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Meet the Fidelis Team

Travis Giffey Photo

Travis Giffey

Registered Principal, Financial Advisor
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Though an engineer by degree, I felt there was something missing from my work and career. It was passion. In 2005, doors were opened that allowed use of my skills and visionary mind in a profession that allows me to help other people. Now I utilize my God-given mathematical gifts and ability to listen well to help my clients pursue their life and financial goals. Our goal is to help manage and maintain assets so that when the day comes to retire, our clients will have enough to maintain the lifestyle which they have determined is appropriate for them.

I have been in this profession since 2006 and am currently responsible for guiding over 475 households through the financial twists and turns of life.

I believe that the client/advisor relationship should be about trust and friendship. Trust is of the utmost importance, particularly when because of the economy we find ourselves in an emotionally heightened state of concern, or in stark contrast, greed. A trusted advisor helps to calm the sea of emotions and bring clarity to the situation at hand. Friendship should be the natural result of a relationship between like-minded persons who trust and respect each other. Over the years I have gone through births, deaths, graduations, new homes, promotions, layoffs, divorce, and all that life has in it, alongside my clients. Through all these things, we have laughed and cried, shook hands and hugged. Ultimately, we became friends.

There will be events along the path of a financial journey that may set you off course -- moments that require steady advice. We will strive to positively impact your goal of financial independence through the course that we've plotted together. My team and I are prepared to be your personal stewards on your journey. From our perspective, both the destination AND the journey need to be rewarding.

Education


M.S. Mechanical Engineering  2002
Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN
B.S. Agricultural Engineering  1998
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Graduated Cum Laude


David Stites Photo

David Stites

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
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After earning a degree in Financial Management in 1997, I have been involved in the financial management of multi-million dollar construction projects, owner of a large construction company, and more recently providing financial planning, coaching, and encouragement to individuals and businesses.

Along this broad experience path, I personally owned a business with 100+ employees, owned a real estate investment LLC, managed employees, got married, had four daughters, paid off all my debts, and experienced many other life adventures along the way. 

My first priority is my wife and four girls. We enjoy vacations together at Pine Cove family camp, evening walks, and attending their various extracurricular activities. If time allows, I enjoy practicing golf or reading.


Education 

CFP® Certification – January 2018

B.A. Financial Management  1997
Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX
Graduated Cum Laude

Michael C. Gray Photo

Michael C. Gray

Financial Advisor
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In August 2022, my journey with Fidelis began, following my experience at an advanced technology firm. With a background steeped in scientific research, I bring a meticulous eye for detail and a touch of innovation to the realm of financial planning.

My true calling lies in serving others, aspiring to be a constant friend and companion throughout life's myriad stages. I'm dedicated to offering a reassuring presence in both trying and joyous times.  Beyond the office, I'm a passionate advocate for the Upper Cumberland community, serving as the President of the Board for Hope Springs Urgent Care Mental Health Clinic. This local nonprofit provides essential mental health care services free of charge. 

In our leisure time, my wife, Amanda, and I enjoy playing pickleball, doing home projects, and spending time with our cavapoo puppy, Eddie. We consider ourselves blessed to be part of a remarkable community that radiates love and support for one another.

I am proud to hold both Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Education

Master of Business Administration - 2021
Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
B.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology - 2020
Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN
Graduated Summa Cum Laude









Mark Thornsberry Photo

Mark Thornsberry

Compliance Analyst
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Mark handles all the compliance details of our firm, from creating and auditing monthly checks and securities logs to administrating our oversight responsibility to our other independent offices across the middle Tennessee region. Mark’s work will not necessarily be visible to you, our customer, but is very important none the less. He keeps our business in compliance with all industry regulations and, thus, you can rest further in our ability to focus on helping you with your personal goals. Mark became part of the team in May 2012.

Mark has been married to his wonderful bride Janet for 26 years. They have 3 children, Katie, Jamin, and Avery. He also has three grandsons - Leo, Luke, and Link. Mark originally hails from south Florida, but relocated to middle Tennessee in 2001 to get away from the sheer volume of people (although he will readily tell you he missed the beach). He studied Psychology Counseling at Miami Christian College. 

Andrew Jones Photo

Andrew Jones

Technical Operations Manager
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Andrew answers general service questions and processes paperwork related to your accounts. He specializes in handling the details. This is why when you call for Travis; we ask the nature of your call. Many times Andrew is available and can quickly tend to your business. He's available to help with a distribution, an addition to your account, an address change, or other information. Andrew is also a contributor to the business in a broader sense, as he is responsible for both individual and large mail correspondence, business reporting, and data entry. Andrew became part of the team in November 2009.

Andrew has been married to his wife, Katie, since 2009. They have three sons, Leo, Luke, and Link. Andrew grew up in middle Tennessee and attended Tennessee Technological University. He has a Bachelors degree in business management.

Sydney Patten Photo

Sydney Patten

Client Services Manager
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Sydney is responsible for ensuring the satisfaction of our clients. She is the smiling face that greets clients when they come in, she schedules appointments for both Travis and David’s clients, and she handles client concerns and requests. She is the person who will give you a friendly call just to check in and see how things are going.

If you are ever needing to reach one of the advisors -- she is the person to contact. She can assist you via phone, email, or in-office. Sydney became a part of the team in November of 2018.

Sydney graduated from Tennessee Technological University in December of 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. She is originally from East Tennessee, but moved to Cookeville to attend college. She enjoys camping, kayaking, and just spending time with her husband and two dogs. 

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