Inside the values that shape the PDS Planning team
At PDS Planning, we take pride in doing things a little differently. That includes how we grow our team. While experience, knowledge, and credentials matter, we believe who you are is just as important as what you know.
Our firm has always been about people. We have the privilege each day to come to work, surrounded by good people dedicated to serving our wonderful clients. The relationships we build—with each other and with our clients—are at the core of everything we do. So, when we’re hiring, we look for qualities that can’t always be measured on a résumé.
Here’s what we value most.
Authenticity is the foundation
Clients choose PDS because they feel like they can trust us. They appreciate honesty and real conversations, not sales pitches. That trust starts internally. It only works when our team is honest, humble, and real, with each other and with clients.
We don’t have a rigid hierarchy or a culture of competition. Everyone works together, and the best idea wins, no matter who it comes from. As Jamie Menges, CFP®, CPA, shared, “The actions of leadership come before the titles of leadership.” That sense of shared purpose shapes how we treat each other and how we serve our clients.
Kevin Doll, CFP®, adds, “We are locally owned by four partners—Kurt Brown, CFA®, Rita Itsell, Jamie Menges, CFP®, CPA, and Jimmy Rogers, CFP®—who care deeply about creating careers for our staff and long-lasting relationships with our clients and our community. We want people who care deeply about others and want to do the right thing. That can’t be taught. It’s just who they are.”
We’re not just looking for financial professionals—we’re looking for people who make others feel at ease and understood.
Curiosity leads to growth
At PDS, where you’re going matters more than where you started. A few of our team members took unique paths to get here—and we believe those paths add depth to who we are. Ali Brockman came from an education background. Beth McCampbell, FPQP™, started at the front desk. What they had in common was a desire to learn and a commitment to the work.
“I came into this industry with no financial background,” Ali said. “But now, two years later, I know more about financial planning than the elders in my family. The key is being curious, willing to learn, and open to growth.”
Beth credits her mentor, Jamie Menges, for helping shape her journey. “When I started at PDS Planning, I was answering phones and greeting clients. Jamie saw potential in me that I couldn’t see myself.”
Now, almost 10 years later, she’s leading client relationships, running projections, and pursuing her CFP® certification. “I wouldn’t be where I am today and pursuing this career of financial planning if it weren’t for him.”
We believe technical skills can be taught. What we care about is whether someone has the drive to keep growing.
Caring is the difference
Many people can build a financial plan. But, at its core, this is a service business. That means you must care about the people you’re serving, starting with caring about their goals, their family, and what matters most to them.
That mindset isn’t just encouraged here. It’s expected. Our clients often come to us in moments of stress, whether it’s navigating retirement, life transitions, or tough decisions. They need empathy as much as they need expertise.
“At PDS Planning, we believe true wealth isn’t just about amassing money. It’s about personal growth, nurturing relationships, staying healthy, and making an impact,” says Kurt Brown, CFA®. “We look for authentic, driven, and caring individuals with great communication skills since this is a bedrock to client service.”
We’re not interested in transactional relationships. We want team members who genuinely care and who show that care in how they work every day.
Communication is everything
We’ve heard it time and time again, people come to us not because their last advisor got bad results, but because they couldn’t get a straight answer. Or they never got a call back. Or they were told what to do, without understanding why.
That’s not how we operate. We believe communication should be simple, clear, and two-way. We want our clients to feel informed and supported. That only happens when our team can explain complex ideas in everyday terms and listen just as well as they speak. Because if a client can’t understand their own plan, it’s not a plan they can trust.
Clear communication is one of the most important traits we look for – being able to break down complex topics into language clients understand. Just as importantly, we expect our team to listen with the same level of attention and care.
“No matter what, there is always something new to learn or a skill to refine,” said Karl Lemke. “That includes how we communicate. Each day is a new opportunity to improve.”
Whether we’re helping someone visualize their cash flow, walk through a tax projection, or map out their goals, we focus on making planning approachable. As Rita Itsell puts it, “The emphasis is not just on hearing, but actively listening and empathizing with clients’ perspectives.”
At the end of the day, skills can be taught. Heart can’t. That’s why we hire for both.
If you’re someone who thrives on collaboration, values clear and thoughtful communication, and cares deeply about doing what’s right for others, you’ll fit right in here. We’re proud of the culture we’ve built and we’re always looking for people who can help us make it even better.
Looking for a team that values who you are, not just what you know?
