About Us

Rodney M. Friedman

Senior Financial Advisor

Rodney (Rod) Friedman started as an agent with a direct sales insurance company, in 1964, in Los Angeles, CA; Rod learned the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, the quality of excellent client service, and the importance of product knowledge. Soon after becoming an agent, Rod earned a promotion to district manager. By 1978, Rod had made his way to Columbus, OH., where he held the position of Regional Sales Manager, where he managed a sales force of over 100 agents within a five state region. Rod then joined the financial services industry in 1983 working at Smith Barney (formerly Shearson Lehman Brothers). Now, with more than 30 years of experience in financial services, Rod is  committed to providing  his clients the highest level of professionalism and personal service.

Four years into his tenure at Smith Barney, Rod met Michael Leonard– and feels fortunate to have done so. The two Financial Advisors have worked together since that time. They have developed a practice and share a philosophy that strives—above all else—to put the needs of their clients first.

In August of 1999, Michael and Rod decided to move their practice to Paine Webber (now UBS Financial Services). In March of 2007, Rod and Michael joined together and formed FPL Financial Strategies, LLC. The practice is the culmination of their dream to start their own financial advisory services practice. The company is now comprised of seven advisors and three support staff who specialize in working with individuals, executives and businesses. They provide their clients with objective and timely investment advice and guidance—and the highest level of professional service—to help their clients build and preserve their wealth and save for retirement. In addition to  applicable securities registrations and insurance licenses, Rod obtained his bachelor’s degree in industrial management from the University of Southern California.

Rod received the Five Star Wealth Manager award in 2015 and 2016.  He is honored to be a recipient because less than 7% of wealth managers in the Columbus area receive this award. Recipients are selected from nominations by peers or firms and awards are based on 10 objective criteria including client retention rates, client assets administered, firm review and favorable regulatory and complaint history.

Away from the office, Rod enjoys golfing, traveling to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and taking his classic 1966 Plymouth Belvedere to car shows and cruise-ins. Rod currently resides in Hilliard where he is a founding member of the Hilliard Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. Rod has six children and seven grandchildren.

 

Michael W. Leonard

Senior Financial Advisor

In financial services, as in any business, a reputation for quality service and integrity is earned by creating satisfied, knowledgeable customers. With more than 30 years of experience in helping investors, Michael Leonard has keen insight into building effective professional relationships. He understands each client’s need for investment advice and the corresponding level of service.

Michael began his brokerage career in 1983 when he joined and trained with Merrill Lynch. Prior to joining Merrill he gained valuable experience working for Key Bank (formerly Society Bank) and then opening and managing the Johnstown Branch of what is now the Heartland Bank.

Michael moved to Smith Barney (formerly Shearson Lehman Brothers) in 1985; he met and teamed up with Senior Financial Advisor, Rod Friedman at the firm two years later, and the rest, as they say, is history. The two Financial Advisors have worked together since that time and may very well have the longest lasting partnership within the Columbus brokerage community. They developed a practice, philosophy and mission to which they remain committed: Always put the client’s needs first.

In 1999, Michael and Rod moved their financial practice to Paine Webber (now UBS Financial Services). In March of 2007, Michael and Rod formed FPL Financial Strategies, LLC. The independent business model is the culmination of their dream to open their own financial advisory practice. The team specializes in working with individuals, executives, and small business owners to help preserve and build wealth, as well as save for retirement.

Michael obtained his bachelor’s degree at Mount Union College (now University of Mount Union) and earned a place on the Dean’s list. A member of the ATO Fraternity, Michael lettered in Mount Union’s football program. In the years since college Michael has coached both Little League Football and Baseball. Currently, Michael is active in raising money to fight cancer through the Pelotonia, a cycling event, in which he has ridden up to 180 miles each summer for team COPC in support of the James   Cancer Center. Michael is a member of the Aladdin Shrine, Scottish Rite Masonry, as well as the Blue Lodge. Michael also serves on the Investment Committee of the Delaware County Foundation, and is a member of both the Big Walnut and the New Albany Chambers of Commerce.

When not involved with work, Michael enjoys an occasional round of golf, and studying genealogy. His favorite pastime however is traveling and spending time with his wife Sheree. They have been blessed with two children, Ashley and Austin, a son in law, Mike, and one beautiful young grandchild named Will.

 

David D. Alspach

Senior Financial Advisor

David D Alspach has more than 29 years of experience as a financial advisor. Prior to this career, He worked with Coca-Cola for 14 years as vice president of a local bottler. He joined Smith Barney (formerly Shearson Lehman Hutton) in 1988 and remained with that firm until reuniting with former colleagues at FPL Financial Strategies in May of 2009. He became a Partner in the firm in 2011.

