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Deering Wealth Team

A Concierge Approach to Managing Wealth

We believe that our work has a unique ability and opportunity to greatly improve lives. We seek to alleviate the burdens that money can bring to the families we serve. We accomplish this goal by over-delivering to business owners & retirees who trust us with every aspect of their financial lives.

“If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free.
If our wealth commands us, we shall be poor indeed.”

-Edmund Burke

What's Unique About Our Offering

Concierge Experience

So good you’ll wish we ran your doctor’s office

Your Personal CFO

Our team + our network = your financial Rolodex

More Than a Job

Our calling is your freedom

A Proven Track Record That's Been Recognized By Others

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These are the common thoughts and experiences of wealthy individuals and families before working with our team. If this sounds like you, we are here to listen & help.

Business Owners

  • Never having enough time to accomplish everything you want
  • Struggling to get proactive advice for your business
  • Giving money away, but not getting any tax benefits
  • Working with a CPA who doesn't return your calls
  • Never knowing if you have a surprise tax bill coming up soon
  • Experiencing the loneliness of managing everything by yourself
  • Ready to be done running your business, but nowhere near exiting
  • Wondering how to prepare the next generation for the wealth you've built
  • Too busy working on your business to take care of your personal finances
  • Tired of working with professionals who don't care as much as you do

Retirement Season

  • Feeling like you are overpaying in taxes
  • Afraid the stock market could take away what you have built
  • Knowing you need comprehensive advice, but not getting it
  • Tired of chasing people to accomplish simple financial tasks
  • Worried your current advisor has gotten "too" comfortable
  • Concerned you are leaving money on the table
  • Wanting someone to return your call the same day
  • Afraid your spouse won't be able to manage without you
  • No longer enjoying handling things on your own
  • Proud of what you've accomplished, but ready for help

Meet Our Team

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Mark Deering

CFP®

Senior Executive Vice President & Managing Partner

615-861-6101

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Jackson Wilcox

CPA, CFP®

Financial Advisor

615-861-8873

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Hannah Patterson
Hannah Patterson

CFP®, EA

Financial Planner

615-861-3521

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Janice Williams
Janice Williams

Client Experience Specialist

615-861-6105

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Maddie Gallagher

Executive Assistant to Mark Deering, CFP®

615-778-0238

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Nathan Mueting

Financial Advisor

615-861-6099

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Luke Walters

Financial Planner

615-861-3513

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James Ridley

CFP®

Financial Advisor

615-861-6132

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Our Wealth Planning Services

Through a variety of wealth planning services, our team has the knowledge and expertise to guide you in almost every aspect of financial planning. Below is a comprehensive list of our wealth planning services.

Retirement
  • Goal-Based Planning
  • Retirement Contributions
  • Retirement Withdrawal Planning
  • Social Security Strategy
  • Pension Optimization
  • Medicare Planning
Investments
  • Investment Selection
  • Asset Allocation
  • Portfolio Management
  • Investor Risk Assessment
  • Cash Management
  • Education Planning
Taxes
  • Tax Return Review
  • CPA Coordination
  • Tax Loss Harvesting
  • Roth Conversion Strategy
  • Ongoing Tax Reporting
  • Charitable Giving Strategies
Business Owner
  • Entity Structure Comparison
  • Retirement Plan Consulting
  • Succession Planning
  • Buy Sell Agreements
  • Employee Benefits
Estate Planning
  • Estate Document Coordination
  • Beneficiary Review
  • Asset Protection
  • Trust Implementation
  • Legacy Planning
Risk Management
  • Emergency Fund Determination
  • Life Insurance Analysis
  • Disability Protection
  • Long-Term Care Planning
  • Property & Liability Protection
  • Key Man Insurance
Employer
  • Employer Plan Contributions
  • Retirement Plan Investments
  • Option Execution Strategies
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Stock Plan Analysis
Other
  • Behavioral Financial Coaching
  • Divorce Settlement Consulting
  • Windfall Investment Plans
  • Cashflow Analysis
  • Money Movement
  • Securities Based Lending

Connect with Us

SageSpring is invested in more than just your finances. We are invested in you.
Connect with us today, and discover how our unique, holistic approach to financial planning can guide you to long-lasting peace and prosperity.

