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Deering Wealth Team

Helping You Pursue Financial and Personal Freedom

Based in Franklin, Tennessee, the Deering Wealth Team believes that freedom is more than just a number on the bottom of a financial statement. Instead, we believe freedom can be found by serving joyfully, giving generously, and journeying through a well-planned life.

Recognized Among the Nation’s Top Wealth Advisors and Tennessee’s Top Workplaces

Since 2020 Tennessean Top Workplaces
Since 2019 Forbes Best In State Advisor
Since 2008 Raymond James Leader's Council

About Us

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, we utilize a team approach to provide custom, ongoing financial plans to help our clients pursue freedom and leave behind a legacy. We specialize in providing guidance to clients navigating retirement, business owners protecting and growing their companies, and high-level executives investing in their futures and legacies. It is our mission to help you pursue freedom through a variety of comprehensive financial solutions including retirement planning, tax planning, charitable giving strategies, and insurance and risk management techniques.

We start by gaining a true understanding of your financial situation, needs and goals. From there, we exercise the unique skillset of each team member to develop a tailored, comprehensive financial plan for you and your family. With your trust and confidence, we implement your plan and consistently manage your progress towards achieving your financial goals.

For us, it doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in, it’s how you plan for it! Whether you are preparing to retire, already enjoying retirement, building a small business, planning for college funding, focusing on charitable giving, or seeking tax efficiency, our compassionate, dedicated and professional team is here to provide a full suite of financial planning and wealth management solutions. As a team, we are deeply invested in you and we will always be there to walk you and your family through the many milestones of a well-lived life.

Meet Our Team

Learn more about each of the dedicated members of the Deering Wealth Team.

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Mark Deering
Mark Deering

CFP®

Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring 

615-861-6101

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Jackson Wilcox
Jackson Wilcox

CPA, CFP®

Financial Advisor, SageSpring 

615-861-8873

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Hannah Patterson
Hannah Patterson

CFP®

Financial Planner, SageSpring 

615-861-3521

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Janice Williams
Janice Williams

Client Experience Specialist, SageSpring 

615-861-6105

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Maddie Abrams
Maddie Abrams

Marketing Coordinator & Executive Assistant to Mark Deering, CFP®, SageSpring 

615-778-0238

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Alexandra Rusu
Alexandra Rusu

Client Services Associate, RJFS

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james ridley headshot 2023
James Ridley

CFP®

Financial Advisor, SageSpring 

615-861-6132

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Video Resources

Discover our recent video resources as a helpful guide for your wealth management concerns and questions.

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Our Wealth Planning Services

Through a variety of wealth planning services, our team has the knowledge and expertise to guide you in almost every aspect of financial planning. Below is a comprehensive list of our wealth planning services.

Retirement
  • Goal-Based Planning
  • Retirement Contributions
  • Retirement Withdrawal Planning
  • Social Security Strategy
  • Pension Optimization
  • Medicare Planning
Investments
  • Investment Selection
  • Asset Allocation
  • Portfolio Management
  • Investor Risk Assessment
  • Cash Management
  • Education Planning
Taxes
  • Tax Return Review
  • CPA Coordination
  • Tax Loss Harvesting
  • Roth Conversion Strategy
  • Ongoing Tax Reporting
  • Charitable Giving Strategies
Business Owner
  • Entity Structure Comparison
  • Retirement Plan Consulting
  • Succession Planning
  • Buy Sell Agreements
  • Employee Benefits
Estate Planning
  • Estate Document Coordination
  • Beneficiary Review
  • Asset Protection
  • Trust Implementation
  • Legacy Planning
Risk Management
  • Emergency Fund Determination
  • Life Insurance Analysis
  • Disability Protection
  • Long-Term Care Planning
  • Property & Liability Protection
  • Key Man Insurance
Employer
  • Employer Plan Contributions
  • Retirement Plan Investments
  • Option Execution Strategies
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Stock Plan Analysis
Other
  • Behavioral Financial Coaching
  • Divorce Settlement Consulting
  • Windfall Investment Plans
  • Cashflow Analysis
  • Money Movement
  • Securities Based Lending

Connect with Us

SageSpring is invested in more than just your finances. We are invested in you.
Connect with us today, and discover how our unique, holistic approach to financial planning can guide you to long-lasting peace and prosperity.

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Our Location

Corporate Headquarters
801 Crescent Centre Dr., Suite 600
Franklin, TN 37067

Corporate Phone
615-861-6101

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Disclosure Information

© 2023 SageSpring Wealth Partners. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Privacy Notice: Investment advisory services offered through SageSpring Wealth Partners., an independent registered investment adviser. SageSpring Wealth Partners or dba teams are not registered broker dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Representatives may not register to offer securities and advisory services in all states.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Contact your local Raymond James office for information and availability.

