American Prosperity Group

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Timmick

2011-02-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
February 22-24, 2011

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care
Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and
Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and
Retirement Finances

(Day 1 at 7pm, Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location: Historic Oakland Manor
Columbia Town Center
5430 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044

Reservations Required
410-740-1300 (24hrs)

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Jim Terrill

2011-02-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

July 17th, 22nd and 24th 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Cary American Legion
8523 Chapel Hill Road (near downtown Cary)
Cary, North Carolina

Reservations Required
919-461-9998 - (24hrs)

American Prosperity Group Ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 & on RedHotFranchises.com

2011-02-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Every December, Entrepreneur Magazine releases its annual “Franchise 500”, a list of the top 500 franchise opportunities based mainly on financial strength, stability, growth rate and size of the system. RedHotFranchises.com, a website dedicated to listing the top franchise opportunities, as well as unique advice for those wishing to become Franchisors, releases its own list of top Franchises. This year American Prosperity Group (APG), America’s premier retirement & estate planning franchise, has ranked quite impressively in both of these lists.

Entrepreneur Magazine ranked APG #300 in its 2011 Franchise 500, and awarded it #1 in Category for Miscellaneous Financial Services. RedHotFranchises.com ranked APG #7 for 2011 on it's list of Hot 100 Franchises.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Timmick

2010-07-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
July 20-22, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care
Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and
Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and
Retirement Finances

(Choose either 1-3:30pm OR 7-9:30pm)

Location: Historic Oakland Manor
Columbia Town Center
5430 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044

Reservations Required
410-740-1300 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Mark Timmick

Office Open Since: April 2008

Location: 5010 Dorsey Hall Drive, Suite 102
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Phone: 410-740-1300

How Timmick Got Started With APG…
Immediately after high school, American Prosperity Group franchisee Mark Timmick joined the Army as a military police officer. After his stint in the Army, he attended the University of Maryland and earned a degree in Information Systems Management. His first job out of college was at Marriott Hotels in their corporate headquarters in Bethesda, MD, where he worked in their finance and accounting group designing software systems for hotel operations. After six years with Marriott, he began working with Fannie May in their IT department as the Director of Systems Development. Then, he went to work for another financial company, T. Rowe Price, as the Vice President of Systems Development and he was responsible for the personnel that handled their customer service system and retirement planning system. At T. Rowe Price, Timmick was introduced to retirement planning, as he was a key player in helping them implement their retirement income manager system, which helps people transition into retirement.

Driven to own his own business, Timmick moved out of the corporate world and started his own IT consulting company in the summer of 2000 where he helped financial service companies build various software products. In 2005, he sold this business, started two private investment funds and became an investment advisor. In 2008, he joined APG, looking to leverage his experience managing people’s investments with Founder/CEO Mark Charnet’s proven investment model.

How Timmick Discovered APG…
Timmick was drawn to APG’s marketing model as well as its investing methodology. American Prosperity Group helped him build a solid client base by offering people unique opportunities to learn about APG before becoming clients like the educational investing workshops and no upfront costs and no obligation. This method offers Timmick the opportunity to talk with people with no pressure. During his work experience, he saw a large need for people who needed advice on how to transition into retirement, thus deciding APG was the perfect fit for his next business venture.

Something Interesting About Timmick’s Story…
Timmick has been married to his wife Gail for 14 years, and together, they have three children, Lauren (21), Quinn (20) and Brian (13). Timmick runs a tennis program in his community to gather tennis enthusiasts together and play matches.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Holly Sikora

2010-07-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
July 20-22, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
141 S Black Horse Pike #101
Blackwood, NJ 08012 US

Reservations Required:
Call 856-637-2003 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Holly Sikora

Office Open Since: April 2009

Location: Blackwood, NJ

Phone: 856-637-2003

How Sikora Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Holly Sikora has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, corporate finance and financial services. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business, and is a Certified Annuity Specialist. While working in the public accounting field Sikora decided she wanted to become more knowledgeable about personal finance, a subject she has always been interested in, so she began attending The American College. While studying at The American College, Sikora’s interest in personal finance increased and she left the corporate accounting industry to become an APG franchisee in April 2009. She continues her studies, as part of her post graduate work, to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

How Sikora Discovered APG…
Sikora was initially attracted to the proven franchising model of American Prosperity Group. APG had the solid foundation that she was looking for, as well as a mentor (Mark Charnet) who would impart to her his expertise on educating others on how to NOT outlive their money, but rather preserve, protect and perpetuate what they have worked so hard to acquire over the years.

Something Interesting About Sikora’s Story…
Holly is married to Chuck Sikora, who is also a part of the American Prosperity Group family as Holly’s office manager. Holly has two children: Anthony (14) and Perry (11).

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Randy Deaton

2010-07-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
July 20-22, 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Historic Peterson-Dumesnil House
301 South Peterson Avenue
Louisville, KY

Reservations Required
502-897-0021 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Randy Deaton

Office Open Since: September 2009

Location: 119 South Sherrin Ave., Suite 110
Louisville, KY 40207

Phone: 502-897-0027

How Deaton Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Randy Deaton graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Finance. While working at his new commercial banking career in 1989, Randy simultaneously pursued and obtained a MBA degree from the University of Dayton. For 14 years, Randy worked in commercial banking but always had an entrepreneurial spirit. So in 2003 he traded in his banking “hat” to pursue his dream of assisting individuals in his community with their financial needs. It was during this time that Randy discovered most of the clients he worked with were unprepared for retirement. If he could partner with a premier organization that specialized in retirement and estate planning he would be able to maximize the benefits he could provide his clients.

How Deaton Discovered APG…
Randy was intrigued by the American Prosperity Group concept because as he says: “There is no other franchise out there like it. It’s the only retirement and estate planning franchise in the country!” When Randy met Mark Charnet, the founder of American Prosperity Group, he was introduced to the Trinity Method of Investing. The Trinity Method is an APG copyrighted investment discipline specifically designed to achieve every retiree’s goals of income for life, liquidity, safety of principal, growth and tax advantages. Excited about this innovative method of investing, Randy knew that if he combined his financial skills with the experience and expertise of APG’s national organization, his clients would benefit greatly.

Experience has shown Randy that there are pros and cons to working within financial corporations. While the product offerings of a corporation can be beneficial to clients, in many cases it may not have the ideal answer for a particular customer’s situation. “As we all know, sometimes a square peg is not best for a round hole,” he says, “I certainly found that to be limiting in my banking career. The beauty of APG is that we aren’t limited to providing one particular set of company products. We literally represent dozens of quality companies and are constantly searching the market for the best products to meet our customer’s needs. I like the flexibility this provides in maximizing my clients retirement dreams.”

Something Interesting About Deaton’s Story…
Randy was born 100 miles up the road in Cincinnati but he’s lived in the Cherokee Triangle area of the Highlands for over 15 years. “I love Louisville,” says Randy, “its accessibility combined with its unique restaurants and wonderful art scene makes this an ideal place to call home.” Randy has volunteered his time to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Brooklawn Child and Family Services. He is also the local Chapter President of the Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA), a non-profit organization chartered ‘to end financial illiteracy one community at a time’.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Jeff Beyer

2010-06-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
July 13, 14 & 15, 2010

Day 1 (July 13th): Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2 (July 14th): Examining Estate Planning & Estate Taxation
Day 3 (July 15th): Maximizing Retirement Income & Protecting Your Money

Location:
Historic Village Library of Wrightstown
727 Penns Park Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Reservation Number: 215-888-5599

Contact: Jeff Beyer
Email: jeffbeyer@1apg.com

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Jeff Beyer

Office Open Since: October 2009

Location: Washington Crossing, PA

Phone: 215-888-5599

How Beyer Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Jeff Beyer attended Wake Forest University and graduated with a B.S. in Business. He moved from Winston Salem, NC to Philadelphia, PA to take his first job at First Union Bank where he specialized in working with middle market-sized companies on large debt deals. After two and a half years there, Beyer joined on with Silicon Valley Bank and worked with technology, biotechnology and life science companies to do follow up funding for these start up firms. He then went to work for Merrill Lynch to work once again with companies on big budget deals. After a brief stint at a venture debt fund, Beyer made the transition out of the corporate world and into independent business.

How Beyer Discovered APG…
Beyer became interested in a franchise opportunity because it afforded him the luxury of owning his own business while being close to his family. Beyer initially discovered APG by a franchise broker, but was sold on APG once he met with Mark Charnet and learned his entrepreneurial story about himself and about growing the company. He discovered how successful Charnet had become by following his own methods and how successful the other franchisees had become as well.

Something Interesting About Beyer’s Story…
Beyer is married to his wife, Beth and they have three children: Jay (5), Brennan (3) and Gabriel (4 mos). Beyer enjoys spending time with his family and being involved with his son’s co-op nursery school and soccer team.

American Prosperity Group was recently featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch!

2010-06-21T12:03:00.001-07:00

Biz Buzz: Corporate finance executive sets sights on individuals

By Louis Llovio
Published: June 21, 2010

After a career handling finances for major corporations, David Gentry has turned his attention to individuals.

The Henrico County businessman recently opened a local office for American Prosperity Group.

"I wanted to do something a little different, and I saw this as a good opportunity to go out on my own," Gentry said.

American Prosperity Group focuses on long-term savings, retirement and estate planning. (Read More)

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Randy Deaton

2010-06-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
June 15-17, 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Historic Peterson-Dumesnil House
301 South Peterson Avenue
Louisville, KY

Reservations Required
502-897-0021 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Randy Deaton

Office Open Since: September 2009

Location: 119 South Sherrin Ave., Suite 110
Louisville, KY 40207

Phone: 502-897-0027

How Deaton Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Randy Deaton graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Finance. While working at his new commercial banking career in 1989, Randy simultaneously pursued and obtained a MBA degree from the University of Dayton. For 14 years, Randy worked in commercial banking but always had an entrepreneurial spirit. So in 2003 he traded in his banking “hat” to pursue his dream of assisting individuals in his community with their financial needs. It was during this time that Randy discovered most of the clients he worked with were unprepared for retirement. If he could partner with a premier organization that specialized in retirement and estate planning he would be able to maximize the benefits he could provide his clients.

How Deaton Discovered APG…
Randy was intrigued by the American Prosperity Group concept because as he says: “There is no other franchise out there like it. It’s the only retirement and estate planning franchise in the country!” When Randy met Mark Charnet, the founder of American Prosperity Group, he was introduced to the Trinity Method of Investing. The Trinity Method is an APG copyrighted investment discipline specifically designed to achieve every retiree’s goals of income for life, liquidity, safety of principal, growth and tax advantages. Excited about this innovative method of investing, Randy knew that if he combined his financial skills with the experience and expertise of APG’s national organization, his clients would benefit greatly.

Experience has shown Randy that there are pros and cons to working within financial corporations. While the product offerings of a corporation can be beneficial to clients, in many cases it may not have the ideal answer for a particular customer’s situation. “As we all know, sometimes a square peg is not best for a round hole,” he says, “I certainly found that to be limiting in my banking career. The beauty of APG is that we aren’t limited to providing one particular set of company products. We literally represent dozens of quality companies and are constantly searching the market for the best products to meet our customer’s needs. I like the flexibility this provides in maximizing my clients retirement dreams.”