David holds the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® designation from the College of     Financial Planning and earned a bachelor of science in business administration from The Ohio State University.

David is active in the Rotary Club of Columbus, enjoys golf and holds an instrument pilot rating. He resides in Dublin with his wife Helaine where they raised three daughters.   David and Helaine now have four grandchildren.    

Robert Kauffman

Senior Financial Advisor

Robert Kauffman has more than 14 years of experience as a Financial Advisor. His career as a Financial Advisor was preceded by a 25 year career in Information Technology, starting as intern with the Department of Defense Systems Automation Center and ending as Director of Computer Operations with Limited Brands and then Cambridge Integrated Services. In 2003 Bob became a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley, where he remained until he decided to join forces with FPL Financial Strategies in November, 2010.

Bob holds the Chartered Mutual Fund CounselorSM (CMFC®) and the Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (ADPA®) designations from the College of Financial Planning. He earned his Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Sociology and Economics from Holy Family University.

Bob is currently learning the intricacies of the game of golf, and is anxious to lower his handicap. Bob also has a keen interest in traveling. He and his wife Sally enjoy seeing the world together, and have especially fond memories of their trips to Europe. Bob also enjoys the arts, particularly classic movies and live theater. One of Bob’s other passions is observing (not participating in) most sports.

Bob resides in New Albany with his wife Sally.

Joseph Mathias

Senior Financial Advisor

Joseph (“Joe”) H. Mathias entered the financial services industry in 2009 during one of the most challenging recessions in U.S history.  For the last 9 years Joe has formed many deep relationships by partnering with families and small business owners in the Columbus area as well as from Florida to Oregon, and together, they formulated financial strategies that have assisted them in providing solid direction to their desired long-term financial goals. 

His career as a Financial Advisor was preceded by a 33-year career in the real estate development  industry.  For 27 of those years Joe was employed by one of the largest publicly held builders in America (Centex Homes Corporation which was subsequently merged with Pulte Homes) where he started as a Corporate Internal Auditor.  While at Centex he held positions of Controller, Vice President of Finance and for 15 years was Division President of the Columbus Division.  Subsequent to his career at Centex, he was a Member Partner in the Columbus Division of a regional homebuilder and in addition built custom homes. 

In 2009 Joe became a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. He opened Edward Jones’ second office in Worthington where he remained until he decided to join forces with FPL Financial Strategies, LLC in January 2016. Joe addresses many planning and financial issues, but specifically he assists those folks that are either approaching retirement or moving into the retirement phase while addressing challenges such as:

• Timing of Social Security Resources needed for the funding of retirement
• How to transition into retirement
• Roth conversions
• Coordination and liquidation of retirement and brokerage accounts
• Portfolio construction and asset allocation

Kurt Fulmer

Senior Financial Advisor

Kurt Fulmer prepared for his career in Financial Services as he attended The Ohio State University and received his degree in Personal Finance in the spring of 1996. After previous careers in Real Estate, as a Loan officer and as a New Home consultant, it was time for Kurt to meet his calling in the Financial Service Industry. He became a Financial Advisor in May of 2009.

Never shying away from a challenge Kurt started his career as a Financial Advisor during one of the most challenging recessions in US history. Knowing that families and business owners needed his guidance now more than ever fueled his desire and passion for helping people. For the last nine years Kurt has continued to use his relationship skills and financial background to partner with families and small business owners here in Columbus and across the US. Together, they formulate financial strategies that provide the needed direction for their long term financial goals.

Kurt holds both a Series 7 (FINRA General Securities Registration) and the Series 66 (Uniform State Law Exam). Kurt is currently licensed for Life Insurance and Annuity work in multiple states which allows him to help serve his clients complete financial picture. Kurt has built his career on knowledge, integrity, and the compassion needed to help people solve their most pressing financial questions. Ultimately he would like to see every one of his clients retire the way they would like to and not how they might have to.

When not in the office, Kurt enjoys the company of his wife of 20+ years, Deb, and his two girls Hannah and Chloe, both New Albany students. He always enjoys the opportunity to get out and play a round of golf and on most Saturdays, in the fall, you can find him    keeping an eye on his beloved Buckeyes. Kurt takes great pride in watching his girls grow into the young women they have become and celebrating in all their successes as students and athletes. He is an active Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite Masons, and participates in several annual charitable events.

Over the years and throughout his careers, Kurt has received a variety of recognition awards. Not only for the productions of business, but the awards he is most proud of are the recognition awards received for client satisfaction. He truly believes it is the client that matters most and he can only be successful if his clients are successful.   

