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Executive Staff
Tom Kestler

 
Tom Kestler - Chairman, C.M.O.
ext. 111


Tom has been involved in the financial planning field for over
25 years. He is a graduate of Millersville State University and the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado (for which he has acted as an adjunct instructor) and carries the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. He has also been awarded the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) designations from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. In 2002, he completed the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) program. He is Chief Marketing Officer of Kestler Financial Group, Inc., a firm which specializes in the marketing of financial Agents Site and services and has over 5,000 independent representatives throughout the United States. Mr. Kestler carries Life, Health and Variable Agents Site licenses in several states and provides consulting services to insurance companies on product design and development.  He has also served as an expert witness for insurance and investment related issues. His practice primarily focuses on family, individual and small business planning. Mr. Kestler carries the following securities registrations:
  • Series 7 - General Securities
  • Series 63 - Blue Sky
  • Series 24 - General Securities Principal
  • Series 65 - Investment Advisor


Jason Kestler
Jason Kestler - President, C.E.O.
ext. 117

Jason A. Kestler, President, CEO of Kestler Financial Group, Inc. has been working in the financial services industry since 1997.  In 2000, he made the decision to partner with his father, Tom Kestler.  Using innovation and determination in his marketing efforts, Jason’s goal is to build the organization every day, ensuring a long and prosperous future for KFG and its representatives. 

Jason’s unique management style and outside the box thinking have been featured in magazines such as Direct Marketing and Fortune Small Business.  More recently, one of Jason’s proudest professional moments was when Kestler Financial Group was named the 2,866th fastest growing company in the US by Inc. Magazine.

Continuing with his busy lifestyle, Jason is an Annexus Group partner, based in Scottsdale, AZ.  In addition he currently sits on two advisory boards, NAFA, (National Association of Fixed Annuities) and Allianz Life’s MAC (Marketing Advisory Committee). 

Jason lives in Leesburg, Virginia with his wife Emily and daughter Grace.


Shelley Johnson

Shelley Johnson - V.P. Case Management
ext. 122

Shelley began her career with Citibank, FSB in the wholesale mortgage lending industry.  She worked several positions from administrative to management working her way to an Account Executive.  During her tenure with Citibank, Shelley received numerous Customer Service Awards, Employee of the Year Awards  and top producing Account Executive.  After 10 years with the bank, a reorganization took place and Shelley elected to seek other opportunities.  She continued her Account Executive career with Chase Manhattan for several years and then New America. After 15 years in the mortgage business, Shelley decided to pursue other avenues.  Her career in the Life Insurance Department at Kestler Financial Group began in February of 2002. Shelley was born and raised in Leesburg , VA.  Shelley has a passion for the bull terrier breed and has a beautiful white “bully” named Bruno.  She enjoys reading, traveling, gardening and entertaining.


Administration / Communication / Documentation



 

Ashley Dasch

Ashley Dasch - First Impressions/Administrative Assistant
ext. 100

Ashley began her career in administration with Kestler Financial Group in October 2006.  Prior to her career at KFG, she worked as a school-age teacher at Dandelion Christian Child Care and as a Special Education Instructor at Crestwood Middle School.  Although both jobs were fulfilling, Ashley believes she has found her niche at Kestler Financial Group.

Ashley is a 2002 graduate of Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Maryland. She has also taken several courses at Frederick Community College in Frederick, Maryland.

Ashley is very excited to be a part of the KFG team and continues to learn more about the business and the industry every day.  She is preparing to take classes to obtain her Life, Health and Annuities license in the near future.  She enjoys working with the wonderful staff at KFG and the agents she communicates with every day.


Marketing (Annuities, Life Insurance, Long Term Care)
David Ocasio

David Ocasio - Marketing Partner
ext. 128

Born and raised in the Washington DC Metropolitan area after high school he attended St. Johns University in Queens, NY where he studied business administration and finance. After two years he returned to Maryland and received his BA in Business Management at the University of Maryland at College Park in 1999. Shortly after graduation he moved to Miami where he began his career in the insurance industry.

