WFA Hires Cincinnati Bengals Safety Brandon Wilson and Former KSLA News 12 Sports Reporter Rashad Johnson

September 05, 2024 at 09:08 AM EDT

Shreveport natives embark upon new careers to aid in the financial education of local youths and athletes

WFA - Plan | Invest | Inspire (“WFA”), today announced the addition of two Shreveport natives to the firm in efforts to champion financial literacy: recently retired Cincinnati Bengals safety Brandon Wilson and former KSLA News 12 sports reporter Rashad Johnson. The new hires come at an exciting time for the firm as WFA builds on the recent achievements of partner Chase R. Crump, CFP^®, who was named a Registered Player Financial Advisor by the National Football League Players Association (“NFLPA”).

In their new roles, Wilson and Johnson will collaborate closely with the firm’s established advisors to provide comprehensive financial education and guidance to young athletes as they pursue professional careers. Drawing on previous career experience, Wilson and Johnson will be well-positioned to help guide this client base and their families as they navigate the complex world of finance.

Seven-year NFL veteran Wilson has firsthand experience with the challenges professional athletes face when they come into wealth at a young age and are tasked with making smart financial decisions. He aims to extend WFA’s commitment to empowering athletes with financial literacy as they begin their professional careers. In late July, WFA participated in a North Louisiana Blue Chip Event hosted by former NFL running back John Simon in the Sky Room at Louisiana Downs. Wilson, Johnson and WFA partner and financial planner Dany Martin took the stage to speak to those in attendance about the opportunities and challenges associated with NIL (Name, Image & Likeness), taxes and sudden wealth.

“I’ve never shied away from a challenge in my life or playing career; I’m approaching my new position at WFA with the same mindset,” said Wilson. “When I got my first paycheck as a professional athlete, I was severely underprepared. I had no plan. I want to be able to educate others who will follow in my footsteps so they don’t make the same mistakes I did.”

“The work ethic that Brandon has developed as a professional athlete, coupled with the passion to learn, is additive to WFA on so many levels. The sky truly is the limit for what we can achieve together,” added Martin. “Similarly with Rashad, his professional acumen and desire to mentor and educate the underserved is a pillar of what we aim to do at WFA.”

Johnson is well acquainted with WFA, having previously worked with the firm as an independent contractor and freelance digital media creator. He is the former head of the KSLA News 12 sports department and the founder of the nonprofit clothing brand #ItsAllLove365. Johnson’s passion for supporting and mentoring marginalized individuals has driven him to pursue a career as a financial advisor.

“I’m driven to find opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. Working with Chase, Dany and the team at WFA over the years inspired me to advocate for others and help them plan for their financial futures,” said Johnson.

WFA plans to leverage Williams’ and Johnson’s backgrounds as it expands its existing support for high-school, collegiate, semi-professional, professional and retired athletes across multiple sports, as well as those involved in NIL endorsement deals. “Brandon and Rashad are exactly the type of driven individuals that we look for when hiring and training future financial advisors to be part of our team. Their mindset is something that is hard to teach, and their contributions are going to be really impactful to our firm and our clients,” said Crump.

WFA understands the pressures of an athlete’s life and the importance of teamwork. With its team history in athletics, WFA is thrilled to offer clients a niche experience tailored to their situation.

To schedule an athlete financial assessment, visit planinvestinspire.com/athlete-meeting.

About WFA

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Shreveport, LA, with over 106 years of cumulative advisor experience, the WFA team prioritizes individuals and their desired lifestyles, emphasizing the present, future, and everyday experiences. Recognizing the uniqueness of each client, WFA invests time in understanding their aspirations, concerns, and objectives. Working closely with clients, WFA offers comprehensive financial life planning and expertly managed investment portfolios to support them throughout their life's journey. To learn more visit planinvestinspire.com.

The NFLPA registration does not constitute an endorsement by the NFLPA nor does it indicate that an investment advisory representative has attained a specialized level of skill or ability.

About RFG Advisory

RFG Advisory is an innovator in the wealth management industry. Passionately committed to serving independent financial advisors and their clients, RFG Advisory prides itself on being a client experience company first, a technology company second and a hybrid-RIA third. RFG Advisory delivers a turn-key integrated platform that provides advisors all the tools and resources they need to be the CEO of their practice, not the COO, including turn-key technology, institutional-caliber investment management, marketing, compliance, business consulting and operational support. Focused on amplifying independence, advisors who affiliate with RFG Advisory control all the equity in their business and pay a basis point fee for access to RFG's investment and technology platform. Additionally, through RFG Capital, the firm buys stakes in advisor practices to facilitate succession planning and provides loans to advisors to enable the move to full independence. To learn more, visit: rfgadvisory.com. For more information on RFG Advisory's awards, please visit rfgadvisory.com/awards.

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