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Our Location

Corporate Headquarters
801 Crescent Centre Dr., Suite 600
Franklin, TN 37067

Corporate Phone
615-861-6101

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866.712.1657
Luke Walters

Financial Planner

615-861-3513

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Luke Walters

Financial Planner

Luke Walters is poised to bring the best financial service to each family he serves. Focus material such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, and various additional areas of holistic planning make up the core production of his work with the Deering Wealth Team. Luke has passed his Series 65 exam and continues to work towards further certifications so he can continue to grow his knowledge as a financial planner and help the Deering Wealth Team be a valued professional service in the lives of the families they serve.

Luke began his financial journey during his junior year at Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance. Outside of academics, he was actively involved in Purdue’s chapter of BYX, serving as Treasurer. This role involved overseeing finances for the largest budgeted national chapter and participating in leadership events sponsored by BYX national staff.

Originally from Greenwood, Indiana, Luke proudly identifies as a Hoosier. After graduating, he moved to Brentwood, where he enjoys exploring middle Tennessee’s scenic countryside with his girlfriend, Ellie.

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Rebecca Patterson

Client Services Associate

615-861-3515

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Rebecca Patterson

Client Services Associate

Rebecca plays a vital role on the Deering Wealth team supporting client communication and administrative needs. She assists in preparing paperwork and other materials for both the initial and follow-up meetings and also manages various office tasks and special events.

When not at work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her sister, who is also her roommate, and their furry companions, Frankie the cat and Teddy the dog. Rebecca is also a talented musician and artist and loves spending time in nature.

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Nathan Mueting

Financial Advisor, SageSpring Wealth Partners | Branch Professional, RJFS

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Nathan Mueting  

Financial Advisor, SageSpring Wealth Partners | Branch Professional, RJFS

In search of a purpose-filled opportunity after a successful six-year career in insurance, Nathan came to SageSpring to walk with individuals and families through the many different stages of life and be a sounding board for how their finances play a role in each part.

Along with the Deering Wealth Team, Nathan creates a personal planning experience for each client, with an emphasis on comprehensive financial planning, tax and estate planning, and excellent customer service. He is committed to putting his clients first and serving them diligently.

A native of Carmel, IN, Nathan came to Nashville in 2010 to play college golf at Lipscomb University. He and his wife Cassidy, who he met on a college mission trip, have been married for six years and have two young children: their daughter, Dylan, and son, Peyton. Outside work, Nathan loves to golf, try new restaurants, and spend time with his family at the pool or doing anything outdoors.

 

James Ridley

CFP®

Financial Advisor
615.861.6132

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James Ridley

Financial Advisor

James Ridley is originally from Henderson, Kentucky. He attended Belmont University, where he graduated with a business degree in Entrepreneurship. After some successful years as a real estate investor, James decided to pursue his passion for helping families understand their financial situation and assist them in reaching their goals.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, James works hand in hand with clients to create, implement, and maintain plans for those seeking financial freedom. James has a desire to serve others and is excited for the opportunity to learn more about clients’ lives and what is important to them.

Outside of work, James enjoys volunteering with Young Life and spending time outdoors – where he can often be found playing soccer, hiking, or going rock climbing.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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David Sensing

Tax Specialist
615.861.1099

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David Sensing

Tax Specialist

David is a native of Middle Tennessee and a graduate from Lipscomb University. He has worked in the tax business for many years, both for local firms and for himself with his own business. During this time, David gained valuable experience and a great reputation in the Middle Tennessee area with his clients.

In 2012, David obtained the Enrolled Agent designation, which allows him to assist clients with their tax needs, including representation before the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of the taxpayer. When he isn’t focused on taxes, David is either spending time with his lovely daughter or cruising down the highway in his 1966 Ford Mustang—his first car that he purchased in high school.

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Maddie Gallagher

Executive Assistant to Mark Deering, CFP®
615-778-0238

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Maddie Gallagher

Executive Assistant to Mark Deering, CFP®

Maddie Gallagher is an experienced professional who joined the Deering Wealth Team in 2021 as a Client Services and Marketing Associate after an early career in public relations. Given her communications skills, organization, and ability to juggle various projects behind the scenes, she became Mark’s Executive Assistant in 2023 to help elevate him in his dual leadership roles with the Deering Wealth Team and SageSpring Wealth Partners.

Maddie earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) in 2017 before moving to the Nashville area. Prior to joining SageSpring, she spent her career in public relations serving clients in various industries through crisis communications, reputation management, event planning, content development, and media relations. She has also provided pro-bono public relations services to a handful of nonprofit organizations.

