclosure. Remembering this pain, particularly for her parents who had been successful career officers in the US Air Force, she resolved to become a financial professional to help others avoid such an outcome.

Originally from the Midwest, Laura graduated from Michigan State University before moving to Houston to begin her career at Wells Fargo in business banking and private banking. Since then, she has served in client operations roles for financial service and investment firms, including supporting ultra-high net worth families. She is currently studying for her CERTFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional certification and holds her Series 65 designation, allowing her to provide even more comprehensive financial guidance and support.

Laura and her husband are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Catie and Luke. Laura supports their school as an active member of the PTA and a chair for the Boosterthon, their annual fundraising event. Faith plays a significant role in Laura’s life, both inside and outside of the office. She credits her faith as a driving force in her calling to be a steward for her clients’ finances and also enjoys serving in the Children’s Ministry and the Choir of her church. No matter how busy life gets, Laura makes time to do her favorite hobby – hula hooping – which she says is both exercise and a great party trick.

Claire Holmes

Director of Operations & Business Development

Phone: 713-244-3030
Email: claire@greenfinancialgrp.com

As Director of Operations & Business Development for Green Financial Group, Claire Holmes focuses on ensuring clients receive the best possible service, building our team’s capacity, and improving our existing processes.  She also directs our marketing efforts to elevate our brand and help us promote our services more authentically.  Whether developing and executing a thoughtful marketing strategy, reconfiguring our internal processes to better serve our clients, or tackling a special project, Claire leverages her unique mix of creativity and precision to get things done. 

Over the past decade, Claire has worked in marketing, strategy consulting, and creative roles across the financial, legal, retail, non-profit and consulting industries. Her areas of expertise include marketing strategy and execution, content creation, copywriting, graphic design, and presentation and training development.  A Type A “Jane of All Trades,” Claire is a perfectionist to her core, extremely detail-oriented, and always looking for more ways to add value to her team and clients.

A native Houstonian, Claire considers herself lucky to have spent time in San Francisco, Barcelona, and Athens, Georgia, where she lived while earning her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in Advertising at the University of Georgia. Claire now happily resides in Houston with her husband, three sons, and their rescue dog, Murphy. One of Claire's many passions is to help support working moms, which she does through her organization, Mama Collaborative.  She also volunteers with the Houston Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ Committee and recently served as a Co-Chair of the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center’s Annual Crawfish Boil Fundraiser.

Disclosure: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor endorses the services of Mama Collaborative. The following remarks are the opinions of Green Financial Group and not Raymond James.

Marissa Sweet

Branch Owner & Agent, Sweet Insurance Services

Phone: 832-533-8027
Email: msweet@twfg.com

Marissa Sweet is the Branch Owner and Agent at Sweet Insurance Services.  A personal insurance concierge, Marissa's goal is to help clients save money on their insurance, whether that be individual, homeowners, auto or business insurance.  She serves as an insurance consultant, advocating for each of her clients’ unique life situations and shopping the market for the best possible rates.

Marissa believes that every client should feel important – which can sometimes be hard to achieve in the increasingly digitized insurance business.  Typically, the only way to get support related to insurance involves an 800-number.  But Marissa prides herself on being a “real person” who clients can pick up the phone and call at any time with questions or concerns.  Deeply passionate about helping others, Marissa’s greatest sense of accomplishment comes from supporting people who truly feel lost in the insurance world by educating them, saving them money, and ensuring they have the coverage they need.

With multiple generations of her family in the industry, insurance is a natural fit for Marissa.  In fact, she grew up dreaming of owning her own insurance agency. She graduated from the University of Houston with a double major in Business Administration in both Finance and Management.  While there, she focused heavily on valuation and risk management and also completed a study abroad program in Spain to expand her horizons.  She is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, the International Council of Shopping Centers, IPT, CREW, and a proud supporter of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 

Disclosure: Raymond James is not affiliated with nor endorses the services of Marissa Sweet nor Sweet Insurance Services. The following remarks are the opinions of Green Financial Group and not Raymond James.

Mamba Smith

Chief Barketing Officer

Mamba Smith works hard to make sure every dog (and human) has their day.  As Chief Barketing Officer for Green Financial Group, Mamba’s priority is to enhance our client service, office morale, and team-building efforts.  Grounded in the philosophy that employee engagement has a direct effect on productivity, Mamba focuses on making sure our team isn’t over-working.  She believes hounding her colleagues is not the best way to get things done.  Instead, she aims to keep spirits high by encouraging things like taking frequent potty breaks and going for walks outside.  No matter what she is doing, her goal is to make everyone feel welcome and loved, which is evident in the wet kisses she offers clients and colleagues as a greeting.

Prior to joining Green Financial Group, Mamba was a resident of K-9 Angels Rescue in Houston where she honed her skills in friendship, affection, and loyalty. Though Mamba is the youngest member of the Green Financial Group team, what she lacks in formal education, she makes up for in enthusiasm and real-world experience.  In fact, she was fortunate enough to train directly under the Wolf of Wall Street which shines through in the way she fetches reports, reviews 401K-9 plans, and works with clients, both blue collar and white collar.  She is well-versed in inspecting packages, locating interesting smells around the office, taste-testing all food at human mealtimes, and napping at her colleagues’ feet during meetings.

Outside of work, Mamba enjoys long walks in the park, sniffing out her feline sister, Pippa (who always seems to be hiding from Mamba for some strange reason), and trying to imitate the sound of ambulance sirens when they drive by.  Originally hired on as a temp, Mamba rose quickly through the ranks to Chief Barketing Officer and has earned the title “Employee of the Month” back-to-back since her first day on the job.  Good girl, Mamba.