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© 2023 |  Associated with Raymond James

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615.861.6100
Alexandra Rusu
Alexandra Rusu

Client Services Associate, RJFS 

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Alexandra Rusu  

Client Services Associate, RJFS

Alexandra holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from The University of Alabama. Prior to working at SageSpring Wealth Partners, she worked in the hospitality industry with Hilton & Marriott hotels.

Alexandra first joined SageSpring as the company’s Front Office Coordinator, a role in which she truly enjoyed getting to interact with and meet all of SageSpring’s clients. In her role as a Client Services Associate on the Deering Wealth Team, she updates and prepares all things related to clients’ investment accounts. She is excited to be able to delve deeper into clients’ needs and help them in any way she can.

Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys going on hikes, reading books on current events and history, and spending time with her 13-year-old shih-tzu, Mattie. An avid traveler, her favorite destinations include southern France, central Europe, and Transylvania, where her family currently resides. 

james ridley headshot 2023
James Ridley

CFP®

Financial Advisor, SageSpring 
615.861.6132

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James Ridley

Financial Advisor, SageSpring  

James Ridley is originally from Henderson, Kentucky. He attended Belmont University, where he graduated with a business degree in Entrepreneurship. After some successful years as a real estate investor, James decided to pursue his passion for helping families understand their financial situation and assist them in reaching their goals.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, James works hand in hand with clients to create, implement, and maintain plans for those seeking financial freedom. James has a desire to serve others and is excited for the opportunity to learn more about clients’ lives and what is important to them.

Outside of work, James enjoys volunteering with Young Life and spending time outdoors – where he can often be found playing soccer, hiking, or going rock climbing.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

David Sensing
David Sensing

Tax Specialist
615.861.1099

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David Sensing

Tax Specialist

David is a native of Middle Tennessee and a graduate from Lipscomb University. He has worked in the tax business for many years, both for local firms and for himself with his own business. During this time, David gained valuable experience and a great reputation in the Middle Tennessee area with his clients.

In 2012, David obtained the Enrolled Agent designation, which allows him to assist clients with their tax needs, including representation before the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of the taxpayer. When he isn’t focused on taxes, David is either spending time with his lovely daughter or cruising down the highway in his 1966 Ford Mustang—his first car that he purchased in high school.

Maddie Abrams
Maddie Abrams

Marketing Coordinator & Executive Assistant to Mark Deering, CFP®, SageSpring 
615-778-0238

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Maddie Abrams

Marketing Coordinator & Executive Assistant to Mark Deering, CFP®, SageSpring

Maddie Abrams is the Marketing Coordinator for the Deering Wealth Team and the Executive Assistant to Mark Deering. In her roles, she handles the team’s marketing, communications, and events, and assists Mark with his company duties as Senior Executive Vice President & National Sales Director. Maddie originally joined the team as a Marketing & Client Services Associate in 2021, so she is also trained in supporting the team’s client operations.

Born and raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Maddie ventured to the University of Alabama for the school’s nationally ranked public relations (PR) program. There she majored in PR and Spanish, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2017, and has lived and worked in the Nashville area ever since. Prior to joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Maddie spent her career in PR and marketing agencies where she served clients in various industries through strategic media relations, crisis communications, reputation management, and more.

Maddie currently lives in a 100-year-old historic home in Old Hickory Village with her fiancé, Heath, and their two labs, Neyland and Moose. She spends her free time working on home improvements, working out at CrossFit, and planning for her wedding in Ireland in 2023.

Janice Williams
Janice Williams

Client Experience Specialist, SageSpring 
615-861-6105

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Janice Williams

Client Experience Specialist, SageSpring

Janice has over 30 years of experience delivering exceptional customer service. She specializes in opening, operating, and following up on all things related to investment accounts. Janice manages the calendar and connects clients calling into the office with the person who can resolve their issue in the most timely and efficient manner.

Janice has been with SageSpring Wealth Partners since near the beginning in 2003. During her time with the company, she has held offices in three different locations with SageSpring— including downtown in Atrium way. Janice’s favorite part about working on the Deering Wealth Team is the people—some of which she has been working with for over 15 years now!

When not helping clients in the office, Janice enjoys spending time with her family. She frequently makes the trip to Atlanta to visit her daughter and grandson, Shaniece and Sebastian. Every once in a while, she makes it out to California to visit her twin sister and two older brothers in her hometown of Sacramento. Most weekends, though, you can find Janice riding her Harley around Nashville with her husband Ron.