Something Interesting About Deaton’s Story…
Randy was born 100 miles up the road in Cincinnati but he’s lived in the Cherokee Triangle area of the Highlands for over 15 years. “I love Louisville,” says Randy, “its accessibility combined with its unique restaurants and wonderful art scene makes this an ideal place to call home.” Randy has volunteered his time to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Brooklawn Child and Family Services. He is also the local Chapter President of the Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA), a non-profit organization chartered ‘to end financial illiteracy one community at a time’.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Charnet

2010-06-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
June 8-10, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities & The Trinity Method of Investing©

(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
APG CORPORATE OFFICES
Sunny Knolls Estate
3 Sunny Knolls Court
Wayne, NJ

Reservations Required
973-831-4424 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn

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Mark Charnet

Location: APG CORPORATE OFFICES
Sunny Knolls Estate
3 Sunny Knolls Court
Wayne, NJ

Phone: 973-831-4424

AMERICAN PROSPERITY GROUP (APG) was founded by Mark Charnet, a leading Retirement & Estate planning expert and visionary entrepreneur, who has more than 29 years of experience in the Retirement & Estate Planning field. Mr. Charnet is a Certified Annuity Specialist, a Registered Investment Companies & Variable Contracts Principal, an Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction for BCG Securities, Inc. and a Member of The Society of Financial Service Professionals.

A number of years ago, Mark observed that employers were beginning to shift more and more responsibility for employee health care, retirement funding and other critical benefits onto employees themselves.

He also discovered that many people who have accumulated wealth or who were in the process of doing so, did not know how to maximize their retirement income while preserving, protecting and perpetuating their wealth to succeeding generations, especially from the eroding forces of taxation.

Finally, Mark recognized that there was very little real help for people in the above situations. They were often overwhelmed with conflicting advice from various types of professionals, confused by what they heard and paralyzed into inaction or worse, implementing ill-conceived financial plans.

As a result, Mark founded American Prosperity Group, also known as APG. APG is a creative and innovative financial planning company that focuses foremost on client needs. We are fully trained Retirement and Estate Planning Specialists – not stockbrokers. We build relationships based on trust; provide outstanding retirement and estate planning services, while offering strategies, techniques and a diversified range of superb financial products from leading companies and we never charge consultation fees. APG is truly a special company.

Due to the continuing growth in the financial planning profession, we are expanding our operations and we enthusiastically invite you to join us as an … American Prosperity Group franchise owner!

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Dawn Sarnoski

2010-06-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
May June 8-10, 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances

(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location: Sunrise Senior Living
195 Old Tappan Road
Old Tappan, NJ

Reservations Required:
201-768-7007 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Dawn Sarnoski

Office Open Since: August 2006

Location: 162 Closter Dock Road, Suite 12
Closter, NJ 07624

Phone: 201-768-7007

How Sarnoski Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Dawn Sarnoski holds a BS in Accounting from Seton Hall University's W. Paul Stillman School of Business and has nearly 15 years experience in corporate accounting. After a long stretch in the insurance field, Sarnoski became APG’s second franchisee in August of 2006.

How Sarnoski Discovered APG…
As a client of founder/CEO Mark Charnet, Sarnoski had seen firsthand the effectiveness of Charnet’s retirement and estate planning model. Once the APG franchise was launched, her desire – like Mark’s - to change people’s lives financially caused her to immediately jump on board. Sarnoski is passionate about helping people, and APG gives her the ability to make big changes in the financial situations of her clients. She is driven every day by working with all types of clients, no matter their net worth, to secure a better financial future. “The people that need the most help are most often not the people with the most money”, she says.

Something Interesting About Sarnoski’s Story…
Sarnoski is a member of the Westwood Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Cresskill-Demarest Rotary Club, and the Chairperson for the Rotary District 7490 Alliance for Smiles committee. Her brother, Bill Romeo, is also an American Prosperity Group franchisee.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Timmick

2010-06-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
June 8-10, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care
Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and
Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and
Retirement Finances

(Choose either 1-3:30pm OR 7-9:30pm)

Location: Historic Oakland Manor
Columbia Town Center
5430 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044

Reservations Required
410-740-1300 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Mark Timmick

Office Open Since: April 2008

Location: 5010 Dorsey Hall Drive, Suite 102
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Phone: 410-740-1300

How Timmick Got Started With APG…
Immediately after high school, American Prosperity Group franchisee Mark Timmick joined the Army as a military police officer. After his stint in the Army, he attended the University of Maryland and earned a degree in Information Systems Management. His first job out of college was at Marriott Hotels in their corporate headquarters in Bethesda, MD, where he worked in their finance and accounting group designing software systems for hotel operations. After six years with Marriott, he began working with Fannie May in their IT department as the Director of Systems Development. Then, he went to work for another financial company, T. Rowe Price, as the Vice President of Systems Development and he was responsible for the personnel that handled their customer service system and retirement planning system. At T. Rowe Price, Timmick was introduced to retirement planning, as he was a key player in helping them implement their retirement income manager system, which helps people transition into retirement.

Driven to own his own business, Timmick moved out of the corporate world and started his own IT consulting company in the summer of 2000 where he helped financial service companies build various software products. In 2005, he sold this business, started two private investment funds and became an investment advisor. In 2008, he joined APG, looking to leverage his experience managing people’s investments with Founder/CEO Mark Charnet’s proven investment model.

How Timmick Discovered APG…
Timmick was drawn to APG’s marketing model as well as its investing methodology. American Prosperity Group helped him build a solid client base by offering people unique opportunities to learn about APG before becoming clients like the educational investing workshops and no upfront costs and no obligation. This method offers Timmick the opportunity to talk with people with no pressure. During his work experience, he saw a large need for people who needed advice on how to transition into retirement, thus deciding APG was the perfect fit for his next business venture.

Something Interesting About Timmick’s Story…
Timmick has been married to his wife Gail for 14 years, and together, they have three children, Lauren (21), Quinn (20) and Brian (13). Timmick runs a tennis program in his community to gather tennis enthusiasts together and play matches.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Jeff Beyer

2010-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
June 1, 2 & 3, 2010

Day 1 (June 1st): Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2 (June 2nd): Examining Estate Planning & Estate Taxation
Day 3 (June 3rd): Maximizing Retirement Income & Protecting Your Money

Location:
Historic Village Library of Wrightstown
727 Penns Park Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Reservation Number: 215-888-5599

Contact: Jeff Beyer
Email: jeffbeyer@1apg.com

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Jeff Beyer

Office Open Since: October 2009

Location: Washington Crossing, PA

Phone: 215-888-5599

How Beyer Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Jeff Beyer attended Wake Forest University and graduated with a B.S. in Business. He moved from Winston Salem, NC to Philadelphia, PA to take his first job at First Union Bank where he specialized in working with middle market-sized companies on large debt deals. After two and a half years there, Beyer joined on with Silicon Valley Bank and worked with technology, biotechnology and life science companies to do follow up funding for these start up firms. He then went to work for Merrill Lynch to work once again with companies on big budget deals. After a brief stint at a venture debt fund, Beyer made the transition out of the corporate world and into independent business.

How Beyer Discovered APG…
Beyer became interested in a franchise opportunity because it afforded him the luxury of owning his own business while being close to his family. Beyer initially discovered APG by a franchise broker, but was sold on APG once he met with Mark Charnet and learned his entrepreneurial story about himself and about growing the company. He discovered how successful Charnet had become by following his own methods and how successful the other franchisees had become as well.

Something Interesting About Beyer’s Story…
Beyer is married to his wife, Beth and they have three children: Jay (5), Brennan (3) and Gabriel (4 mos). Beyer enjoys spending time with his family and being involved with his son’s co-op nursery school and soccer team.

American Prosperity Group was recently featured in the Fort Worth Business Press!

2010-05-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Investment group look to Texas for growth

BY LESLIE WIMMER

A New Jersey-based financial services company is working to expand into Fort Worth.

The company, American Prosperity Group, provides retirement and estate planning services for clients in the age bracket of 55 to 85 years old. American Prosperity Groups’ CEO and Founder Mark Charnet said the company is different because it does not have income level cutoffs for potential clients, and it aims to help clients focus on investments that won’t be drastically affected by stock market fluctuations.

The company’s investment strategy, called the Trinity Method at American Prosperity Group, comprises three strategies: to invest funds out, in and on the stock market, Charnet said.

“The ‘out’ and ‘on’ involve no risk to principal, and the money cannot be damaged by a falling stock market,” Charnet said. “And the money invested in the stock market, we use vehicles that have insurance, portfolio insurance… If the market is up, the check is bigger. If the market goes down, the check doesn’t get smaller.”

Charnet also said as Americans now are living longer than ever before, the importance of a strong retirement portfolio is growing commensurately. Financial advisers have to work to make sure client portfolios last, he said.

“Clients can’t afford to have their income severed by stock market volatility, declines or losses,” Charnet said. (Read More)

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: David Gentry

2010-05-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

May 18-20, 2010
Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning andEstate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
The Wellesley Clubhouse
3601 Lauderdale Drive
Richmond, VA

Reservations Required:
Call 804-912-2934 (24hrs)
DavidGentry@1APG.com

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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David Gentry

Office Open Since: February 2006

APG Franchisee Since: January 2010

Location: Richmond, VA

Phone: 804-912-2934

How Gentry Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee David Gentry joined the APG team in 2009 and his office in Richmond is already hopping with activity. Gentry attended Georgia State University and received a degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. He started working in public accounting straight out of college and became certified as a CPA. Over his 27-year career, Gentry gained valuable experience in public accounting and became a key corporate player for Circuit City as the division controller of the west coast and also in operations in the southern division. From there he segued into a strategic planning role, where he assisted in new store development, market area sales projections and economic analysis. After more than 12 years with Circuit City, Gentry took a position running the global finance costing group at Capital One Financial Services, Inc. - playing a key role in developing the enterprise-wide costing philosophy. He later transitioned into a position supporting Capital One’s corporate infrastructure. Eventually, David decided to pursue other career opportunities - which led him to American Prosperity Group.

How Gentry Discovered APG…
While networking and researching job opportunities, Gentry repeatedly heard that he needed to consider franchising. He had been interested in opening a consulting firm in order to fully utilize his finance skills, and thought this good advice. Initially he was skeptical about finding work in financial planning - having had some bad experiences with financial advisors - but Gentry watched the APG introduction video and found he had more interest than he thought he would have in the concept. He set up an initial conversation with Mark Charnet, who urged David to include his wife Angela in the discussion as well. Gentry was impressed with what Mark presented to him during their conversation. He was intrigued with the up-front client education and ability to address all aspects of retirement, wealth preservation and risk management within a single financial framework. After considerable due-diligence on his part, including meeting with current franchisees, Gentry signed on as a franchisee himself.

Something Interesting About Gentry’s Story…
Gentry and his wife, Angela are happily married and have three children: Lydia, Michelle, and Matthew. As a family, the Gentrys like to camp and fish. David’s daughters, Lydia and Michelle, are very involved in dance and Matthew loves to play all sports.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Randy Deaton

2010-05-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
May 11-13, 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Historic Peterson-Dumesnil House
301 South Peterson Avenue
Louisville, KY

Reservations Required
502-897-0021 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Randy Deaton

Office Open Since: September 2009

Location: 119 South Sherrin Ave., Suite 110
Louisville, KY 40207

Phone: 502-897-0027

How Deaton Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Randy Deaton graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Finance. While working at his new commercial banking career in 1989, Randy simultaneously pursued and obtained a MBA degree from the University of Dayton. For 14 years, Randy worked in commercial banking but always had an entrepreneurial spirit. So in 2003 he traded in his banking “hat” to pursue his dream of assisting individuals in his community with their financial needs. It was during this time that Randy discovered most of the clients he worked with were unprepared for retirement. If he could partner with a premier organization that specialized in retirement and estate planning he would be able to maximize the benefits he could provide his clients.

How Deaton Discovered APG…
Randy was intrigued by the American Prosperity Group concept because as he says: “There is no other franchise out there like it. It’s the only retirement and estate planning franchise in the country!” When Randy met Mark Charnet, the founder of American Prosperity Group, he was introduced to the Trinity Method of Investing. The Trinity Method is an APG copyrighted investment discipline specifically designed to achieve every retiree’s goals of income for life, liquidity, safety of principal, growth and tax advantages. Excited about this innovative method of investing, Randy knew that if he combined his financial skills with the experience and expertise of APG’s national organization, his clients would benefit greatly.