Highly trained in the areas of annuities, life and long term care, David succeeded in recruiting and marketing. David’s passion for the industry lies within helping agents fulfill their potential. “Great products and a sound sales strategy is the key for an agent’s success.”  David’s rapid success in the industry is attributed to his training, passion and willingness to succeed.

“The financial services industries is an exciting one that I’m very happy I’m involved in”. David enjoys sports especially football which he played for over 10 years including college, he is also a history buff.


Beth Rodriguez

Beth Rodriguez  - Marketing Partner
ext. 112

Beth Rodriguez began her career in the insurance industry with Kestler Financial Group, Inc. in 2000. Beth possesses her Life, Health and Annuity license and has served as a Marketing Support Specialist in the Fixed Annuity Department from the onset of her career here at Kestler. “I really enjoy working with the independent agents and supporting them with their annuity business.” You might say she is the Allianz annuity dinosaur at Kestler! 

A resident of Leesburg, VA for nearly seven years, Beth moved to the area with her husband and two daughters when her husband’s career in the technology industry presented an opportunity in Northern Virginia. Mrs. Rodriguez previously lived in Springfield, VA and attended high school and her first year of college at George Mason University. Beth moved to El Paso, Texas when her father retired from the Marine Corps and met her husband while attending the University of Texas. She is very happy to be living in Virginia again and pleased that she is part of the Kestler family. Welcome Home!



Michael Cochran
 

Michael Cochran - Marketing Partner
ext. 137

Michael began his career at Kestler Financial Group, INC in the beginning of 2006 after working in sales and sales management for over ten years. He had enjoyed success in the automotive industry until his wife became pregnant in August 2005. At that point in his life he had to make a big decision of whether to stay in an industry that is not condusive to spening time with family and rasing a child, or to learn a new industry and start a new career.

When the opportunity arose to interview with Kestler Financial Group, INC he took it. Since his inception at Kestler, Michael has taken every opportunity to educate himself on the various product lines and to learn the business of helping the independent agent and securities rep grow their business. He took the time to get his Life and Annuities license so that he could better understand the insurance world, and already understood the determination it takes to be a sales rep in the field.

Michael says, “ I am looking forward to a long lasting career with Kestler, and to helping independent agents/reps protect their clients far into the future by making wise financial decisions in the present.”


June Hamrick Tayloe

June Hamrick Tayloe - Marketing Partner
ext. 123

June is a marketing specialist with a background in economic development and public affairs.  Most recently she provided marketing consultation for the Northern Territory Government Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development in the outback region of Katherine, Australia.   Mrs. Tayloe helped government stakeholders identify five-year project goals, critical success factors and positioning statements. Previously Mrs. Tayloe spent five years project managing two award-winning initiatives for the City of Newcastle, Australia.  June’s mission was to help position a gritty industrial city and largest coal exporting port in the world, to a smart technology center and tourist destination. She was honored with a national achievement award recognizing innovation in economic development in 2004 and a City of Newcastle Achievement Award in 2005.  A graduate of the University of South Carolina (BA) and the University of Newcastle, Australia (Master of Marketing) June is the latest addition to the Kestler team.  She lives in Leesburg with her two Hintons (husband and son).  Mrs. Tayloe appreciates the sentiments of Olga Korbut, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, "Don't be afraid if things seem difficult in the beginning. That's only the initial impression. The important thing is not to retreat; you have to master yourself."


Case Management
Jim Nicholson

Jim Nicholson - Case Manager
ext. 115

Jim Nicholson started his career in insurance sales right after graduating from college. "As a graduation gift, my grandmother gave me $1,000, which I immediately plunked down on a new car. Then I realized that I needed an income in order to make the monthly payments, so I went to work for the local Mutual of Omaha agency selling health, disability and life insurance in rural southeastern Ohio, where it seemed like everybody already had insurance through their employer." Jim soon learned that he had to go where the money was, "so I went to work with a tax and estate planner who had a national base of high income, successful clients. These clients were small business owners, doctors, dentists, airline pilots, etc who knew their professions well, but whose personal financial affairs were in disarray. They desperately wanted someone whom they could trust to see the whole picture and get their 'financial' lives in order."