Hannah Patterson
Hannah Patterson

CFP®

Financial Planner, SageSpring 
615-861-3521

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Hannah Patterson

Financial Planner, SageSpring 

Hannah Patterson originally joined SageSpring Wealth Partners’ Deering Wealth Team in 2019 as a Client Services Associate responsible for assisting the team’s advisors and clients along with managing the team’s marketing and events. However, she eventually passed her Series 7 and 66 exams to become a Registered Financial Associate, and most recently obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation to further her depth of knowledge and expertise regarding effective and comprehensive financial planning. Now, she serves the team’s clients and lead financial advisors through financial plan development, financial plan implementation, and money movement. Additionally, her role in advising clients will expand into regular client meetings, phone calls, and providing time-sensitive planning for the families of the Deering Wealth Team.

Born and raised in the small-town of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Hannah attended college at Middle Tennessee State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in finance. While in college, she served as the Treasurer and President of her sorority and completed an internship for the fundraising department of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Through these experiences, Hannah developed a passion for building relationships and started her career as the Membership Director for the Chamber of Commerce in her hometown. Eventually, she relocated back to Middle Tennessee for a relationship of her own. There she managed several office locations for a medical practice in the greater Nashville area before bringing her experience in client relations, event planning, marketing, and management, to the Deering Wealth Team in June of 2019.

Life outside of the office for Hannah is spent with her husband, Jordan, and their two dogs, Harley and Miller. After a few years of long distance, Hannah and Jordan settled down in the quaint town of Nolensville. They spend their weekends hiking, going on bike rides, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jackson Wilcox
Jackson Wilcox

CPA, CFP®

Financial Advisor, SageSpring  
615-861-8873

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Jackson Wilcox

Financial Advisor, SageSpring 

Jackson Wilcox is one of the lead financial advisors on the Deering Wealth Team. His role is to deliver comprehensive financial planning by serving the team’s clients in the six CFP® practice areas of general planning, retirement planning, tax planning, investment management, risk management, and estate planning. In addition to these regular responsibilities, Jackson is responsible for implementing new technology and planning processes for the families of the Deering Wealth Team.

Jackson studied finance and accounting at a small private college in rural Indiana. After graduating, he began his career in the financial industry at a small public accounting firm in the Colorado Rockies. During his time in public accounting, he worked with individuals and small business owners on a variety of issues including tax planning, financial statement preparation, and income tax compliance. Although this work was challenging and rewarding, financial advising was always his true passion, and it was only a matter of time before he made the change. Looking for new opportunities and milder weather, Jackson joined SageSpring Wealth Partner’s Deering Wealth Team as a financial advisor in Franklin, TN.

Jackson views the financial planning profession as uniquely positioned to provide value and financial confidence to clients. At the end of 2020, he expanded his professional qualifications by obtaining his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Jackson is devoted to developing and maintaining top level knowledge in new trends in the advising and regulatory landscape.

The united pursuit of serving clients with excellence makes it a privilege for Jackson to be an associate. He appreciates the professionalism and camaraderie of SageSpring. He also enjoys working with his specific team and the relaxed office atmosphere.

Outside the office, Jackson enjoys exploring the Franklin area with his college sweetheart and wife, Molly. He enjoys staying active by playing ultimate frisbee and trying to tire out his inexhaustible goldendoodle puppy – Finley. Jackson and his wife are also active members of and volunteers with their local church.

Mark Deering
Mark Deering

CFP®

Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring 
615-861-6101

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Mark Deering

Senior Executive Vice President, SageSpring

Mark Deering is dedicated to providing each of his clients with a personal and comprehensive plan to help reach their financial goals. Mark’s extensive knowledge and experience in preparing for and working towards achieving financial freedom in retirement has helped countless clients make the vision of their future a reality.

Mark’s career began in the ’90s as a college student paying for school by running a small business selling educational books during the summers through Southwestern Advantage. During this experience, Mark developed the skills and character needed to build and lead a successful team, and became a sales manager for Southwestern for several years. After earning a degree in Business & Economics, as well as Biblical Studies, from Wheaton College, Mark was invited to join SageSpring Wealth Partnerrs. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Mark uses the same attributes that he developed selling books—determination, exceptional customer service, problem solving, to name a few—at Deering Wealth Team to partner with his clients in helping them reach their financial goals and experience freedom.

Mark has worked to further develop his services and team to continually improve client experience. In 2011, Mark was promoted to Vice President of SageSpring, again promoted in 2013 to Senior Vice President, named Executive Vice President in 2014, and named Senior Executive Vice President in 2021. In 2016, Mark was promoted to National Sales Director. Within this role, Mark oversees all training and mentoring for advisors of SageSpring. As a leader in the industry, Mark has also been a member of the Raymond James Leaders Council** consecutively since 2015 and most recently, named to Forbes’ list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021*.