Experience has shown Randy that there are pros and cons to working within financial corporations. While the product offerings of a corporation can be beneficial to clients, in many cases it may not have the ideal answer for a particular customer’s situation. “As we all know, sometimes a square peg is not best for a round hole,” he says, “I certainly found that to be limiting in my banking career. The beauty of APG is that we aren’t limited to providing one particular set of company products. We literally represent dozens of quality companies and are constantly searching the market for the best products to meet our customer’s needs. I like the flexibility this provides in maximizing my clients retirement dreams.”

Something Interesting About Deaton’s Story…
Randy was born 100 miles up the road in Cincinnati but he’s lived in the Cherokee Triangle area of the Highlands for over 15 years. “I love Louisville,” says Randy, “its accessibility combined with its unique restaurants and wonderful art scene makes this an ideal place to call home.” Randy has volunteered his time to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Brooklawn Child and Family Services. He is also the local Chapter President of the Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA), a non-profit organization chartered ‘to end financial illiteracy one community at a time’.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Dawn Sarnoski

2010-05-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
May 11-13, 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances

(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location: Sunrise Senior Living
195 Old Tappan Road
Old Tappan, NJ

Reservations Required:
201-768-7007 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Dawn Sarnoski

Office Open Since: August 2006

Location: 162 Closter Dock Road, Suite 12
Closter, NJ 07624

Phone: 201-768-7007

How Sarnoski Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Dawn Sarnoski holds a BS in Accounting from Seton Hall University's W. Paul Stillman School of Business and has nearly 15 years experience in corporate accounting. After a long stretch in the insurance field, Sarnoski became APG’s second franchisee in August of 2006.

How Sarnoski Discovered APG…
As a client of founder/CEO Mark Charnet, Sarnoski had seen firsthand the effectiveness of Charnet’s retirement and estate planning model. Once the APG franchise was launched, her desire – like Mark’s - to change people’s lives financially caused her to immediately jump on board. Sarnoski is passionate about helping people, and APG gives her the ability to make big changes in the financial situations of her clients. She is driven every day by working with all types of clients, no matter their net worth, to secure a better financial future. “The people that need the most help are most often not the people with the most money”, she says.

Something Interesting About Sarnoski’s Story…
Sarnoski is a member of the Westwood Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Cresskill-Demarest Rotary Club, and the Chairperson for the Rotary District 7490 Alliance for Smiles committee. Her brother, Bill Romeo, is also an American Prosperity Group franchisee.

American Prosperity Group Free Educational Workshops (Hillsborough, NJ)

2010-05-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
May 11-13, 2010

Day 1: Looking over Long Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Emphasizing Estate Planning
Day 3: Attributes of Annuities

(1-3:00 PM or 7-9:00 PM)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Kevin Lynch

Office Open Since: April 2008

Location: 284 US Route 206, Bldg D
Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Phone: 908-904-4100

How Lynch Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Kevin Lynch graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in Economics. Before joining APG, Lynch was a senior executive in the telecommunications industry and played a critical role in the restoration of telecom services to lower Manhattan after the 9/11 disaster. He was a vital part of the telecommunications industry for 18 years, after which he decided to pursue another avenue of interest. He opened his own real estate investment company called Con-Lyn in 2004 with two other partners. In October of 2007, Lynch decided he wanted to embark upon a different business endeavor – one that would offer more of a balance between his work and family life. Given his passion for education and the number of baby boomers retiring, Kevin sensed a real opportunity to assist people with their retirement income and estate planning needs.

How Lynch Discovered APG…
Lynch examined various options that would allow him to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them understand how to make good financial decisions. Kevin quickly noticed there were not many companies focused on retirees and their income & estate planning needs, but still wanted to realize his entrepreneurial potential and so did not give up his search. While reading the Wall Street Journal, Lynch discovered APG and decided to become a franchisee in the spring of 2008. His main goal is to create a financial plan for his clientele that ensures their money’s safety and sustainability throughout their lifetime. Lynch especially likes holding educational investing workshops in his community, which his wife Terry assists him with every other month.

Something Interesting About Lynch’s Story…
In his free time Lynch enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family, and also loves coaching basketball. In September 2009 he was awarded his Board Certification in Estate Planning (BCE). Kevin is also the President of the Somerset County Chapter for the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA), a 501c3 nonprofit educational speaker’s bureau, which is committed and dedicated to combating financial illiteracy. In this role, Lynch donates his time by speaking to companies, churches, synagogues and community groups on various topics on financial education and planning.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Holly Sikora

2010-05-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
May 11-13, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
141 S Black Horse Pike #101
Blackwood, NJ 08012 US

Reservations Required:
Call 856-637-2003 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Holly Sikora

Office Open Since: April 2009

Location: Blackwood, NJ

Phone: 856-637-2003

How Sikora Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Holly Sikora has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, corporate finance and financial services. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business, and is a Certified Annuity Specialist. While working in the public accounting field Sikora decided she wanted to become more knowledgeable about personal finance, a subject she has always been interested in, so she began attending The American College. While studying at The American College, Sikora’s interest in personal finance increased and she left the corporate accounting industry to become an APG franchisee in April 2009. She continues her studies, as part of her post graduate work, to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

How Sikora Discovered APG…
Sikora was initially attracted to the proven franchising model of American Prosperity Group. APG had the solid foundation that she was looking for, as well as a mentor (Mark Charnet) who would impart to her his expertise on educating others on how to NOT outlive their money, but rather preserve, protect and perpetuate what they have worked so hard to acquire over the years.

Something Interesting About Sikora’s Story…
Holly is married to Chuck Sikora, who is also a part of the American Prosperity Group family as Holly’s office manager. Holly has two children: Anthony (14) and Perry (11).

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Stew Jaffe

2010-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
May 4, 5, & 6 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
The Historic Arrandale Manor House (circa 1810)
130 Arrandale Boulevard
Exton, PA

Reservations Required:
Call 484-879-6104 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Stew Jaffe

Office Open Since: February 2006

APG Franchisee Since: September 2009

Location: Exton, PA

Phone: 610-620-5360

How Jaffe Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Stew Jaffe graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Upon graduating, he went to work for two years in his field of study and then returned to school at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania to earn his MBA with a concentration in Finance. With the goal of combining both of his degrees to establish a career, Jaffe worked for ten years for a large diversified manufacturing company in corporate development in the medical device area. After ten years, Jaffe relocated from New Jersey to Pennsylvania with a smaller company still in the medical device business, but switched from marketing to operations. Just this year, Jaffe decided that the best career path for him was the one where he could own his own business.

How Jaffe Discovered APG…
Since Jaffe had a background in finance and an interest in it, he decided to pursue business opportunities that would allow him to use his skills in finance, which brought him to American Prosperity Group. Jaffe chose to become a franchisee with APG because he saw the value that APG brings to its clients and the opportunity to be involved in a business that would provide a great service and social benefit.

Something Interesting About Jaffe’s Story…
Jaffe has been married for 22 years to his wife, Patty. They have three sons, Matt (19), Tim (16) and Sam (13). In his free time, Jaffe enjoys sports including basketball, skiing and golf.

American Prosperity Group was recently featured in The Intelligencer!

2010-04-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

Lesson learned?

By: Crissa Shoemaker DeBree
The Intelligencer

With the stock market rebounding from the recession, it remains to be seen how investors will respond.

It's been nearly two years since the stock market crashed, decimating many Americans' retirement savings and prolonging the country's economic recession.

In that time, the Dow Jones - which slipped more than 22 percent between Oct. 1 and Oct. 10, 2008 - has once again reached 11,000, and most economists are proclaiming the recession has ended.

But whether or not Americans have learned their lessons about investing and credit remains to be seen.

"I'm not so certain how well we've learned our lesson," said Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors in Northampton. "There seems to be a continuing belief that anything is possible, and there are no prices to pay for that. "To a large extent, the average investor is a lot more cautious," he added. "But I don't believe we fully learned the lesson, that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is."

Mark Charnet believes people have learned a lesson from the stock market turmoil, if only about how to mitigate their investment risks. Charnet is CEO of American Prosperity Group, a financial services franchise that often recommends investment in variable annuities, an insurance product that guarantees a lifelong income.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Jim Terrill

2010-04-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
April 27, 28, & 29, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Maximizing Retirement Income & Protecting Your Money

Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm

Location:
Cary American Legion
8523 Chapel Hill Road
Cary, NC

Reservations Required
919-461-9998 (24 hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Jim Terrill

Office Open Since: January 2009

Location: 200 Pinner Weald Way, Suite 101
Cary, NC 27513

Phone: 919-461-9998

How Terrill Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Jim Terrill graduated from the University of Maryland and holds a B.S. degree in Finance. However, finance wasn’t a major that Terrill had stumbled into - his passion stemmed from his childhood, when his father had sparked his interest in stock market analysis and examining the viability of companies. In the late 80s, Jim became involved in investment advising - helping people manage their money and prepare for retirement. In 2004 Terrill moved to North Carolina to be closer to his grandchildren, and although he had been prepared for retirement Terrill was intrigued by APG’s model – which helps people protect their assets even in a down market. Now, with more than 20 years of experience, Jim helps families develop plans that are safe, liquid, offer growth and provide income and tax benefits.

How Terrill Discovered APG…
After the stock market demises of 2000 & 2001, Terrill thought there had to be a better way of investing. In 2002, he discovered annuities that provided riders, or extra benefits that customized the annuity to the individual client, and started using them whenever he had clients who were approaching retirement. In 2004 Jim retired and moved to North Carolina. He was turned off by those in the industry who used the old technology model - which didn’t protect people’s assets in a down market. In 2008, he discovered American Prosperity Group and its investment model, which if followed was safer and more secure than what anyone else was doing in the industry. Terrill liked the investing methodology as well as Founder/CEO Mark Charnet’s leadership skills so he decided to become an APG franchisee in late 2008.

Something Interesting About Terrill’s Story…
Jim resides with his wife of 42 years, Sandi, in Apex, NC. They have lived in the area for five years and are involved with their church, the Cary American Legion, and Devil’s Ridge Golf Club. He is also President of the Southwest Raleigh Chapter of the Society for Financial Awareness(SOFA) and a Budget Counselor at the Crown Ministries.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Bill Romeo

2010-04-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
April 20, 21, & 22, 2010

Day 1: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 2: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Matthews Womens Club
208 S Trade St
Matthews, NC 28105 US

Reservations Required
704.708.5001 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Bill Romeo

Office Open Since: February 2006

Location: 1320 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Suite 101
Matthews, NC 28105

Phone: 704-708-5001

How Bill Romeo Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group’s first franchisee, Bill Romeo, graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1991, and earned his Master’s Degree in 1994 from New Jersey’s Science and Technology University. In 1996, after finishing his education, Bill moved to Charlotte for a change from the hectic pace of the Northeast and to live in a place better suited to raise a family in. Groomed first as a Risk Management Professional for local manufacturing facilities and then rising to a Corporate/Global Risk Management Position, Bill eventually decided he wanted to own a business and begin a career path in retirement and estate planning. Maria, Bill’s wife, complements the practice with a degree in Gerontology and over 17 years of experience working in long-term care. Together, they are well respected throughout the Matthews community and are a powerful resource for anyone planning their retirement, estate or elder care needs.

How Has APG Helped Its Local Community with Their Retirement and Estate Planning Needs?
In October of 2008, when the stock market fell 40-50%, Bill was expecting his phone to ring off the hook with concerned clients. To his surprise, the phone didn’t ring once. Wanting to make sure that his clients were ok, he began calling them individually. Every one of his clients responded in much the same way, praising the Trinity Method of Investing that maximized their income while it preserved, protected and perpetuated their assets. Bill was delighted to hear the confidence in their voices. They described their decision to have American Prosperity Group manage their retirement portfolios as “Peace of Mind”.

