Financial Paraplanner Lead, LPL Financial
Archie Gardner, Jr, is a CFP professional and financial planner who partners with Olson Wealth Group to develop and implement thoughtful, comprehensive financial plans that help individuals and families pursue long-term financial confidence. His approach to planning is deeply rooted in personal experience, shaped by lessons learned from an enterprising, hard-working, and entrepreneurial family, and reinforced by firsthand exposure to the importance of preparation, education and fiduciary guidance. Archie’s path to financial planning was profoundly influenced by his family and life experiences. Raised in an environment that valued discipline, hard work and entrepreneurship he gained an early appreciation of what it takes to build financial independence. Those values became even more meaningful as he witnessed how a lack of planning and sound financial education can leave families vulnerable when the unexpected occurs these experiences solidified his commitment to a career path in wealth management.
He began his career and financial services in 2017 and served in a variety of client facing analytical roles prior to joining LPL. Archie worked at Vanguard in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served both as an inheritance consultant and a financial advisor. In these roles, he guided clients through complex inheritance, transitions, conducted comprehensive needs analysis, and collaborated with advisory teams to deliver holistic financial plans. As a financial planner, he worked in a team-based environment as a producer, helping manage client portfolio while tailoring planning strategies to work toward each client’s unique goals, and circumstances.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Archie temporarily stepped away from formal financial planning to support his family’s business in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents owned and operated a local bakery for more than 30 years, and when his parents became ill, and the business was forced to close temporarily, Archie took on the role of operations and financial officer. In the entrepreneurial role, he managed all financial affairs, prepared detailed financial statements, source, capital, and implemented operational process improvements while learning the trade side-by-side with his father. This hands-on experience further strengthened his understanding of business ownership, cash flow management, and the real-world financial challenges, families, an entrepreneur’s face.
Archie holds a Bachelor of Science in business from Livingstone College and a certified financial planner professional designation. He brings this technical experience, operational insight and personal perspective with his partnership at Olson Wealth Group.
Archie and his wife are proud parents of their daughter, and he enjoys exploring the dining scene, traveling abroad with friends and family and continuing to learn both professionally and personally.
