Our People
Charles Smith, President of Genesis Financial Group
Charles graduated from West Texas State University with a BBA in Marketing. In 1992, he joined Dean Witter, now known as Morgan Stanley. In 1994, he was awarded “The National Sales Director’s Award.” It is given to the top Financial Advisors for outstanding personal performance, integrity and professionalism with uncompromising dedication and service to clients.
He was promoted to Associate Vice President, Investment in 1996. He was promoted to Vice President, Investments in 1999. He was again promoted to First Vice President, Investments in 2000 and then achieved Senior Vice President, Investments in 2001. He was elected by his peers to join Morgan Stanley’s Officer Council in 1997. In 1997 he was awarded the Financial Advisor of the Year in the Amarillo office. Between 1997 and 2002, Charles achieved status as a Director Club Member for producing excellent performance in all categories.
In April 2003, Charles left Morgan Stanley to join Bank of America as the Senior Vice President, Investments. In November, 2005, Charles left Bank of America to join LPL Financial opening Genesis Financial Group. LPL Financial is the largest independent firm in the United States*. This move helped satisfy his desire to create an environment in which he could provide excellent services and create personal relationships with his clients.
Since coming to LPL Financial, Charles has received several accolades including Patriots Club for Outstanding Client Service in 2007-2010, Prudential Masters Council 2007-2009 and awards from the Cole Company in 2008 and 2009 for Exceptional Client Service.
After being a Financial Advisor in Amarillo for 20 years, Charles brings an in depth understanding and successful practice in financial services and wealth management. Through his years in the financial services industry, Charles understands that relationship building is the very core of a successful financial portfolio. Born and raised in Perryton, Texas, Charles enjoys all sports, especially football, traveling and spending sunny afternoons by the pool.
Brian Eckeberger, Wealth Advisor
Brian, a Richardson, Texas native and JJ Pearce High School graduate began working
as an independent personal financial advisor in 1988 with Primerica Financial
Services. Following successful years from 1999 to 2011 at UBS Financial Services,
LPL Financial, and Signal Securities, Brian was asked to rejoin LPL Financial in
December of 2011. Brian is a Registered Representative with LPL Financial and holds
the following registrations; NASD Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, and a
Texas Insurance license. He is also an Investment Advisor representative through
LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor.
Brian attended Texas Tech University and graduated with a BBA in 1979 and a MBA in 1981. While attending Texas Tech, he was a Resident Advisor and Head Resident for Texas Tech Housing and Residence Life. He maintains his ties with Tech through his oldest son Bryce who is currently attending and by staying active in the Collin County Chapter of the Texas Tech Alumni Association.
Brian and his wife Melinda, married since 1986, make their home in Plano, TX. With their three sons, Bryce (20), Cole (18) and Jake's (16) active in Plano sports; they stay busy with the Plano HS Quarterback Club and the various PTSA’s. Longtime members of Prestonwood Baptist Church, both Brian and Melinda are actively involved in the Adult III Bible Study and children’s ministry. Brian spends his limited free time hunting and fishing, and enjoys an occasional round of golf.
Tandy Ervin, Wealth Advisor
Tandy Ervin is a graduate of Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in
Business with Emphasis in Accounting. She received her Certified Public Accountant certification in
1981. Tandy spent twenty years in corporate accounting holding the titles of Accounting Manger
and Controller. From 2003 to February of 2008 Tandy was a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones
and Company. Since then, Tandy has served as an independent advisor to her clients helping them
navigate through the choppy waters to find an appropriate balance between risk and return for their
investments. Tandy holds the securities licenses: Series 7, Series 63, Series 65 and the Group One Life
and Health Insurance license.
Tandy’s community services include the roles of President of the Preston Green Homeowners’ Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Grace After Fire, a non-profit organization providing support to women veterans returning from active duty.
Renae Smith, Marketing Director
Renae Smith joined Genesis Financial Group in 2005 after a 20 year career as a teacher and coach for Amarillo Independent School District.
Renae helps with meeting our clients, customer service and remembering clients on special occasions or for special accomplishments. She enjoys most sporting events, especially football and baseball, her son Austin and dog Molly.
Robin Lancaster, Service Assistant
Robin joined Genesis Financial Group in April of 2008. Robin does it all from scheduling appointments to insuring that our client’s accounts are opened, funded and maintained properly.
She is also accountable for processing checks, transfers, and payouts. If she doesn’t have the answer for you when you call, she can certainly find the right person who does.
Robin and her husband, Randy, have been married since June of 2003. Robin has three step children, Chance 18, Taylor 14 and Bailey 13. In her spare time, Robin enjoys cooking, boating and traveling. She also enjoys spoiling her two Beagles Holly and Augustus (Gus).