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Video: Ricky’s Beginnings and Where the Company is Today

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Who We Are

We help individuals and families align their financial and emotional wellbeing to gain peace of mind in what feels like an upside down world. We accomplish this by asking questions then listening. We seek first to understand your most important relationships and the effects of those relationships on your financial resources.

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Ricky Grunden, Sr.

President & CEO

CFP®, AIF

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Ricky Grunden, Sr.

Email: rgrunden@grunden.com

Ricky Grunden, Sr., the founder of Grunden Financial Advisory, has been serving clients in the financial services arena for more than four decades. His greatest accomplishment by far is marrying his wife Marsha over 40 years ago back in 1976 and together having, and raising their eight children. Ricky & Marsha began homeschooling in 1982 graduating two from homeschool, two from Coram Deo Academy and four from Denton Calvary Academy. Ricky & Marsha have lived in the Denton area since 1973.

Ricky began his career in the financial industry as an insurance agent in 1974. After earning his Certified Financial Planner credentials, he joined a top-producing branch of a Houston broker-dealer, which subsequently became a well-respected Dallas money-management firm.

Because he values the wealth management process, Ricky chose to include wealth management, financial planning, and investment management in his solutions to his clients' most challenging financial issues. In January 2001 Ricky returned to his roots by founding Ricky Grunden Investment Advisors, which soon became Grunden Financial Advisory, Inc.

Ricky’s Notable Recognitions and Accomplishments:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)
  • Named one of Texas' FIVE STAR Wealth Managers in Texas Monthly magazine (2009-2021)
  • Named a “Top Financial Planner” by D Magazine (2002, 2006-2016)
  • Named a "Top Wealth Manager" by D Magazine (2017-2018)
  • Board of Directors, Texas Association of Business (2007–2009; 2011–2013)
  • Board of Directors for DATCU (2008-2014)
  • School Board President, Denton Calvary Academy (2011-2020)

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Dave Ragan

Vice President of Financial Planning

CFP®, AIF

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Dave Ragan

Email: dragan@grunden.com

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As a college student, Dave dreamed of one day traveling the world as a National Geographic photographer … until he attended a personal finance class at the University of North Texas. A flash went off in his mind, and the financial world suddenly seemed more meaningful to him than photojournalism. Soon after experiencing this epiphany, Dave changed his major from journalism to finance, graduating from the University of North Texas in 2003. Since then, he has never looked back.

Of Dave's tenure at Grunden Financial Advisory Inc., owner and CEO Ricky Grunden Sr. says, “Dave Ragan was an impact player, and he immediately developed what became the platform to write and implement hundreds of financial plans, investment plans, and wealth management plans for Grunden clients.” Ricky rewarded Dave's efforts with partnership in 2012, and today he is Vice President of Financial Planning.

Dave's expertise is recognized by the University of North Texas, where he teaches the senior-level financial planning class. And his commitment to education doesn’t end there—he recently spearheaded a successful effort to secure a $50,000 grant from TD Ameritrade to improve financial planning programs nationwide through initiatives taken by the University of North Texas.

Dave never snapped a single frame for National Geographic, but when he is not implementing expertly written wealth management plans, you will find him traveling across the United States with his travel trailer and his wife and three children, capturing their experiences with his Cannon T6i camera. Check out his Instagram photos here. Over coffee Dave is equally comfortable talking about Yosemite National Park or about developing a claiming strategy for Social Security.

Dave’s Notable Recognitions and Accomplishments:

  • Leadership Denton Graduate - 34th class (2019)
  • Investment News 40 under 40 (2018)
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)
  • Named one of Texas’ Five Star Wealth Managers in Texas Monthly magazine (2013-2021)
  • Adjunct Professor of Finance at the University of North Texas (UNT)
  • Part of the Closing Bell ceremony on the New York Stock Exchange (2015)

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Susy Thomas

Financial Planning Specialist

CFP®

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Susy Thomas

Email: sthomas@grunden.com

For fifteen years of her life, Susy spent anywhere from 20 to 40 hours a week practicing, analyzing, and progressing in the sport of golf.  This effort led to a full college scholarship and taught her aspects of life she would not trade for anything. By her senior year in college, she hit Malcom Gladwell’s Outliers 10,000 hour mark in her golf career. Her foundation was laid and day by day she became more fundamentally sound. While external factors would challenge her, she still had a sense of confidence she belonged and could compete with the best players in the country.

Now, as an integral part of Grunden Financial Advisory, Inc., Susy has come to realize her role as the Office Administrator is not much different than being a member of an elite sports team. Through dedication, belief, character, and an emphasis on adding value, there is a commitment within the firm to help client’s reach their goals. Susy enjoys being a part of an organization that is dedicated to seeing clients become financially secure so they may enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Susy graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in University Studies emphasis in Business and Minors in Communication and Economics, along with being a 2 year Letterman for the women’s golf team.

Susy enjoys spending time with her seven brother and sisters, being an aunt, friend, golfer, and enjoying the outdoors.

Susy’s Notable Recognitions and Accomplishments:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
  • Full scholarship for Texas A&M Women’s Golf Team
  • Name Fellowship Christian Athlete of the year 2012-2013

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Rob Thomas

Financial Planning Specialist

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Rob Thomas

Email: rthomas@grunden.com

Growing up near Tyler, TX, the majority of Rob’s youth was spent in a sports heavy household where trips to the basketball gym or baseball field were the norm. His parents helped establish in him a positive work ethic, competitive nature, and a relational attitude. After high school, Rob played baseball at Panola College before transferring to the University of North Texas to complete his undergraduate degree.  

Prior to joining Grunden, Rob spent nine years as a high school teacher and coach, including a stint as the head baseball coach at Denton Braswell HS. As a Financial Planning Specialist, Rob brings the same positive impact to client relationships. He shares in Grunden Financial Advisory’s dedication to seeing clients reach their financial goals and become financially secure.

Rob and his wife Susy live in Denton, TX. They enjoy an active lifestyle, time with family and friends, college football, and playing golf.  

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Sandy Williams

Client Service Administrator

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Sandy Williams

Email: swilliams@grunden.com

Sandy has owned and operated several successful businesses in the service sector. She deeply understands the critical importance of creating and maintaining valued client relationships. Sandy is a native of Corpus Christi, Texas and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas. She previously owned two Christian Brothers Automotive repair shops in addition to a food truck and commercial kitchen.

When Sandy is not working she enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with her children. 

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Don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
We would love the opportunity to become your trusted advisor.
Read more about Grunden in our Form CRS filing with the SEC.
Portions of our continuity plan are engaged.
Contact (940) 591-9007 at our office for more details or to set up an appointment.

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Get to know us

Phone: (940) 591-9007
Fax: (940) 323-1166
Toll Free: (877) 305-4774

Email: info@grunden.com

515 South Carroll Boulevard, Denton, TX 76201

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