What’s the Benefit of Hosting Community Workshops?
People continually tell Bill that they thought they had a good retirement plan until they came to his workshop. American Prosperity Group offers valuable information and planning techniques that most may have never heard before. Attendees are often surprised at how many other options exist for their retirement savings plans.

Something Interesting About Bill Romeo’s Story…
Bill and his wife Maria volunteer their time and talents to local non-profit organizations such as the Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte, Christ Our Shepherd Ministries, Matthews Woman’s Club Service League, Harrisburg Cub Scout Pack & Boy Scout Troop 173 and St. John Neumann Church where they participate in many community outreach ministries with their two young children. Both are also heavily involved with the Matthews Chamber of Commerce and various elder care organizations throughout Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties. Recently, Bill became the President of the local non-profit group SOFA (Society of Financial Awareness), whose main mission is to eliminate financial illiteracy through free, voluntary educational seminars at local businesses and organizations.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Jeff Beyer

2010-04-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
April 12, 13 & 14, 2010

Day 1 (April 12th): Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2 (April 13th): Examining Estate Planning & Estate Taxation
Day 3 (April 14th): Maximizing Retirement Income & Protecting Your Money

Location:
Historic Village Library of Wrightstown
727 Penns Park Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Reservation Number: 215-888-5599

Contact: Jeff Beyer
Email: jeffbeyer@1apg.com

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Jeff Beyer

Office Open Since: October 2009

Location: Washington Crossing, PA

Phone: 215-888-5599

How Beyer Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Jeff Beyer attended Wake Forest University and graduated with a B.S. in Business. He moved from Winston Salem, NC to Philadelphia, PA to take his first job at First Union Bank where he specialized in working with middle market-sized companies on large debt deals. After two and a half years there, Beyer joined on with Silicon Valley Bank and worked with technology, biotechnology and life science companies to do follow up funding for these start up firms. He then went to work for Merrill Lynch to work once again with companies on big budget deals. After a brief stint at a venture debt fund, Beyer made the transition out of the corporate world and into independent business.

How Beyer Discovered APG…
Beyer became interested in a franchise opportunity because it afforded him the luxury of owning his own business while being close to his family. Beyer initially discovered APG by a franchise broker, but was sold on APG once he met with Mark Charnet and learned his entrepreneurial story about himself and about growing the company. He discovered how successful Charnet had become by following his own methods and how successful the other franchisees had become as well.

Something Interesting About Beyer’s Story…
Beyer is married to his wife, Beth and they have three children: Jay (5), Brennan (3) and Gabriel (4 mos). Beyer enjoys spending time with his family and being involved with his son’s co-op nursery school and soccer team.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Timmick

2010-03-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
March 23, 24, & 25, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care
Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and
Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and
Retirement Finances

(Choose either 1-3:30pm OR 7-9:30pm)

Location: Historic Oakland Manor
Columbia Town Center
5430 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044

Reservations Required
410-740-1300 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Mark Timmick

Office Open Since: April 2008

Location: 5010 Dorsey Hall Drive, Suite 102
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Phone: 410-740-1300

How Timmick Got Started With APG…
Immediately after high school, American Prosperity Group franchisee Mark Timmick joined the Army as a military police officer. After his stint in the Army, he attended the University of Maryland and earned a degree in Information Systems Management. His first job out of college was at Marriott Hotels in their corporate headquarters in Bethesda, MD, where he worked in their finance and accounting group designing software systems for hotel operations. After six years with Marriott, he began working with Fannie May in their IT department as the Director of Systems Development. Then, he went to work for another financial company, T. Rowe Price, as the Vice President of Systems Development and he was responsible for the personnel that handled their customer service system and retirement planning system. At T. Rowe Price, Timmick was introduced to retirement planning, as he was a key player in helping them implement their retirement income manager system, which helps people transition into retirement.

Driven to own his own business, Timmick moved out of the corporate world and started his own IT consulting company in the summer of 2000 where he helped financial service companies build various software products. In 2005, he sold this business, started two private investment funds and became an investment advisor. In 2008, he joined APG, looking to leverage his experience managing people’s investments with Founder/CEO Mark Charnet’s proven investment model.

How Timmick Discovered APG…
Timmick was drawn to APG’s marketing model as well as its investing methodology. American Prosperity Group helped him build a solid client base by offering people unique opportunities to learn about APG before becoming clients like the educational investing workshops and no upfront costs and no obligation. This method offers Timmick the opportunity to talk with people with no pressure. During his work experience, he saw a large need for people who needed advice on how to transition into retirement, thus deciding APG was the perfect fit for his next business venture.

Something Interesting About Timmick’s Story…
Timmick has been married to his wife Gail for 14 years, and together, they have three children, Lauren (21), Quinn (20) and Brian (13). Timmick runs a tennis program in his community to gather tennis enthusiasts together and play matches.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: David Gentry

2010-03-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

March 23, 24 & 25, 2010
Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning andEstate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
The Wellesley Clubhouse
3601 Lauderdale Drive
Richmond, VA

Reservations Required:
Call 804-912-2934 (24hrs)
DavidGentry@1APG.com

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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David Gentry

Office Open Since: February 2006

APG Franchisee Since: January 2010

Location: Richmond, VA

Phone: 804-912-2934

How Gentry Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee David Gentry joined the APG team in 2009 and his office in Richmond is already hopping with activity. Gentry attended Georgia State University and received a degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. He started working in public accounting straight out of college and became certified as a CPA. Over his 27-year career, Gentry gained valuable experience in public accounting and became a key corporate player for Circuit City as the division controller of the west coast and also in operations in the southern division. From there he segued into a strategic planning role, where he assisted in new store development, market area sales projections and economic analysis. After more than 12 years with Circuit City, Gentry took a position running the global finance costing group at Capital One Financial Services, Inc. - playing a key role in developing the enterprise-wide costing philosophy. He later transitioned into a position supporting Capital One’s corporate infrastructure. Eventually, David decided to pursue other career opportunities - which led him to American Prosperity Group.

How Gentry Discovered APG…
While networking and researching job opportunities, Gentry repeatedly heard that he needed to consider franchising. He had been interested in opening a consulting firm in order to fully utilize his finance skills, and thought this good advice. Initially he was skeptical about finding work in financial planning - having had some bad experiences with financial advisors - but Gentry watched the APG introduction video and found he had more interest than he thought he would have in the concept. He set up an initial conversation with Mark Charnet, who urged David to include his wife Angela in the discussion as well. Gentry was impressed with what Mark presented to him during their conversation. He was intrigued with the up-front client education and ability to address all aspects of retirement, wealth preservation and risk management within a single financial framework. After considerable due-diligence on his part, including meeting with current franchisees, Gentry signed on as a franchisee himself.

Something Interesting About Gentry’s Story…
Gentry and his wife, Angela are happily married and have three children: Lydia, Michelle, and Matthew. As a family, the Gentrys like to camp and fish. David’s daughters, Lydia and Michelle, are very involved in dance and Matthew loves to play all sports.

American Prosperity Group was recently featured in Wayne Today!

2010-03-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

American Prosperity Group of Wayne supports Haiti relief efforts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wayne Today

WAYNE - The United States has come together in full support of the recent deadly earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. With tens of thousands deceased, thousands injured, homes destroyed and people left without their family and friends, this is a time for everyone to join efforts and lend a helping hand. Communities, businesses and the government are all trying to show their support through different philanthropic efforts. Mark Charnet, CEO and founder of American Prosperity Group, a Wayne-based national retirement and estate planning franchise, has found his own way of giving back to the much-needed disaster relief in Haiti.

"We are passionate about doing our part to help support our neighbors in Haiti through the aftermath of the terrible catastrophe that has devastated its people," said Charnet.

Charnet has donated a massive 1,600 sq. ft. tent to disaster relief efforts in Haiti. The tent had been used for various corporate functions at APG headquarters, and according to the AYFA Foundation, through which APG made the donation; it will now be used as a medical facility to treat the needs of those displaced in Haiti. (Read More)

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Holly Sikora

2010-03-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
February 16, 17 & 18, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
141 S Black Horse Pike #101
Blackwood, NJ 08012 US

Reservations Required:
Call 856-637-2003 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Holly Sikora

Office Open Since: April 2009

Location: Blackwood, NJ

Phone: 856-637-2003

How Sikora Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Holly Sikora has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, corporate finance and financial services. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business, and is a Certified Annuity Specialist. While working in the public accounting field Sikora decided she wanted to become more knowledgeable about personal finance, a subject she has always been interested in, so she began attending The American College. While studying at The American College, Sikora’s interest in personal finance increased and she left the corporate accounting industry to become an APG franchisee in April 2009. She continues her studies, as part of her post graduate work, to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

How Sikora Discovered APG…
Sikora was initially attracted to the proven franchising model of American Prosperity Group. APG had the solid foundation that she was looking for, as well as a mentor (Mark Charnet) who would impart to her his expertise on educating others on how to NOT outlive their money, but rather preserve, protect and perpetuate what they have worked so hard to acquire over the years.

Something Interesting About Sikora’s Story…
Holly is married to Chuck Sikora, who is also a part of the American Prosperity Group family as Holly’s office manager. Holly has two children: Anthony (14) and Perry (11).

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Randy Deaton

2010-03-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
March 16, 17 & 18, 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Historic Peterson-Dumesnil House
301 South Peterson Avenue
Louisville, KY

Reservations Required
502-897-0021 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Randy Deaton

Office Open Since: September 2009

Location: 119 South Sherrin Ave., Suite 110
Louisville, KY 40207

Phone: 502-897-0027

How Deaton Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Randy Deaton graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Finance. While working at his new commercial banking career in 1989, Randy simultaneously pursued and obtained a MBA degree from the University of Dayton. For 14 years, Randy worked in commercial banking but always had an entrepreneurial spirit. So in 2003 he traded in his banking “hat” to pursue his dream of assisting individuals in his community with their financial needs. It was during this time that Randy discovered most of the clients he worked with were unprepared for retirement. If he could partner with a premier organization that specialized in retirement and estate planning he would be able to maximize the benefits he could provide his clients.

How Deaton Discovered APG…
Randy was intrigued by the American Prosperity Group concept because as he says: “There is no other franchise out there like it. It’s the only retirement and estate planning franchise in the country!” When Randy met Mark Charnet, the founder of American Prosperity Group, he was introduced to the Trinity Method of Investing. The Trinity Method is an APG copyrighted investment discipline specifically designed to achieve every retiree’s goals of income for life, liquidity, safety of principal, growth and tax advantages. Excited about this innovative method of investing, Randy knew that if he combined his financial skills with the experience and expertise of APG’s national organization, his clients would benefit greatly.

Experience has shown Randy that there are pros and cons to working within financial corporations. While the product offerings of a corporation can be beneficial to clients, in many cases it may not have the ideal answer for a particular customer’s situation. “As we all know, sometimes a square peg is not best for a round hole,” he says, “I certainly found that to be limiting in my banking career. The beauty of APG is that we aren’t limited to providing one particular set of company products. We literally represent dozens of quality companies and are constantly searching the market for the best products to meet our customer’s needs. I like the flexibility this provides in maximizing my clients retirement dreams.”

