Meet Your Retirement Planning Team

We guide individuals and families to retirement, through retirement, and protect their ability to stay in retirement.

Our Mission

Our passion is to help individuals and families get to retirement, get through retirement, and protect their ability to stay in retirement.”

Drew Blackston, CRC® RFC®

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Drew Blackston, CRC® RFC® Founder & CEO

A registered Investment Adviser Representative and co-founder of Pearl Wealth Group, Drew is ready to be your guide as you plan for your financial future.

Originally from Kentucky, Drew brings a touch of Southern charm to his day-to-day. He earned a degree in business administration from the University of South Florida and has been in the financial services industry since 2009. Initially focused on market research, analysis, and financial strategies, he quickly gained experience in asset preservation and retirement planning. He is now a Certified Retirement Counselor® and a Registered Financial Consultant®.

But Drew isn't just about crunching numbers. He's a passionate educator and communicator, and host of “Your Financial EKG™” weekly podcast and YouTube channel. He has been featured in Kiplinger Investment Magazine and Forbes and has also been a financial guest on Spectrum News.

When he's not helping clients achieve their financial dreams, Drew is all about family and fun. He lives in sunny Tampa, Florida, with his lovely wife, Valerie, their three wonderful children, and two lovable dogs – both of whom you will get to meet in the office! A huge fan of baseball and the Kentucky Wildcats, he's as passionate about sports as he is about finance.

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Valerie Blackston Co-Founder | Vice President | Dir. of Operations & Marketing

The co-founder and vice president of Pearl Wealth Group, Valerie is ready to work with you during this exciting time known as retirement! Her goal is to give clients a unique experience that goes beyond the traditional financial services structure. In addition to working with those in and nearing retirement, Valerie also helps with the firm’s marketing  and operations.

Valerie has called the Tampa Bay area home for 25 years. With a solid background in financial services and marketing, she launched her career after studying international business at Southeastern University in Lakeland, where she also minored in Spanish. Prior to Pearl Wealth Group, she sharpened her skills at a Fortune 500 financial services corporation and several marketing companies. Inspired by entrepreneurship, she co-founded Pearl Wealth Group with her husband, Drew.

Outside of work, Valerie is active in her community. She balances her career with homeschooling her three kids and enjoys baking and horseback riding with her oldest daughter. Her faith and community are important to her, and she loves traveling with Drew, their children, and their two loyal dogs, who often visit our offices!

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Matt McKeown, RFC® Financial Planner

Matt is a man who embodies the word “service” in multiple areas of his life, and the Pearl Wealth Group team is proud to have him on board. Matt is a veteran of the United States Air Force who began his financial services career in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, he has earned several industry honors for his dedication and expertise.

With a focus on retirement, estate, and investment planning, Matt is passionate about helping individuals and families gain confidence and control over their financial future. He guides clients from goal setting to creating and implementing customized financial plans for their retirement dreams. Matt currently holds the Series 6, 63, and 65 securities exams and the FL 2-15 life, health, and variable annuity agent license.

When he's not busy crafting financial strategies, Matt enjoys the sunny Florida lifestyle with his family. Whether boating, diving, golfing, paddle-boarding, or kayaking, Matt loves spending quality time with his boys, his wife, Tiffany, and their adorable puppy, Sailor.

Jenny Gabicki

Jenny Gabicki Director of Client Services

With more than two decades of experience, Jenny is ready to take on any challenge! Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jenny and her family moved to Florida in 1996. She has since built a career dedicated to supporting both her team members and clients with a blend of professionalism and care.

When she's not working, Jenny enjoys a fulfilling life as a wife and mother of two energetic boys. Whether she's enjoying the great outdoors or spending quality time with her family, Jenny finds joy in life's simple pleasures. Her two beloved dogs, Ranger and Jeter, are never far from her side and hold a special place in her heart.

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Cooper and Gracie Chief Happiness Officers

Cooper and Gracie are Pearl Wealth Group's official chief happiness officers. Cooper has been with Pearl Wealth Group and the Blackston family since 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 is her contagious spirit that moves her play, play and play some more. Together, Cooper and Gracie bring incredible joy and happiness to the entire Blackston family and the visitors to Pearl Wealth Group—they’re sure to brighten your day!

Ready to take the next steps in your retirement?

For more information about our retirement and investment services, schedule your visit today!

Or Give Us a Call At

813-807-5060

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