Mark exemplifies a true passion for service professionally and personally. He has served as a board member of the TN Voices for Victims, SageSpring Wealth Partners Executive Board, and SageSpring Wealth Partners Leadership Board. Mark is an active member of his church and has served as both an Elder and the Treasurer. He also volunteers as a youth coach for the YMCA and Williamson County Parks and Recreation.

On days off, when there are no Carolina basketball games on, Mark can be found at home with his wife of 17+ years, their three children, two dogs, and twenty-five chickens!

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

*The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years’ experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Out of approximately 32,725 nominations received, based on thresholds, more than 5,000 advisors received the award. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receives a fee in exchange for rankings. This ranking is not indicative of advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its financial advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com.

**Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually. This recognition may not be representative of any one client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of future performance. Financial Advisors do not pay a fee in exchange for membership.

Jeffrey Dobyns
Jeffrey T. Dobyns

CFP®, CLU, CHFC

President, SageSpring | Financial Advisor, RJFS 
615-861-6102

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Jeffrey T. Dobyns

President, SageSpring | Financial Advisor, RJFS

Jeff Dobyns has enjoyed extraordinary success providing comprehensive financial planning to retirees, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and executives by taking the time to truly know his clients, understand their goals and develop and execute their ongoing, strategic, financial plans.

Jeff earned his finance degree in business administration from Ohio University and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for more than two decades. After serving as Vice President of Investments of Lykins Financial Group, CPA’s, in his hometown of Westerville, Ohio, Jeff moved to Nashville, Tennessee to found SageSpring Wealth Partners in 2002. As its President, Jeff has led SageSpring to remarkable success, holding the distinction of being one of Raymond James’ top independent contractor offices, and a member of its Chairman’s Council*, every year since 2008.

Jeff’s true calling, however, is working directly with clients, helping them plan their financial futures in a manner that aligns with their values and helps provide them with financial confidence. To help meet these goals, Jeff leads the team of Dobyns Wealth Team and also incorporates the expertise of attorneys, accountants and other professionals to provide quality financial, tax and estate planning, and ongoing asset and risk management.

As independent advisory businesses, neither SageSpring Wealth Partners nor Dobyns Wealth Team hold any assets on behalf of clients, with such custodial and brokerage services being provided by Raymond James. As a leader in wealth management, Raymond James has an exemplary reputation and today serves more than $930 billion in client assets through 8,200 financial advisors worldwide (as of 9/30/2020).

In order to meet the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the industry, Jeff is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner**, a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. Jeff is also a participant of the Dave Ramsey SmartVestor program.

Jeff’s work and personal life are both guided by his faith and the Christian principles of honesty, generosity, compassion, and integrity. Accordingly, Jeff devotes considerable time and resources to a number of causes, including serving as a board member of Men of Valor, a prison ministry and mentoring program. He is also on the advisory board of The Signatry of Middle Tennessee, which works with families to increase their charitable giving to their favorite causes. Additionally, Jeff is on the advisory board for Halftime Institute, an organization that coaches marketplace leaders to discern and engage in their life purpose. Lastly, Jeff serves on the board of the Legacy Center of Nashville, a collaboration of independent coaching resources. He is a past board member of Porter’s Call, a Nashville charity that provides free counseling for musicians and their families, and the Martha O’Bryan Center, which empowers those in poverty to transform their lives through work, education, employment, and fellowship.

Jeff and his wife, Amy, are raising their family in Brentwood where they are members of the Brentwood Baptist Church, and their children, Gracyn, Hunter, and twins Tanner and Logan, attend the Christ Presbyterian Academy. For recreation, Jeff enjoys hunting, fishing and just being outdoors.

* Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually.

**Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

SmartVestor is an advertising and referral service for investing professionals (“SmartVestor Pros”) operated by The Lampo Group, LLC d/b/a Ramsey Solutions (“Ramsey Solutions”). Pursuant to an arrangement between Ramsey Solutions, SageSpring Wealth Partners and your advisor, your advisor pays Ramsey Solutions a flat monthly fee to: (a) be a SmartVestor Pro, (b) advertise services through the SmartVestor website, and (c) receive client referrals in the form of an initial introduction to interested consumers who are located in your advisor’s Pros geographic region. SageSpring Wealth Partners does not endorse and are not affiliated with Ramsey Solutions, except with respect to the arrangement described above, and neither Ramsey Solutions nor its agents are officers or employees of SageSpring Wealth Partners. Further, neither Ramsey Solutions nor its agents are authorized to provide investment advice or act in any way on behalf of SageSpring Wealth Partners, except in connection with providing your contact information to your advisor.

Ramsey Solutions’ relationship and agreement is between SageSpring Wealth Partners only. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated with the solicitor arrangement between Ramsey Solutions and SageSpring Wealth Partners.

Raymond James is not affiliated with any of the organizations mentioned above.