Something Interesting About Deaton’s Story…
Randy was born 100 miles up the road in Cincinnati but he’s lived in the Cherokee Triangle area of the Highlands for over 15 years. “I love Louisville,” says Randy, “its accessibility combined with its unique restaurants and wonderful art scene makes this an ideal place to call home.” Randy has volunteered his time to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Brooklawn Child and Family Services. He is also the local Chapter President of the Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA), a non-profit organization chartered ‘to end financial illiteracy one community at a time’.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: David Gentry

2010-03-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

March 16, 17 & 18, 2010
Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning andEstate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
The Wellesley Clubhouse
3601 Lauderdale Drive
Richmond, VA

Reservations Required:
Call 804-912-2934 (24hrs)
DavidGentry@1APG.com

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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David Gentry

Office Open Since: February 2006

APG Franchisee Since: January 2010

Location: Richmond, VA

Phone: 804-912-2934

How Gentry Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee David Gentry joined the APG team in 2009 and his office in Richmond is already hopping with activity. Gentry attended Georgia State University and received a degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. He started working in public accounting straight out of college and became certified as a CPA. Over his 27-year career, Gentry gained valuable experience in public accounting and became a key corporate player for Circuit City as the division controller of the west coast and also in operations in the southern division. From there he segued into a strategic planning role, where he assisted in new store development, market area sales projections and economic analysis. After more than 12 years with Circuit City, Gentry took a position running the global finance costing group at Capital One Financial Services, Inc. - playing a key role in developing the enterprise-wide costing philosophy. He later transitioned into a position supporting Capital One’s corporate infrastructure. Eventually, David decided to pursue other career opportunities - which led him to American Prosperity Group.

How Gentry Discovered APG…
While networking and researching job opportunities, Gentry repeatedly heard that he needed to consider franchising. He had been interested in opening a consulting firm in order to fully utilize his finance skills, and thought this good advice. Initially he was skeptical about finding work in financial planning - having had some bad experiences with financial advisors - but Gentry watched the APG introduction video and found he had more interest than he thought he would have in the concept. He set up an initial conversation with Mark Charnet, who urged David to include his wife Angela in the discussion as well. Gentry was impressed with what Mark presented to him during their conversation. He was intrigued with the up-front client education and ability to address all aspects of retirement, wealth preservation and risk management within a single financial framework. After considerable due-diligence on his part, including meeting with current franchisees, Gentry signed on as a franchisee himself.

Something Interesting About Gentry’s Story…
Gentry and his wife, Angela are happily married and have three children: Lydia, Michelle, and Matthew. As a family, the Gentrys like to camp and fish. David’s daughters, Lydia and Michelle, are very involved in dance and Matthew loves to play all sports.

American Prosperity Group Free Educational Workshops (Englewood, NJ)

2010-02-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

Ari Cohen

Office Open Since: April 2009

Location:
15 Engle Street, Suite 103,
Englewood, NJ 07631

Phone: 201‐567‐0460

How Cohen Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Ari Cohen graduated from Boston University with a degree in Psychology. Mr. Cohen’s interest in behavioral analysis and working with people individually led him to the financial services industry. Ari worked as an operations assistant at a start up asset management company and later gained experience in financial planning by working at some of the top investment firms in the country, including Washington Mutual and TD Ameritrade. While at Washington Mutual he received an award for high cross selling of banking products and was ranked number 11 in New York and 12th in a territory consisting of NY, NJ, IL, & CT for mutual fund sales. After gaining valuable financial planning experience at both Washington Mutual and TD Ameritrade, he decided to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship and opened his own business with APG in August 2008.

How Cohen Discovered APG…
Having realized he would not be able to achieve his professional goals in the way he had always hoped to accomplish in the corporate world, Ari searched for an opportunity that would offer him the flexibility and independence of owning of his own business along with the support and backing of a larger corporation. While reviewing a financial magazine, he read about American Prosperity Group and immediately called Mark Charnet to learn more about APG. Ari was impressed by Mark’s systematic approach to retirement and estate planning and decided to become a franchisee of American Prosperity Group in August of 2008.

Something Interesting About Cohen’s Story…
While attending Boston University, Ari began studying Ketsugo Ju‐Jitsu. He was so impressed with the system of combat developed by his Ketsugo Ju‐Jitsu instructor that he started the first Boston University Ketsugo Ju‐Jitsu Club, which was dedicated to providing its students with the tools to effectively physically defend themselves. Today, Ari has a full suit of traditional armor that serves as a symbol in his office of what American Prosperity Group stands for. He now shows his clients how to effectively defend themselves from those financial forces that could financially harm their families. He has started a business to business networking group underneath LETIP international whose purpose is to enhance the businesses of its respective members. Ari is the Englewood ChapterPresident of the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA), which is a 501C3 non‐profit whose sole mission is to end financial illiteracy in the community. He is also on the Alliance for Smiles committee through the Rotary club. Ari’s goal is to positively affect the lives of those he comes in contact with.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
March 9-11, 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances

Reservation Number: 201-567-0460

Contact: Ari Cohen
Email: aricohen@1apg.com
Location: American Prosperity Group, 15 Engle Street, Suite 103, Englewood, NJ

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Free Educational Workshops (Santa Fe, NM)

2010-02-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

Peter Murphy

Office Open Since: January 2009

Location: 524 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone: 505-216-0838

How Murphy Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Peter Murphy earned a degree in Mathematics from Wesleyan University, CT. After teaching high school mathematics for a year, Murphy joined the Navy and was commissioned as a Naval Officer subsequent to completing Aviation Officer Candidate School. Highlights of Murphy’s military career include commanding a squadron of F/A-18s, and commanding the helicopter carrier USS TARAWA. While in the Navy he earned a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. It was here that he was awarded the honor of Distinguished Graduate. Murphy also served two tours at the Pentagon - one as a financial budget analyst for the Navy and the other as Deputy Executive Officer for Naval Aviation and Tactical Systems representing the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In this role Murphy managed all tactical, electronic attack and trainer aircraft programs and made it possible for the Defense Department to effectively manage over $500 billion in current and future year Defense Plan budgets. Murphy retired with the rank of Captain following a successful 27-year career in the Navy.

How Murphy Discovered APG…
Murphy sought to experience other challenges beyond the military. At the beginning of his last Pentagon tour, Murphy and his wife Lisa began searching for a business which would allow them to work together and benefit the community while doing so. They ultimately selected American Prosperity Group. Murphy loves the teaching component of what American Prosperity Group offers. APG’s complementary retirement and estate planning workshops, offered to the public through three integrated training sessions, allow Murphy to use his prior teaching, presenting and financial experiences to bring much needed fiscal education to the Santa Fe community. Murphy opened his APG location in January 2009.

How Murphy Has Benefited the Santa Fe Community…
Murphy has helped many individuals with their retirement and estate planning needs in the Santa Fe community, and what he continually finds is that most people are unaware of the opportunities that exist for them. One example of this is a client who didn’t realize she was eligible for her ex-husband’s social security benefits or that she was eligible for Medicare. This realization saved her hundreds of dollars per month. Another client didn’t fully understand her available retirement options in a government job offer. Murphy educated her in the fact that as a prior civil employee she would almost double her government retirement pension by building on her defined benefit plan and contributing to her deferred compensation plan over a five year period. She immediately took the job! Another client, who is a realtor, decided to invest in a variable annuity based on the insurance company’s “guarantee” against loss and Peter’s advice. Based on this decision, his account grew over 35% last year. If not for this investment, he would have earned little on these funds - which were in a money market account.

Something Interesting About Murphy’s Story…
Murphy has been married to his wife Lisa for 10 years. He is the president of the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA) New Mexico Chapter, a non-profit Educational Speakers Bureau; president of BNI’s Santa Fe Networking Leaders Chapter, a business networking group for the local business community; and president of the Santa Fe Sunrise Toastmasters International Club, where he was nominated to become a Toastmaster International Area 11 Governor beginning this summer. His most recent extracurricular activity has been becoming an instructor of “Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement” at the Sante Fe Community College, where he will teach this year.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
March 9-11, 2010

Day 1: Examining Estate Planning
Day 2: Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities

Reservation Number: 505-216-0838

Contact: Peter Murphy
Email: petermurphy@1apg.com
Location: 524 Don Gaspar Ave,Santa Fe, NM 87505

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Kevin Lynch

2010-02-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
March 9-11, 2010

Day 1: Looking over Long Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Emphasizing Estate Planning
Day 3: Attributes of Annuities

(1-3:00 PM or 7-9:00 PM)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Kevin Lynch

Office Open Since: April 2008

Location: 284 US Route 206, Bldg D
Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Phone: 908-904-4100

How Lynch Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Kevin Lynch graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in Economics. Before joining APG, Lynch was a senior executive in the telecommunications industry and played a critical role in the restoration of telecom services to lower Manhattan after the 9/11 disaster. He was a vital part of the telecommunications industry for 18 years, after which he decided to pursue another avenue of interest. He opened his own real estate investment company called Con-Lyn in 2004 with two other partners. In October of 2007, Lynch decided he wanted to embark upon a different business endeavor – one that would offer more of a balance between his work and family life. Given his passion for education and the number of baby boomers retiring, Kevin sensed a real opportunity to assist people with their retirement income and estate planning needs.

How Lynch Discovered APG…
Lynch examined various options that would allow him to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them understand how to make good financial decisions. Kevin quickly noticed there were not many companies focused on retirees and their income & estate planning needs, but still wanted to realize his entrepreneurial potential and so did not give up his search. While reading the Wall Street Journal, Lynch discovered APG and decided to become a franchisee in the spring of 2008. His main goal is to create a financial plan for his clientele that ensures their money’s safety and sustainability throughout their lifetime. Lynch especially likes holding educational investing workshops in his community, which his wife Terry assists him with every other month.

Something Interesting About Lynch’s Story…
In his free time Lynch enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family, and also loves coaching basketball. In September 2009 he was awarded his Board Certification in Estate Planning (BCE). Kevin is also the President of the Somerset County Chapter for the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA), a 501c3 nonprofit educational speaker’s bureau, which is committed and dedicated to combating financial illiteracy. In this role, Lynch donates his time by speaking to companies, churches, synagogues and community groups on various topics on financial education and planning.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Charnet

2010-02-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
March 1-3, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities & The Trinity Method of Investing©

(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
APG CORPORATE OFFICES
Sunny Knolls Estate
3 Sunny Knolls Court
Wayne, NJ

Reservations Required
973-831-4424 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn

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Mark Charnet

Location: APG CORPORATE OFFICES
Sunny Knolls Estate
3 Sunny Knolls Court
Wayne, NJ

Phone: 973-831-4424

AMERICAN PROSPERITY GROUP (APG) was founded by Mark Charnet, a leading Retirement & Estate planning expert and visionary entrepreneur, who has more than 29 years of experience in the Retirement & Estate Planning field. Mr. Charnet is a Certified Annuity Specialist, a Registered Investment Companies & Variable Contracts Principal, an Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction for BCG Securities, Inc. and a Member of The Society of Financial Service Professionals.

A number of years ago, Mark observed that employers were beginning to shift more and more responsibility for employee health care, retirement funding and other critical benefits onto employees themselves.

He also discovered that many people who have accumulated wealth or who were in the process of doing so, did not know how to maximize their retirement income while preserving, protecting and perpetuating their wealth to succeeding generations, especially from the eroding forces of taxation.

Finally, Mark recognized that there was very little real help for people in the above situations. They were often overwhelmed with conflicting advice from various types of professionals, confused by what they heard and paralyzed into inaction or worse, implementing ill-conceived financial plans.

As a result, Mark founded American Prosperity Group, also known as APG. APG is a creative and innovative financial planning company that focuses foremost on client needs. We are fully trained Retirement and Estate Planning Specialists – not stockbrokers. We build relationships based on trust; provide outstanding retirement and estate planning services, while offering strategies, techniques and a diversified range of superb financial products from leading companies and we never charge consultation fees. APG is truly a special company.

Due to the continuing growth in the financial planning profession, we are expanding our operations and we enthusiastically invite you to join us as an … American Prosperity Group franchise owner!

