Here with our next Get To Know You post, we’re spotlighting Melissa Lovell! Clients have known and loved Melissa for years as she’s been working alongside Les since 2019. Read on to learn some more about our wonderful Client Relationship Manager.
Professional Journey
How did you first get started in the financial services industry? My first job was with a CPA firm as a staff accountant. Originally, my dream was to work in cost accounting for a manufacturing company, but every opportunity that came my way was in the financial field. I accepted a position with a CPA firm in Brentwood and made it a point to learn everything I could. This was before the internet made information so accessible, so most of what I learned came through hands-on experience and asking lots of questions. That foundation served me well and ultimately led me to the career I have today.
How did you come to work with Les? I've been investing personally for many years, and I was always interested in the investment side of the financial industry. When I decided it was time to leave public accounting, I knew I wanted to try something different. I found Les on LinkedIn in 2019 and was immediately impressed by his ambition and vision for the future. Over the years, our professional relationship has grown into a close friendship. We're a lot like brother and sister. I could only work for someone I truly respect and believe is a good person, and that's one of the reasons I've enjoyed this journey so much.
Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of your career? Without a doubt, it's the relationships. In accounting, the work can feel more transactional, but in this role, I've had the opportunity to truly get to know our clients. I enjoy talking with them, celebrating milestones with them, and even giving out a few hugs along the way. Many of our clients have become dear friends, and I genuinely feel like I've gained an extended family through this career. Those relationships are what make the work so meaningful.
Philosophy & Connection
As the Client Relationship Manager, what's the best advice you could give someone who has never worked with a financial advisor? Don't be afraid to ask for help. Financial planning can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Find someone you trust, someone you genuinely enjoy talking with, and start sooner rather than later. The earlier you begin planning and investing, the more opportunities you create for your future. I also think we need to talk about finances more openly so younger generations can start learning and building good habits earlier in life.
What's the best investing lesson you've learned from our advisors or your own personal investment journey? Investing is a long-term commitment. Once you have a thoughtful plan in place and your money is invested appropriately, it's important to trust the process. I don't check my investments every day because I know they're working toward long-term goals.
When clients think about working with you years from now, what do you hope they'll remember most? I hope they'll remember that I truly cared about them. More than anything, I want clients to know that I always did my best to help them and support them. Building genuine relationships with people is important to me, and I hope they felt valued every time we worked together.
Life Beyond the Office
Where did you grow up? I grew up on a farm in Giles County, Tennessee. Life was simple and full of adventure. My two brothers and I spent our days fishing, riding around in a dune buggy, and enjoying everything that comes with country living. Looking back, it was a wonderful way to grow up, and those experiences still shape who I am today.
What keeps you busy outside of the office? When I'm not at work, you'll usually find me with a good mystery novel. I've always loved getting lost in a great story, and reading has remained one of my favorite ways to decompress.
Favorite food in Middle Tennessee...go! That's an easy one. I love Mexican food—chips with salsa and queso is my go-to. If I had to pick a favorite restaurant, I'd say El Mocaljete on Main Street here in Spring Hill. It's one of my favorite spots whenever I'm craving great Mexican food.
If you had to have any other job, what would you do? I've always loved history and could spend hours exploring museums, especially places like the Smithsonian. I also love flowers, so being a florist sounds appealing. Another possibility would be becoming a librarian—I've loved books and libraries for as long as I can remember, so working around them every day would be a dream.