Drew Blackston, CRC® RFC® Certified Retirement Counselor
Drew is a registered Investment Adviser Representative and has earned the certifications of Certified Retirement Counselor®, Registered Financial Consultant®, licensed insurance agent, completed the Financial Planning Education Program through Kaplan University, and graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in business.
Originally from Kentucky, Drew moved to Florida for college and has worked in the financial services industry since graduating from the University of South Florida in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He began his career focusing on market research, analysis and financial strategies and gained valuable experience in asset preservation and retirement planning.
Drew, along with his wife, Valerie, founded Pearl Wealth Group with a desire to help individuals and families with their retirement and financial dreams. Drew hosts the “Your Financial EKG™” weekly podcast and YouTube channel and has created and trademarked his proprietary retirement process called the “Retirement EKG™.” Drew has been published in Kiplinger Investment Magazine, featured in Forbes and been a financial guest on Spectrum News.
Drew resides in Tampa with his wife, two daughters, one son and two lovable dogs. Away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his family and taking them to the many beaches in the Tampa Bay area. Drew is also a huge fan of baseball and the Kentucky Wildcats.
Valerie Blackston Director of Operations and Marketing
Valerie has been in the Tampa Bay Area for more than 20 years and has enjoyed an extensive career in the financial services industry. Since graduating from Southeastern University in 2011 with a degree in international business and minor in Spanish, she went on to work for a major Fortune 500 financial services company before founding Pearl Wealth Group with her husband, Drew.
Valerie’s day-to-day focus is on the marketing and operations of Pearl Wealth Group. Her passion is to give clients and prospects an experience that goes beyond the traditional financial services experience.
Valerie resides in Tampa with Drew, their three children, and two beloved pups. In her free time, Valerie enjoys spending time with her family, beach trips, crafting with her kids and baking.
Jenny Gabicki Client Services Administrator
Cooper and Gracie Chief Happiness Officers
Cooper and Gracie are the Chief Happiness Officers for Pearl Wealth Group. Cooper has been with Pearl Wealth Group and the Blackston family from the very beginning. After being rescued from the South Lake Animal League in 2015, Cooper has napped on every couch, bed, and blanket in the Blackston home. Gracie is the newcomer to the family and comes from a long line of AKC Golden Retrievers. Her greatest asset to the Blackston family and Pearl Wealth Group? Her contagious spirit to play play play. Together, Cooper and Gracie bring incredible joy and happiness to entire Blackston family and Pearl Wealth Group.
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