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Jim Terrill

2010-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
March 2, 3, & 4, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Maximizing Retirement Income & Protecting Your Money

Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm

Location:
PEAK United Methodist Church
(In the former Peace Episcopal Church)
1200 N Salem Street
Apex, NC 27502

Reservations Required
919-461-9998 (24 hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Jim Terrill

Office Open Since: January 2009

Location: 200 Pinner Weald Way, Suite 101
Cary, NC 27513

Phone: 919-461-9998

How Terrill Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Jim Terrill graduated from the University of Maryland and holds a B.S. degree in Finance. However, finance wasn’t a major that Terrill had stumbled into - his passion stemmed from his childhood, when his father had sparked his interest in stock market analysis and examining the viability of companies. In the late 80s, Jim became involved in investment advising - helping people manage their money and prepare for retirement. In 2004 Terrill moved to North Carolina to be closer to his grandchildren, and although he had been prepared for retirement Terrill was intrigued by APG’s model – which helps people protect their assets even in a down market. Now, with more than 20 years of experience, Jim helps families develop plans that are safe, liquid, offer growth and provide income and tax benefits.

How Terrill Discovered APG…
After the stock market demises of 2000 & 2001, Terrill thought there had to be a better way of investing. In 2002, he discovered annuities that provided riders, or extra benefits that customized the annuity to the individual client, and started using them whenever he had clients who were approaching retirement. In 2004 Jim retired and moved to North Carolina. He was turned off by those in the industry who used the old technology model - which didn’t protect people’s assets in a down market. In 2008, he discovered American Prosperity Group and its investment model, which if followed was safer and more secure than what anyone else was doing in the industry. Terrill liked the investing methodology as well as Founder/CEO Mark Charnet’s leadership skills so he decided to become an APG franchisee in late 2008.

Something Interesting About Terrill’s Story…
Jim resides with his wife of 42 years, Sandi, in Apex, NC. They have lived in the area for five years and are involved with their church, the Cary American Legion, and Devil’s Ridge Golf Club. He is also President of the Southwest Raleigh Chapter of the Society for Financial Awareness(SOFA) and a Budget Counselor at the Crown Ministries.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: David Gentry

2010-02-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

David Gentry

Office Open Since: February 2006

APG Franchisee Since: January 2010

Location: Richmond, VA

Phone: 804-912-2934

How Gentry Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee David Gentry joined the APG team in 2009 and his office in Richmond is already hopping with activity. Gentry attended Georgia State University and received a degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. He started working in public accounting straight out of college and became certified as a CPA. Over his 27-year career, Gentry gained valuable experience in public accounting and became a key corporate player for Circuit City as the division controller of the west coast and also in operations in the southern division. From there he segued into a strategic planning role, where he assisted in new store development, market area sales projections and economic analysis. After more than 12 years with Circuit City, Gentry took a position running the global finance costing group at Capital One Financial Services, Inc. - playing a key role in developing the enterprise-wide costing philosophy. He later transitioned into a position supporting Capital One’s corporate infrastructure. Eventually, David decided to pursue other career opportunities - which led him to American Prosperity Group.

How Gentry Discovered APG…
While networking and researching job opportunities, Gentry repeatedly heard that he needed to consider franchising. He had been interested in opening a consulting firm in order to fully utilize his finance skills, and thought this good advice. Initially he was skeptical about finding work in financial planning - having had some bad experiences with financial advisors - but Gentry watched the APG introduction video and found he had more interest than he thought he would have in the concept. He set up an initial conversation with Mark Charnet, who urged David to include his wife Angela in the discussion as well. Gentry was impressed with what Mark presented to him during their conversation. He was intrigued with the up-front client education and ability to address all aspects of retirement, wealth preservation and risk management within a single financial framework. After considerable due-diligence on his part, including meeting with current franchisees, Gentry signed on as a franchisee himself.

Something Interesting About Gentry’s Story…
Gentry and his wife, Angela are happily married and have three children: Lydia, Michelle, and Matthew. As a family, the Gentrys like to camp and fish. David’s daughters, Lydia and Michelle, are very involved in dance and Matthew loves to play all sports.

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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

February 23, 24 & 25, 2010
Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning andEstate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
The Wellesley Clubhouse
3601 Lauderdale Drive
Richmond, VA

Reservations Required:
Call 804-912-2934 (24hrs)
DavidGentry@1APG.com

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Stew Jaffe

2010-02-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Stew Jaffe

Office Open Since: February 2006

APG Franchisee Since: September 2009

Location: Exton, PA

Phone: 610-620-5360

How Jaffe Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Stew Jaffe graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Upon graduating, he went to work for two years in his field of study and then returned to school at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania to earn his MBA with a concentration in Finance. With the goal of combining both of his degrees to establish a career, Jaffe worked for ten years for a large diversified manufacturing company in corporate development in the medical device area. After ten years, Jaffe relocated from New Jersey to Pennsylvania with a smaller company still in the medical device business, but switched from marketing to operations. Just this year, Jaffe decided that the best career path for him was the one where he could own his own business.

How Jaffe Discovered APG…
Since Jaffe had a background in finance and an interest in it, he decided to pursue business opportunities that would allow him to use his skills in finance, which brought him to American Prosperity Group. Jaffe chose to become a franchisee with APG because he saw the value that APG brings to its clients and the opportunity to be involved in a business that would provide a great service and social benefit.

Something Interesting About Jaffe’s Story…
Jaffe has been married for 22 years to his wife, Patty. They have three sons, Matt (19), Tim (16) and Sam (13). In his free time, Jaffe enjoys sports including basketball, skiing and golf.

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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
February 23, 24 & 25, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
The Historic Arrandale Manor House (circa 1810)
130 Arrandale Boulevard
Exton, PA

Reservations Required:
Call 484-879-6104 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Timmick

2010-02-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 23, 24, & 25, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care
Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and
Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and
Retirement Finances

(Choose either 1-3:30pm OR 7-9:30pm)

Location: Historic Oakland Manor
Columbia Town Center
5430 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044

Reservations Required
410-740-1300 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Mark Timmick

Office Open Since: April 2008

Location: 5010 Dorsey Hall Drive, Suite 102
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Phone: 410-740-1300

How Timmick Got Started With APG…
Immediately after high school, American Prosperity Group franchisee Mark Timmick joined the Army as a military police officer. After his stint in the Army, he attended the University of Maryland and earned a degree in Information Systems Management. His first job out of college was at Marriott Hotels in their corporate headquarters in Bethesda, MD, where he worked in their finance and accounting group designing software systems for hotel operations. After six years with Marriott, he began working with Fannie May in their IT department as the Director of Systems Development. Then, he went to work for another financial company, T. Rowe Price, as the Vice President of Systems Development and he was responsible for the personnel that handled their customer service system and retirement planning system. At T. Rowe Price, Timmick was introduced to retirement planning, as he was a key player in helping them implement their retirement income manager system, which helps people transition into retirement.

Driven to own his own business, Timmick moved out of the corporate world and started his own IT consulting company in the summer of 2000 where he helped financial service companies build various software products. In 2005, he sold this business, started two private investment funds and became an investment advisor. In 2008, he joined APG, looking to leverage his experience managing people’s investments with Founder/CEO Mark Charnet’s proven investment model.

How Timmick Discovered APG…
Timmick was drawn to APG’s marketing model as well as its investing methodology. American Prosperity Group helped him build a solid client base by offering people unique opportunities to learn about APG before becoming clients like the educational investing workshops and no upfront costs and no obligation. This method offers Timmick the opportunity to talk with people with no pressure. During his work experience, he saw a large need for people who needed advice on how to transition into retirement, thus deciding APG was the perfect fit for his next business venture.

Something Interesting About Timmick’s Story…
Timmick has been married to his wife Gail for 14 years, and together, they have three children, Lauren (21), Quinn (20) and Brian (13). Timmick runs a tennis program in his community to gather tennis enthusiasts together and play matches.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Holly Sikora

2010-02-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

Holly Sikora

Office Open Since: April 2009

Location: Blackwood, NJ

Phone: 856-637-2003

How Sikora Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Holly Sikora has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, corporate finance and financial services. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business, and is a Certified Annuity Specialist. While working in the public accounting field Sikora decided she wanted to become more knowledgeable about personal finance, a subject she has always been interested in, so she began attending The American College. While studying at The American College, Sikora’s interest in personal finance increased and she left the corporate accounting industry to become an APG franchisee in April 2009. She continues her studies, as part of her post graduate work, to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

How Sikora Discovered APG…
Sikora was initially attracted to the proven franchising model of American Prosperity Group. APG had the solid foundation that she was looking for, as well as a mentor (Mark Charnet) who would impart to her his expertise on educating others on how to NOT outlive their money, but rather preserve, protect and perpetuate what they have worked so hard to acquire over the years.

Something Interesting About Sikora’s Story…
Holly is married to Chuck Sikora, who is also a part of the American Prosperity Group family as Holly’s office manager. Holly has two children: Anthony (14) and Perry (11).

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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
February 16, 17 & 18, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1:00-3:00pm OR 7:00-9:00pm)

Location:
141 S Black Horse Pike #101
Blackwood, NJ 08012 US

Reservations Required:
Call 856-637-2003 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group featured in the Bucks County Courier Times

2010-02-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

A New Jersey-based retirement and estate planning consulting business that is developing a franchise in Newtown Township will host free investing workshops on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

American Prosperity Group's services include comprehensive financial, insurance and tax planning plus consulting on issues like long-term care insurance, pension and profit sharing plans and college funding programs.

For more details, click here.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Jeff Beyer

2010-02-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
February 16, 17 & 18, 2010

Day 1 (Feb 16th): Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2 (Feb 17th): Examining Estate Planning & Estate Taxation
Day 3 (Feb 18th): Maximizing Retirement Income & Protecting Your Money

Location:
Historic Village Library of Wrightstown
727 Penns Park Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Reservation Number: 215-888-5599

Contact: Jeff Beyer
Email: jeffbeyer@1apg.com

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Jeff Beyer

Office Open Since: October 2009

Location: Washington Crossing, PA

Phone: 215-888-5599

How Beyer Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Jeff Beyer attended Wake Forest University and graduated with a B.S. in Business. He moved from Winston Salem, NC to Philadelphia, PA to take his first job at First Union Bank where he specialized in working with middle market-sized companies on large debt deals. After two and a half years there, Beyer joined on with Silicon Valley Bank and worked with technology, biotechnology and life science companies to do follow up funding for these start up firms. He then went to work for Merrill Lynch to work once again with companies on big budget deals. After a brief stint at a venture debt fund, Beyer made the transition out of the corporate world and into independent business.

How Beyer Discovered APG…
Beyer became interested in a franchise opportunity because it afforded him the luxury of owning his own business while being close to his family. Beyer initially discovered APG by a franchise broker, but was sold on APG once he met with Mark Charnet and learned his entrepreneurial story about himself and about growing the company. He discovered how successful Charnet had become by following his own methods and how successful the other franchisees had become as well.

Something Interesting About Beyer’s Story…
Beyer is married to his wife, Beth and they have three children: Jay (5), Brennan (3) and Gabriel (4 mos). Beyer enjoys spending time with his family and being involved with his son’s co-op nursery school and soccer team.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Randy Deaton

2010-02-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
February 16, 17 & 18, 2010

Day 1: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 2: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Historic Peterson-Dumesnil House
301 South Peterson Avenue
Louisville, KY

Reservations Required
502-897-0021 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Randy Deaton

Office Open Since: September 2009

Location: 119 South Sherrin Ave., Suite 110
Louisville, KY 40207

Phone: 502-897-0027

How Deaton Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Randy Deaton graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Finance. While working at his new commercial banking career in 1989, Randy simultaneously pursued and obtained a MBA degree from the University of Dayton. For 14 years, Randy worked in commercial banking but always had an entrepreneurial spirit. So in 2003 he traded in his banking “hat” to pursue his dream of assisting individuals in his community with their financial needs. It was during this time that Randy discovered most of the clients he worked with were unprepared for retirement. If he could partner with a premier organization that specialized in retirement and estate planning he would be able to maximize the benefits he could provide his clients.