Later, Jim's formal education in Economics and Business Management beckoned and he went on to work in the operations and financial sectors of several major corporations throughout the south, southwest and northeastern U.S.  He involved himself in the day-to-day operations of running the business, which has proven to be one of his greatest assets to the agents he works with.  He not only looks at the process from a sales perspective, but also makes it a point to consider the practical business needs. "When people want something, they will tend to follow the path of least resistance. They go with what works, what they feel comfortable with. They want simplicity, but they want to feel like their needs are met. And, it needs to be as seamless a process as possible."

That's the climate that Jim tries to establish with the agents he works with. His experience helps agents to organize their own business while they work to assist their clients. "I want KFG to be their resource when they need help with what ever they're working on, whether it's product knowledge, sales ideas, new concepts, or just service on cases they've already written. I want it to be as reassuring to them as Calling Home!"


Larry Stich

Larry Stich, MBA - Registered Principal (Case Manager)
ext. 139

Larry Stich plays an integral role in supporting agents in Case Management. He brings to the table a personal commitment to the success of the agents with whom he works. "Their success is my success," Larry explains.  "Now if I could just get the industry to listen to me, the flow of business would run 100 times smoother!"  On a personal note, Larry is madly in love with his wife, Sandra, and his newborn son.  His words to live by: Adrenalin Junkie’s of the world unite!  The truth is never elusive.


  • Series 7 - General Securities
  • Series 24 - General Securities Principal
  • Series 66 - Uniform Combined State Law Exam 


Kevin Kestler

Kevin Kestler - Case Manager
ext. 106

“As my last name may suggest, I am Tom’s son and Jason’s brother. Although I have been around Kestler Financial for almost as long as I can remember, it wasn’t until recently that I seriously considered pursuing a career here. However, the more I learned about the business and as my education progressed, I began to feel that I really had something I could offer to the organization. I also couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with both my father and brother.

I am a graduate of Penn State University where I studied industrial/organizational psychology and business. I feel that this mixed background, although not the conventional route to such a career, will serve me well in my career with Kestler. Kestler Financial Group is the beginning of my financial services career. After about eight years of working for Kestler during summers, I am truly excited to be working full-time in the case management department and I am looking forward to aiding in Kestler Financial’s continued growth and success.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching and playing just about any sport, tinkering with cars and electronics, and I am a music and movie nut. I am currently engaged to be married to my high school sweetheart Erin on January 3rd, 2009”


Securities
Hilary Tarkington Stowers

Hilary Tarkington Stowers - Registered Principal
ext. 125

Hilary began her career in financial services at Friedman, Billings, Ramsey - an institutional brokerage and investment banking firm in Arlington, VA. Hilary worked in the Sales Department on the trading floor - buying and selling stocks & bonds for both institutional and retail clientele. In addition, Mrs. Stowers participated in a countless number of IPOs, dealing with companies, research analysts, and clientele to ensure successful offerings for all parties involved. Hilary went on to serve as the Associate Communications Manger for LPL Financial Services. As a member of the Marketing Department, Hilary assisted reps who chose the path of independence on a daily basis. Hilary’s focus at KFG includes compliance, recruiting, branch development and marketing. A resident of Leesburg, Hilary enjoys vacationing at her family’s summer cottage in Michigan and loves to cook. In addition to possessing a series 24, Mrs. Stowers also holds both the series 7 and 63 securities licenses.

  • Series 7 - General Securities
  • Series 63 - Blue Sky
  • Series 24 - General Securities Principal


 

Licensing/Contracting
James McCadney

James McCadney - Licensing and Contracting
ext. 116

James McCadney joined Kestler Financial Group, Inc. in May of 2001.  James began his career in finance and insurance, performing worker's compensation and general liability insurance audits for Coordinated Underwriters Inc. Accounting and math were the required skills to succeed as an auditor. The hidden component to his success as an auditor was understanding that a defined relationship exists between the client/carrier/agent, and that being able work within that relationship is essential.