Dave A Morosky

Senior Financial Advisor

Dave Morosky joined the FPL Financial team in January of 2018. With more than 30 years of experience as a Financial Advisor, he has a unique knowledge of wealth management. With a career that began at MER in 1981, Dave then moved into Corporate Finance at Drexel Burnham. He then acted as branch manager at Paine Webber, where he increased production by 500%. Before joining us at FPL, Dave worked as a branch manager at Merrill Lynch – it’s safe to say that Dave has a true love of the industry.

Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, Dave went on to attend Gannon University and majored in Finance and History, followed by enrolling in the MBA Program at Loyola in Chicago. While in college, he was captain of the baseball team, and still holds various school records. This ignited a life-long passion for the game, and he is currently an instructor and coach for Bo Jackson’s elite U-16 baseball team.

When he isn’t coaching or playing baseball, you can find Dave in Gahanna, relaxing at home with his wife and high school sweetheart, Debbie, or spending time with his three sons. He also enjoys collecting, restoring, and building fly fishing equipment, and is an active member of his congregation at The Church of the Resurrection.

 

Audrey Pepple

Administrative Assistant

Audrey joined FPL Financial Strategies in August 2017 as an Administrative Assistant. With previous experience in Advertising and Public Relations, she brings a unique set of skills to FPL Financial Strategies, LLC. Her outgoing personality provides clients with excellent customer service, and she is always on the lookout for creative ways to effectively integrate client visions and     communication.

Audrey moved to Columbus from Denver, Colorado, though she was raised in the Midwest. She studied Political Science at the University of Colorado, where she worked for the President of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. You can normally find her traveling, learning to cook Indian fare, or trying to see live music and theater. Audrey also volunteers her time tutoring English and volunteering at food co-ops around Ohio. Passionate about healing and with encouragement from her family, she is also pursuing a degree in Biology.

As Audrey continues her education and pursues her varied interests she is sure to bring new ideas and improvements that will not only benefit us as a company but will expand the client experience as well.

If you call our business, it is likely that the pleasant voice you hear on the other end will be that of Audrey’s. She will also be the smiling face that greets you when you visit our office. Audrey is here to facilitate answers to client questions, assist with updating contact information and expediting the process of opening new accounts or making changes to existing accounts. Basically she makes the overall client experience pleasant as well as efficient.

We are happy to have Audrey as part of our team.

Robin Sheets

Client Service Manager

Robin began her career in 1991 working in banking services opening client and business credit cards for Bank One in Columbus Ohio. In 1996, she moved to PNC Bank in Cleveland Ohio, as their

Capital Changes team lead, and subsequently accepted a position as an auditor in the Pooled Funds Group. Two years later, Bank One contacted her and asked her to come back and fulfill a role in the Trust division, to ensure clients of acquired banks were properly serviced through those transitions. During this time Robin operated the ACAT system, transferring in new accounts and was the team’s mutual fund specialist. She remained with Chase until October 2009.

In 2010, she began working for Edward Jones as a Branch Office Administrator. In this role she acquired knowledge and expertise related to the financial industry. Her caring nature moves her to provide excellent customer service and support. In January 2016 Robin accepted the position of Client Service Manager with FPL Financial Strategies, LLC where she works with a growing team of Financial Advisors.

As the Client Service Manager Robin’s role is to handle asset movements for client accounts, answer questions regarding activity on accounts, assist with online access as well as many other tasks related to servicing client accounts. Because she understands the importance of having educated investors. Robin’s caring nature is ideal for acting as the client advocate by accurately meeting their service needs and ensuring client confidence.

Robin resides in Worthington with her two adopted daughters Heaven and Harlei. In her free time, she enjoys teaching her daughters self-defense, going to reptile shows, volunteering, and painting with water colors and acrylics.

Janeene Vargas

Marketing and Systems Manager

Janeene joined FPL Financial Strategies in November 2014 as a Marketing and Client Relationship Manager. She is responsible for coordinating all communications to clients and prospects and does an outstanding job of maintaining an extensive contact management platform. She also provides technical support for our growing office as well as performing accounting, website maintenance, and office management roles as well.

Janeene’s skills and background in accounting and Information Technology make her a valuable addition to the FPL team. Before moving to Ohio, she had a long career with Chevron Corporation where she held various accounting and IT positions. Her expertise include such roles as project lead, meeting facilitator, team mentor and trainer. She was also responsible for project budgets and meeting deadlines. At the same time, she was a member of the IT security team and safety team.

Janeene was born and raised in Utah, but her work with Chevron also gave her the   opportunity to live in Wyoming and Texas. She recently moved to Ohio to be closer to her children and grandchildren who enjoy sharing many activities together. Janeene is fluent in Spanish and is a Certified Personal Trainer. She also enjoys traveling, attending concerts, reading, photography, playing the piano and the occasional round of golf.