How Deaton Discovered APG…
Randy was intrigued by the American Prosperity Group concept because as he says: “There is no other franchise out there like it. It’s the only retirement and estate planning franchise in the country!” When Randy met Mark Charnet, the founder of American Prosperity Group, he was introduced to the Trinity Method of Investing. The Trinity Method is an APG copyrighted investment discipline specifically designed to achieve every retiree’s goals of income for life, liquidity, safety of principal, growth and tax advantages. Excited about this innovative method of investing, Randy knew that if he combined his financial skills with the experience and expertise of APG’s national organization, his clients would benefit greatly.

Experience has shown Randy that there are pros and cons to working within financial corporations. While the product offerings of a corporation can be beneficial to clients, in many cases it may not have the ideal answer for a particular customer’s situation. “As we all know, sometimes a square peg is not best for a round hole,” he says, “I certainly found that to be limiting in my banking career. The beauty of APG is that we aren’t limited to providing one particular set of company products. We literally represent dozens of quality companies and are constantly searching the market for the best products to meet our customer’s needs. I like the flexibility this provides in maximizing my clients retirement dreams.”

Something Interesting About Deaton’s Story…
Randy was born 100 miles up the road in Cincinnati but he’s lived in the Cherokee Triangle area of the Highlands for over 15 years. “I love Louisville,” says Randy, “its accessibility combined with its unique restaurants and wonderful art scene makes this an ideal place to call home.” Randy has volunteered his time to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Brooklawn Child and Family Services. He is also the local Chapter President of the Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA), a non-profit organization chartered ‘to end financial illiteracy one community at a time’.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Bill Romeo

2010-01-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Bill Romeo

Office Open Since: February 2006

Location: 1320 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Suite 101
Matthews, NC 28105

Phone: 704-708-5001

How Bill Romeo Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group’s first franchisee, Bill Romeo, graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1991, and earned his Master’s Degree in 1994 from New Jersey’s Science and Technology University. In 1996, after finishing his education, Bill moved to Charlotte for a change from the hectic pace of the Northeast and to live in a place better suited to raise a family in. Groomed first as a Risk Management Professional for local manufacturing facilities and then rising to a Corporate/Global Risk Management Position, Bill eventually decided he wanted to own a business and begin a career path in retirement and estate planning. Maria, Bill’s wife, complements the practice with a degree in Gerontology and over 17 years of experience working in long-term care. Together, they are well respected throughout the Matthews community and are a powerful resource for anyone planning their retirement, estate or elder care needs.

How Has APG Helped Its Local Community with Their Retirement and Estate Planning Needs?
In October of 2008, when the stock market fell 40-50%, Bill was expecting his phone to ring off the hook with concerned clients. To his surprise, the phone didn’t ring once. Wanting to make sure that his clients were ok, he began calling them individually. Every one of his clients responded in much the same way, praising the Trinity Method of Investing that maximized their income while it preserved, protected and perpetuated their assets. Bill was delighted to hear the confidence in their voices. They described their decision to have American Prosperity Group manage their retirement portfolios as “Peace of Mind”.

What’s the Benefit of Hosting Community Workshops?
People continually tell Bill that they thought they had a good retirement plan until they came to his workshop. American Prosperity Group offers valuable information and planning techniques that most may have never heard before. Attendees are often surprised at how many other options exist for their retirement savings plans.

Something Interesting About Bill Romeo’s Story…
Bill and his wife Maria volunteer their time and talents to local non-profit organizations such as the Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte, Christ Our Shepherd Ministries, Matthews Woman’s Club Service League, Harrisburg Cub Scout Pack & Boy Scout Troop 173 and St. John Neumann Church where they participate in many community outreach ministries with their two young children. Both are also heavily involved with the Matthews Chamber of Commerce and various elder care organizations throughout Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties. Recently, Bill became the President of the local non-profit group SOFA (Society of Financial Awareness), whose main mission is to eliminate financial illiteracy through free, voluntary educational seminars at local businesses and organizations.

---

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
February 2, 3, & 4, 2010

Day 1: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 2: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Matthews Womens Club
208 S Trade St
Matthews, NC 28105 US

Reservations Required
704.708.5001 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

HILLSBOROUGH: Financial franchise's workshops aimed at solving clients' fiscal fears

2010-01-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 12:53 PM EST
By Audrey Levine, Staff Writer

With a growing population nearing, or past, the age of retirement in Hillsborough, a new franchise is looking to ensure that residents have the money to take them into the future, despite the current state of the country’s economy.

American Prosperity Group (APG), with headquarters in Wayne, opened its first Hillsborough franchise, in the Triangle Center on Route 206, in April 2008 in response to a growing demographic in the township, and the state in general, that uses the type of assistance the company provides.

”We are retirement and estate planning specialists,” said Mark Charnet, CEO and founder of the company that began in 2003. “We are maximizing income for today while preserving and protecting wealth for tomorrow.”

The group is planning a series of workshops in Hillsborough to address some of these concerns...Read More

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Jeff Beyer

2010-01-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Jeff Beyer

Office Open Since: October 2009

Location: Washington Crossing, PA

Phone: 215-888-5599

How Beyer Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Jeff Beyer attended Wake Forest University and graduated with a B.S. in Business. He moved from Winston Salem, NC to Philadelphia, PA to take his first job at First Union Bank where he specialized in working with middle market-sized companies on large debt deals. After two and a half years there, Beyer joined on with Silicon Valley Bank and worked with technology, biotechnology and life science companies to do follow up funding for these start up firms. He then went to work for Merrill Lynch to work once again with companies on big budget deals. After a brief stint at a venture debt fund, Beyer made the transition out of the corporate world and into independent business.

How Beyer Discovered APG…
Beyer became interested in a franchise opportunity because it afforded him the luxury of owning his own business while being close to his family. Beyer initially discovered APG by a franchise broker, but was sold on APG once he met with Mark Charnet and learned his entrepreneurial story about himself and about growing the company. He discovered how successful Charnet had become by following his own methods and how successful the other franchisees had become as well.

Something Interesting About Beyer’s Story…
Beyer is married to his wife, Beth and they have three children: Jay (5), Brennan (3) and Gabriel (4 mos). Beyer enjoys spending time with his family and being involved with his son’s co-op nursery school and soccer team.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 25, 26, & 27, 2010

Topic Day 1 (Jan 25th): Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Topic Day 2 (Jan 26th): Examining Estate Planning & Estate Taxation
Topic Day 3 (Jan 27th): Maximizing Retirement Income & Protecting Your Money

Reservation Number: 215-888-5599

Contact: Jeff Beyer
Email: jeffbeyer@1apg.com
Location: Historic Village Library of Wrightstown 727 Penns Park Road, Newtown, PA 18940)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Dawn Sarnoski

2010-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Dawn Sarnoski

Office Open Since: August 2006

Location: 162 Closter Dock Road, Suite 12
Closter, NJ 07624

Phone: 201-768-7007

How Sarnoski Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Dawn Sarnoski holds a BS in Accounting from Seton Hall University's W. Paul Stillman School of Business and has nearly 15 years experience in corporate accounting. After a long stretch in the insurance field, Sarnoski became APG’s second franchisee in August of 2006.

How Sarnoski Discovered APG…
As a client of founder/CEO Mark Charnet, Sarnoski had seen firsthand the effectiveness of Charnet’s retirement and estate planning model. Once the APG franchise was launched, her desire – like Mark’s - to change people’s lives financially caused her to immediately jump on board. Sarnoski is passionate about helping people, and APG gives her the ability to make big changes in the financial situations of her clients. She is driven every day by working with all types of clients, no matter their net worth, to secure a better financial future. “The people that need the most help are most often not the people with the most money”, she says.

Something Interesting About Sarnoski’s Story…
Sarnoski is a member of the Westwood Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Cresskill-Demarest Rotary Club, and the Chairperson for the Rotary District 7490 Alliance for Smiles committee. Her brother, Bill Romeo, is also an American Prosperity Group franchisee.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 19, 20, & 21, 2010

Day 1: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances

(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location: Sunrise Senior Living
195 Old Tappan Road
Old Tappan, NJ

Reservations Required:
201-768-7007 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Charnet

2010-01-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Mark Charnet

Location: APG CORPORATE OFFICES
Sunny Knolls Estate
3 Sunny Knolls Court
Wayne, NJ

Phone: 973-831-4424

AMERICAN PROSPERITY GROUP (APG) was founded by Mark Charnet, a leading Retirement & Estate planning expert and visionary entrepreneur, who has more than 29 years of experience in the Retirement & Estate Planning field. Mr. Charnet is a Certified Annuity Specialist, a Registered Investment Companies & Variable Contracts Principal, an Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction for BCG Securities, Inc. and a Member of The Society of Financial Service Professionals.

A number of years ago, Mark observed that employers were beginning to shift more and more responsibility for employee health care, retirement funding and other critical benefits onto employees themselves.

He also discovered that many people who have accumulated wealth or who were in the process of doing so, did not know how to maximize their retirement income while preserving, protecting and perpetuating their wealth to succeeding generations, especially from the eroding forces of taxation.

Finally, Mark recognized that there was very little real help for people in the above situations. They were often overwhelmed with conflicting advice from various types of professionals, confused by what they heard and paralyzed into inaction or worse, implementing ill-conceived financial plans.

As a result, Mark founded American Prosperity Group, also known as APG. APG is a creative and innovative financial planning company that focuses foremost on client needs. We are fully trained Retirement and Estate Planning Specialists – not stockbrokers. We build relationships based on trust; provide outstanding retirement and estate planning services, while offering strategies, techniques and a diversified range of superb financial products from leading companies and we never charge consultation fees. APG is truly a special company.

Due to the continuing growth in the financial planning profession, we are expanding our operations and we enthusiastically invite you to join us as an … American Prosperity Group franchise owner!

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 19-21, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities & The Trinity Method of Investing©

(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
APG CORPORATE OFFICES
Sunny Knolls Estate
3 Sunny Knolls Court
Wayne, NJ

Reservations Required
973-831-4424 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Randy Deaton

2010-01-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Randy Deaton

Office Open Since: September 2009

Location: 119 South Sherrin Ave., Suite 110
Louisville, KY 40207

Phone: 502-897-0027

How Deaton Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Randy Deaton graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Finance. While working at his new commercial banking career in 1989, Randy simultaneously pursued and obtained a MBA degree from the University of Dayton. For 14 years, Randy worked in commercial banking but always had an entrepreneurial spirit. So in 2003 he traded in his banking “hat” to pursue his dream of assisting individuals in his community with their financial needs. It was during this time that Randy discovered most of the clients he worked with were unprepared for retirement. If he could partner with a premier organization that specialized in retirement and estate planning he would be able to maximize the benefits he could provide his clients.

How Deaton Discovered APG…
Randy was intrigued by the American Prosperity Group concept because as he says: “There is no other franchise out there like it. It’s the only retirement and estate planning franchise in the country!” When Randy met Mark Charnet, the founder of American Prosperity Group, he was introduced to the Trinity Method of Investing. The Trinity Method is an APG copyrighted investment discipline specifically designed to achieve every retiree’s goals of income for life, liquidity, safety of principal, growth and tax advantages. Excited about this innovative method of investing, Randy knew that if he combined his financial skills with the experience and expertise of APG’s national organization, his clients would benefit greatly.