Originally from the North Shore of Chicago, Maddie is a foodie when it comes to Vienna Beef hot dogs, deep dish pizza, and Italian beef. She now resides in Thompson’s Station with her husband, Heath, and their two labradors, Neyland and Moose. They are very excited to welcome their baby boy, Rory James, in the fall of 2024.

Janice Williams
Janice Williams

Client Experience Specialist
615-861-6105

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Janice Williams

Client Experience Specialist

Janice has over 30 years of experience delivering exceptional customer service. She specializes in opening, operating, and following up on all things related to investment accounts. Janice manages the calendar and connects clients calling into the office with the person who can resolve their issue in the most timely and efficient manner.

Janice has been with SageSpring Wealth Partners since near the beginning in 2003. During her time with the company, she has held offices in three different locations with SageSpring— including downtown in Atrium way. Janice’s favorite part about working on the Deering Wealth Team is the people—some of which she has been working with for over 15 years now!

When not helping clients in the office, Janice enjoys spending time with her family. She frequently makes the trip to Atlanta to visit her daughter and grandson, Shaniece and Sebastian. Every once in a while, she makes it out to California to visit her twin sister and two older brothers in her hometown of Sacramento. Most weekends, though, you can find Janice riding her Harley around Nashville with her husband Ron.

Hannah Patterson
Hannah Patterson

CFP®, EA

Financial Planner
615-861-3521

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Hannah Patterson

Financial Planner

Hannah Patterson originally joined SageSpring Wealth Partners’ Deering Wealth Team in 2019 as a Client Services Associate responsible for assisting the team’s advisors and clients along with managing the team’s marketing and events. However, she eventually passed her Series 7 and 66 exams to become a Registered Financial Associate, and most recently obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation to further her depth of knowledge and expertise regarding effective and comprehensive financial planning. Now, she serves the team’s clients and lead financial advisors through financial plan development, financial plan implementation, and money movement. Additionally, her role in advising clients will expand into regular client meetings, phone calls, and providing time-sensitive planning for the families of the Deering Wealth Team.

Born and raised in the small-town of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Hannah attended college at Middle Tennessee State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in finance. While in college, she served as the Treasurer and President of her sorority and completed an internship for the fundraising department of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Through these experiences, Hannah developed a passion for building relationships and started her career as the Membership Director for the Chamber of Commerce in her hometown. Eventually, she relocated back to Middle Tennessee for a relationship of her own. There she managed several office locations for a medical practice in the greater Nashville area before bringing her experience in client relations, event planning, marketing, and management, to the Deering Wealth Team in June of 2019.

Life outside of the office for Hannah is spent with her husband, Jordan, and their two dogs, Harley and Miller. After a few years of long distance, Hannah and Jordan settled down in the quaint town of Nolensville. They spend their weekends hiking, going on bike rides, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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Jackson Wilcox

CPA, CFP®

Financial Advisor
615-861-8873

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Jackson Wilcox

Financial Advisor

Jackson Wilcox is one of the lead financial advisors on the Deering Wealth Team. His role is to deliver comprehensive financial planning by serving the team’s clients in the six CFP® practice areas of general planning, retirement planning, tax planning, investment management, risk management, and estate planning. In addition to these regular responsibilities, Jackson is responsible for implementing new technology and planning processes for the families of the Deering Wealth Team.

Jackson studied finance and accounting at a small private college in rural Indiana. After graduating, he began his career in the financial industry at a small public accounting firm in the Colorado Rockies. During his time in public accounting, he worked with individuals and small business owners on a variety of issues including tax planning, financial statement preparation, and income tax compliance. Although this work was challenging and rewarding, financial advising was always his true passion, and it was only a matter of time before he made the change. Looking for new opportunities and milder weather, Jackson joined SageSpring Wealth Partner’s Deering Wealth Team as a financial advisor in Franklin, TN.

Jackson views the financial planning profession as uniquely positioned to provide value and financial confidence to clients. At the end of 2020, he expanded his professional qualifications by obtaining his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Jackson is devoted to developing and maintaining top level knowledge in new trends in the advising and regulatory landscape.

The united pursuit of serving clients with excellence makes it a privilege for Jackson to be an associate. He appreciates the professionalism and camaraderie of SageSpring. He also enjoys working with his specific team and the relaxed office atmosphere.

Outside the office, Jackson enjoys exploring the Franklin area with his college sweetheart and wife, Molly. He enjoys staying active by playing ultimate frisbee and trying to tire out his inexhaustible goldendoodle puppy – Finley. Jackson and his wife are also active members of and volunteers with their local church.

