Gabriel Willis

As the daughter of a banker, I learned early on that if I wanted something, I had to earn it. I rolled my dad’s spare change for a 10% cut and birthday presents were stock certificates … not exactly on my wish list. At 16, I was already investing in the stock market and experiencing the sense of freedom and independence that comes when you understand your money. With this knowledge, I was paving the way to live life on my terms. This was so intoxicating I became a financial advisor to share my passion with others. As a financial advisor, I quickly learned that most women did not share my love of investing. In fact, many felt intimidated, guilty, and uncomfortable with their lack of knowledge, yet they yearn for financial independence. That’s why my true purpose as a financial advisor is to create an environment where women (and those who love them) feel heard, where they are encouraged and supported to express their fears and concerns without judgement. My unique brilliance is creating a positive wealth management experience, so they become more engaged in the conversation, while building the knowledge and confidence they need to live life on their terms.

As a life-long learner with great curiosity, I've seen a lot over the years and learned what works and what doesn’t. My experience led me to join a long-time friend to build a firm that is mission-driven…not profit-driven. A prior mentor would often say, “Always do what’s right, and everything else will work itself out.” That stuck with me and it still (along with my faith) guides me today. Now, we're working to redefine wealth management. We help families and individuals gain clarity and empower them to live their best life. Ultimately, life isn't about the money...it's about the journey, the memories you create, and the legacy you leave behind. Everyone deserves to live their best life! Sampling of how we help families and individuals (we do much more): - Clarify what's important (life goals, decisions, priorities, etc.) - Build for retirement (using 401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, etc.) - How to tax efficiently produce income in retirement - Invest wisely using low cost, tax-efficient funds - Coordinate with CPA on tax saving ideas and opportunities - Coordinate with attorney on estate planning - Integrate charitable planning with the investments and tax planning - Protect your assets and income through insurance planning (note: we don't sell insurance) - Fund current or future education for children/grandchildren - Review company benefits during open enrollment I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional. I'm also a member of the Investments & Wealth Institute and hold the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation, completing the program administered by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. I also received training at the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, which has given me the tools to have much more meaningful conversations about life goals with the families I serve. I am a 2018 graduate of the Catholic Charities Atlanta Leadership program and a 2019 graduate of the Philanthropic Advisor Leadership Institute, led by the three Balser Professional Advisors Council partnership organizations: the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and the United Way of Greater Atlanta. In my personal time, I enjoy being with my kids, dating my wife, working our farm, dabbling in woodworking, hiking, learning new things, and singing in my church choir. Favorite quote: "When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier." - Roy E. Disney What is a problem in the industry that you want to fix? How firms view their clients as "numbers". Some firms refer to their client as "A, B, or C" clients while others reference the portfolio size (a "$5 million client" as an example). I want the industry to stop putting dollar signs above clients' heads. A client is a "who" not a "what". Advisors should be here to serve people, and our industry (and clients) will thrive once we embrace life-centered planning over asset-centered planning. What are the values that drive you? I value faith, integrity, family, and service. To learn more, visit: https://journeybeyondwealth.com/the-jbw-difference/who-we-are

Desmond Blue is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill, specializing in serving business owners, athletes, and families. He holds multiple professional designations including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA), among others. Desmond focuses on areas such as business exits, liquidity events, complex wealth transitions, tax-smart strategies, retirement planning, and legacy planning. Desmond earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lee University and an MBA from Liberty University. His professional experience is informed by an eight-year career as a financial advisor and his prior experience as a professional basketball player across five continents. He partners with clients to design strategies for investing, wealth transfer, and managing new wealth. Residing in Canton, Georgia with his wife Jill, Desmond is involved in community organizations including City of Refuge and City Takers. Outside of his professional role, he enjoys playing drums and spending time with his family.

Mitchell Boehm is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He brings a diverse background to his practice, drawing on experience as a former corporate executive at a Fortune 50 company and as a small business owner in industries ranging from technology to consumer products. Mitchell focuses on providing personalized wealth management strategies that help clients pursue their long-term financial goals. Mitchell holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Business from the University of Tulsa. He began his financial advising career with Edward Jones before transitioning his practice to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He maintains FINRA Series 7 and Series 6 registrations and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. His client focus areas include personal retirement planning, small business strategies, and helping widowed or divorced women manage their financial futures. Outside of his professional life, Mitchell is married to a CPA and has three children. He is committed to ongoing learning and community involvement, volunteering with local organizations. His personal interests include baseball, chess, cooking, football, golf, table tennis, tennis, and spending time with his family.

Christian Raynor is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career with Merrill Lynch in September 1998 and focuses on personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income strategies. Christian works with clients to develop personalized financial strategies tailored to their long-term goals. Christian graduated from Florida State University in 1995 and subsequently played professional golf for three years before joining Merrill Lynch. He holds the Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Christian participates in community volunteering and enjoys football, golfing, running, and spending time with his family.