James' six years of insurance experience laid a solid foundation for his transition to head up the Licensing and Contracting Department at Kestler Financial Group, Inc.  His attention to detail and efficiency has enabled the department to significantly expand the number of contracted agents.  However, it has been his attention to agent and insurance company-focused service that has paid the greatest dividend. James is constantly working on improving ways to bridge our agents' needs and wants with our insurance carriers' capabilities. 

James is a new resident of Frederick , MD.   He enjoys a number of outdoor activities and vacationing on the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean . Mr. McCadney also serves his community working with the local board of elections and as a polling place volunteer.


Legal
Warren Grossman

Warren W. Grossman, ESQ. - Kestler Financial Group Legal Counsel
ext. 118

A member of Kestler Financial since 1999, Grossman concentrates in tax, insurance and asset protection planning, planning for the transfer of family assets, elder law planning, and other related areas of expertise for the creation and preservation of wealth. Warren 's legal career spans over 20 years beginning as partner at Garson & Grossman where his primary focus was in real estate and corporate law. Working in his own practice, and as both member and partner in several prestigious firms throughout his career, Grossman's extensive legal experience is key to assisting Kestler agents meet the complex legal issues of financial planning for their clients.

Warren also serves as the Manager of Grossman & Associates, providing guidance and legal advice to individuals and business entities in the Northern Virginia community.  His practice focuses on drafting appropriate legal documents including trusts, wills, buy/sell agreements, employment agreements, powers of attorney, and medical directives. Warren attended Washington College of Law at American University in  Washington , D.C. and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the  University of Miami . Grossman is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Florida . A father of three, Warren enjoys spending time with his family and cooking. 
 


Marla Chapman

Marla Chapman - Legal Assistant
ext. 131

Marla has worked for Mr. Grossman since January 2005. She doesn't have a "legal" background but finds being a legal assistant very challenging.

Marla spent one year at Xerox Training Center as a Data Entry Clerk; six years at the Loudoun Hospital Center as a Preventive Maintenance Control Clerk and four years in the Navy. Her diverse work experience has taught her how to adjust to different situations without difficulty.

Marla is originally from Boston, MA and currently resides in Northern Virginia where she has lived since 1985. Marla is in the process of finishing her AA degree in Secretarial Science. After completion of this program, she will then pursue a paralegal degree at NOVA. Marla is married and has four incredible daughters.


Information Technology
Daniel B. Hall

Daniel B. Hall, MCP - Principle Software Engineer
ext. 130

Daniel's love for software development began at Age 10 when his parents invested in a Commodore VIC-20. Hall's early adoption of Microsoft methodologies has earned him numerous awards in the nuclear, telecommunications, and aerospace industries.

Among being a published author and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), His expertise encompass a broad set of application architectures and technologies which include: 

C# , VB.NET, ASP.NET, ADO.NET, Visual Basic Microsoft Transaction Server, SQL Server, Oracle, HTML, Microsoft Office, SalesLogix, and Windows 32bit API Framework.

After September 11th 2001, Hall volunteered to join an elite team from around the United States to help design, develop, and eventual deploy 09112001.com. In 2002 Hall won the prestigious "2002 INFOWORLD 100" award for work with Boeing to help streamline data exchanged between suppliers, OEM's, and airlines. 

When asked how he would summarize his career to date, he says, "“I truly believe that if you love what you do for work then you’re not working. To be truly happy with what you do, one must find the right job, the right people, and the right work environment. I've truly been blessed throughout my career.” 


Securities and advisory services offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc. a registered broker/dealer and member of FINRA & SIPC. Supervisory office: 801 Sycolin Road, Suite 302, Leesburg, VA 20175, 800-699-0299.  This is not an offer to sell securities, which may be done after proper delivery of a prospectus and client suitability has been reviewed and determined.

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