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Mark Deering

CFP®

Senior Executive Vice President & Managing Partner 
615-861-6101

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Mark Deering

Senior Executive Vice President & Managing Partner

Mark Deering is dedicated to providing each of his clients with a personal and comprehensive plan to help reach their financial goals. His extensive knowledge and experience in preparing for and working towards achieving financial freedom in retirement has helped countless clients make the vision of their future a reality.

Mark’s career began in the ’90s as a college student paying for school by running a small business selling educational books during the summers through Southwestern Advantage. During this experience, Mark developed the skills and character needed to build and lead a successful team and became a sales manager for Southwestern for several years. After earning a degree in Business & Economics, as well as Biblical Studies, from Wheaton College, Mark was invited to join Southwestern Investment Group. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™professional, Mark uses the same attributes that he developed selling books—determination, exceptional customer service, and problem solving, to name a few—at Deering Wealth Team to partner with his clients in helping them reach their financial goals and experience freedom.

Mark has grown in many roles throughout his career at SageSpring (formerly Southwestern Investment Group) as a Vice President, Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President, and Senior Executive Vice President over the years. He also served as the firm’s National Sales Director from 2016-2022, helping oversee the training and development of SageSpring’s advisors through different phases of their career. Since 2023, in addition to leading the Deering Wealth Team’s financial planning services, Mark became the Managing Partner of SageSpring to help guide our company’s vision as we continue to grow. As a leader in the industry, Mark has also been a member of the Raymond James Leaders Council** consecutively since 2015 and has been named to Forbes’ list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors since 2018*.

Mark exemplifies a true passion for service professionally and personally. He has served as a board member of the TN Voices for Victims, SageSpring Board of Directors, and SageSpring Leadership Board. Mark is also an active member of his church and has served as both an Elder and the Treasurer.

On days off, when there are no Carolina basketball games on, Mark can be found at home with his wife, Rachel, their three children, and two dogs. He especially enjoys spending time outdoors where there are plenty of trees around.

*The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024 ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 6/30/2022 to 6/30/2023 and was released on 4/3/2024. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 44,990 nominations, roughly 8,500 advisors received the award. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. SageSpring Wealth Partners does not pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Compensation provided for using the rating. SageSpring Wealth Partners is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please visit https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.

**Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually. This recognition may not be representative of any one client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of future performance. Financial Advisors do not pay a fee in exchange for membership.

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Jeffrey T. Dobyns

CFP®, CLU, CHFC

President, SageSpring 

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Jeffrey T. Dobyns

President, SageSpring 

Beyond crunching numbers and investment strategies, at SageSpring, we’re about building relationships. When you encounter Founder & President of SageSpring, Jeff Dobyns, it’s easy to understand why this is at the very heart of who we are as a firm. You won’t find stuffy formalities with Jeff; instead, you can expect to find him sharing a warm smile, communicating a compelling vision, or patiently untangling life’s complex challenges with clients. He believes in truly getting to know clients, understanding their aspirations and priorities, and navigating their financial plans with a tailored, comprehensive approach. Our team members have often been caught taking notes on Jeff’s effortless relationship skills from a distance, and we admire them for striving to learn from one of the best. 

Jeff’s financial expertise and wisdom are the perfect match to his innate people skills. Jeff holds the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChLU®) designations, and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for more than two decades. 

His dedication extends beyond the office to the boardroom and the local community, where Jeff is passionate about giving back. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Men of Valor, a prison ministry and mentoring program. Jeff also serves on the board of Send Musicians to Prison, which shares hope, healing and restoration with the imprisoned through musicians & artists. Jeff actively supports other initiatives in the community by sitting on the board of The Signatry of Middle Tennessee and the Halftime Institute of Nashville. 

Witnessing his four children, Gracyn, Hunter, Tanner, and Logan, excel on the field is almost just as rewarding, if not more, than celebrating the victories of seeing his clients overcome obstacles and build wealth. Spending weekends boating on the lake, hiking mountain trails, and fishing with his family are the moments Jeff cherishes most. It’s this grounded perspective that reveals the true meaning of wealth for Jeff: not just numbers on a page, but the freedom to create experiences that enrich your life and the lives of those you love. When you choose the Dobyns McMillin Wealth Team, you choose more than financial expertise. You choose a partner who champions your dreams, celebrates your victories, and walks besides you on the path to achieving your unique goals.

**Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.