Experience has shown Randy that there are pros and cons to working within financial corporations. While the product offerings of a corporation can be beneficial to clients, in many cases it may not have the ideal answer for a particular customer’s situation. “As we all know, sometimes a square peg is not best for a round hole,” he says, “I certainly found that to be limiting in my banking career. The beauty of APG is that we aren’t limited to providing one particular set of company products. We literally represent dozens of quality companies and are constantly searching the market for the best products to meet our customer’s needs. I like the flexibility this provides in maximizing my clients retirement dreams.”

Something Interesting About Deaton’s Story…
Randy was born 100 miles up the road in Cincinnati but he’s lived in the Cherokee Triangle area of the Highlands for over 15 years. “I love Louisville,” says Randy, “its accessibility combined with its unique restaurants and wonderful art scene makes this an ideal place to call home.” Randy has volunteered his time to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Brooklawn Child and Family Services. He is also the local Chapter President of the Society of Financial Awareness (SOFA), a non-profit organization chartered ‘to end financial illiteracy one community at a time’.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 19, 20, & 21, 2010

Day 1: Examining Estate Planning and Estate Taxation
Day 2: Looking Over Long-Term Care Insurance
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and Retirement Finances
(Choose either 1-3pm OR 7-9pm)

Location:
Historic Peterson-Dumesnil House
301 South Peterson Avenue
Louisville, KY

Reservations Required
502-897-0021 - (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Kevin Lynch

2010-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Kevin Lynch

Office Open Since: April 2008

Location: 284 US Route 206, Bldg D
Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Phone: 908-904-4100

How Lynch Got Started With APG…
American Prosperity Group franchisee Kevin Lynch graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in Economics. Before joining APG, Lynch was an executive in the telecommunications industry and played a critical role in the restoration of telecom services in lower Manhattan during the 9/11 disaster. Lynch was a vital part of the telecommunications industry for 18 years, which, at that point, he decided to pursue another avenue and opened his own real estate investment company called Con-Lyn with two other partners in 2004. In October 2007, Lynch decided to open another business that would always serve a purpose for people in his community, based on the notion that people are going to retire and people need information and advice on successful retirement strategies.

How Lynch Discovered APG…
Lynch examined different options for making a difference in people’s lives and helping them understand how to make financial decisions. Interested in franchising and quickly noticing there was only one in the sector, Lynch was led to APG, which he joined as a franchisee in the spring of 2008. Lynch’s main objective is to make a financial plan for his clients so that their money doesn’t expire during their lifetime. Lynch especially likes holding public educational investing workshops in his community, which his wife, Terry, helps him put on the workshops every other month.

Something Interesting About Lynch’s Story…
In his free time, Lynch enjoys spending quality time with his family and traveling with them. Lynch has been studying to become Board Certified in Estate Planning and in September 2009, he was awarded his Board Certification in Estate Planning (BCE).

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 19, 20, & 21, 2010

Day 1: Looking over Long Term Care Insurance
Day 2: Emphasizing Estate Planning
Day 3: Attributes of Annuities

(1-3:30 PM or 7-9:30 PM)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group Educational Workshop: Mark Timmick

2010-01-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

Mark Timmick

Office Open Since: April 2008

Location: 5010 Dorsey Hall Drive, Suite 102
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Phone: 410-740-1300

How Timmick Got Started With APG…
Immediately after high school, American Prosperity Group franchisee Mark Timmick joined the Army as a military police officer. After his stint in the Army, he attended the University of Maryland and earned a degree in Information Systems Management. His first job out of college was at Marriott Hotels in their corporate headquarters in Bethesda, MD, where he worked in their finance and accounting group designing software systems for hotel operations. After six years with Marriott, he began working with Fannie May in their IT department as the Director of Systems Development. Then, he went to work for another financial company, T. Rowe Price, as the Vice President of Systems Development and he was responsible for the personnel that handled their customer service system and retirement planning system. At T. Rowe Price, Timmick was introduced to retirement planning, as he was a key player in helping them implement their retirement income manager system, which helps people transition into retirement.

Driven to own his own business, Timmick moved out of the corporate world and started his own IT consulting company in the summer of 2000 where he helped financial service companies build various software products. In 2005, he sold this business, started two private investment funds and became an investment advisor. In 2008, he joined APG, looking to leverage his experience managing people’s investments with Founder/CEO Mark Charnet’s proven investment model.

How Timmick Discovered APG…
Timmick was drawn to APG’s marketing model as well as its investing methodology. American Prosperity Group helped him build a solid client base by offering people unique opportunities to learn about APG before becoming clients like the educational investing workshops and no upfront costs and no obligation. This method offers Timmick the opportunity to talk with people with no pressure. During his work experience, he saw a large need for people who needed advice on how to transition into retirement, thus deciding APG was the perfect fit for his next business venture.

Something Interesting About Timmick’s Story…
Timmick has been married to his wife Gail for 14 years, and together, they have three children, Lauren (21), Quinn (20) and Brian (13). Timmick runs a tennis program in his community to gather tennis enthusiasts together and play matches.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 19, 20, & 21, 2010

Day 1: Laboring Over Long-Term Care
Insurance
Day 2: Examining Estate Planning and
Estate Taxation
Day 3: Analyzing Annuities and
Retirement Finances

(Choose either 1-3:30pm OR 7-9:30pm)

Location: Historic Oakland Manor
Columbia Town Center
5430 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044

Reservations Required
410-740-1300 (24hrs)

For more information, check out our postings on Facebook and LinkedIn.

American Prosperity Group featured in New Mexico Business Weekly

2009-12-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

Some firms are drawing up entire strategies around risk reduction.

New Jersey-based American Prosperity Group, which opened a franchise in Santa Fe this year, is marketing a copyright plan to protect individual investors. It includes a variety of insurance-backed investments, steps to reduce taxes and tax liabilities, insurance policies for health care and long-term care, and death and estate planning to safeguard inheritances.

The company has 14 franchises in seven states with more than $100 million under management. It plans to open 1,000 franchises nationwide over the next decade, including more in New Mexico…Read More

American Prosperity Group Featured in New Mexico Free Press

2009-12-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

Below is a story spotlighting a story on Peter Murphy, our franchisee out of New Mexico. For more information on Peter, click here.

Ex Navy Captain Finds Career Helping Seniors
Written by Lee James
New Mexico Free Press

It wasn’t that long ago Peter Murphy was fully immersed in a career with the U.S. Navy.

But two years ago Murphy and his wife, Lisa, decided they needed a change.

The former Navy captain and aviator found a fit with American Prosperity Group, a company involving retirement and estate planning specialists. (READ MORE)

What is American Prosperity Group?

2009-11-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia Business Journal: Investment franchise American Prosperity adding sites in Phila. area

2009-11-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia Business Journal: Investment franchise American Prosperity adding sites in Phila. area

Wayne, N.J.-based American Prosperity Group, which calls itself the “first-ever investment franchise in the nation,” has selected the Philadelphia area as its next expansion locale.

Already in Bryn Mawr, the investment manager has opened a franchise in Blackwood, N.J., and has two more planned openings in Newtown, Bucks County, and Exton on Dec. 1.

American Prosperity CEO Mark Charnet said the company focuses on retail clients between the ages of 50 and 90 who have between $300,000 and $3 million in net worth.

“Because my mother lives in Cherry Hill, I have traveled to the Philadelphia area frequently and have gained an appreciation for the fact that the suburbs have a high population of successful seniors,” Charnet said. “But we have been looking to expand and it was just coincidental that it was Philadelphia.”

American Prosperity has 14 offices in seven states. Charnet said he looks for franchise candidates that have no experience with investment management. He seeks coachable people with sales experience willing to take the necessary exams to become an investment manager before he trains them in the American Prosperity methods.

“I don’t want them to have any bad habits,” Charnet said.

Charnet has developed a system called the “Trinity Method of Investing” that is consistent throughout the brand and which each local franchisee uses when serving their clients. For more on what that is, check here.

Charnet would not offer an assets under management number for the company, claiming the statistic is not an important one. He said American Prosperity competes against institutional investment houses like J.P. Morgan and Wachovia Securities as well as independent firms and local insurance companies.

American Prosperity will most likely look to add more franchises — which usually serve a population radius of 65,000 — in the Philadelphia area, Charnet said.

Jeff Blumenthal, Staff Writer, Philadelphia Business Journal

Mark Charnet, CEO, American Prosperity Group, New Jersey | Hartford Business

2009-11-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

Mark Charnet, CEO, American Prosperity Group, New Jersey | Hartford Business

What is American Prosperity Group and why is your company unique?

American Prosperity Group is first retirement and estate planning franchise in the nation. We started the company in 2003 bringing our first franchisee on board in 2006. Today we have 14 franchisees in six states and are looking to expand into Connecticut. APG is the only company in our industry espousing the benefits of, "The Trinity Method of Investing", our proprietary copyrighted concept.

Why is APG looking to expand into Hartford?

Hartford and the surrounding communities offer a great opportunity for the prospective franchisee in that the combination of population density, aged based demographics, average household income and net worth, fit exactly within our target market. Further, this same demographic can best benefit from our Trinity Method if Investing.

What is your "Trinity Method of Investing"

By instituting the "Trinity Method of Investing," clients of American Prosperity Group are able to protect themselves from the "five forces of portfolio demise" 1. Liability Lawsuit Risk 2. Costs of Health Care 3. Costs of Long-term Care 4. Taxes at Death and 5. Market Losses.

Simultaneously, they are able to enjoy the benefits that all retirees crave, 1. Income for Life 2. Safety of Principal 3. Growth of Capital 4. Liquidity and 5. Tax-Advantages

What makes APG different from other types of retirement and estate planning companies?

At APG, our representatives never charge hourly fees for consultations, nor do we obligate our clients with any fee-based contractual arrangements. Instead, we meet with our clients and prospects on an unlimited basis with no contractual obligations, where we design plans and programs that we believe represent a major upgrade to the client's current situation giving them ultimate veto power. If they don't agree they that will benefit in every way from our recommendations they are free to say "no thank you" without further obligation. On the other hand, if they agree with us and wish to implement our plan, then the companies chosen for investment compensate the APG representative without any additional cost or expense to the client. Developing life-long client/advisor relationships is the goal of every American Prosperity Group Franchisee Representative. I believe that our clients and their testimonials are our greatest asset.

Retirement-planning firm American Prosperity Group looking to N.C. for expansion - Charlotte Business Journal:

2009-10-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

Retirement-planning firm American Prosperity Group looking to N.C. for expansion - Charlotte Business Journal

Conventional wisdom suggests people should flee financial-services jobs. Mark Charnet disagrees.

Charnet, the founder of the American Prosperity Group franchise network, is recruiting potential franchisees to open as many as 30 offices in North Carolina. The company, specializing in estate and retirement planning, already boasts franchises in Matthews and Cary. Charnet hopes to build out his network in all the state’s major markets in the next few years.

American Prosperity Group targets clients age 60 and older to advise them on retirement planning and investing. Charnet says the approaching retirement of millions of baby boomers and the country’s recent economic uncertainty has created a large underserved market for his company.

“More 62-year-olds are collecting Social Security than ever before,” he says. “There’s a lot of baby boomers who are being pushed to retirement because of the job market.”

He believes the New Jersey-based company will double in size in the next year. APG has 14 offices in New Jersey, Maryland, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and North Carolina. Charnet says the business is targeting North Carolina because of the growing population and the business climate here.

Bill Romeo, the Matthews franchisee, says he moved from New Jersey to open his office here in 2006. He says growth has been steady, and he’s seen increased interest this year. “We’re seeing folks reevaluate their investments and become more proactive,” he says.

APG’s business model is focused on its proprietary Trinity Method of Investing, an investment philosophy that divides assets equally between investments outside the stock market, in the market and on the market.

Charnet says franchisee prospects should expect a total startup investment of about $90,000. He says experience with accounting principles is a plus, but not required. “It’s great if you have a financial background, but it’s not a deal-breaker,” he says. “We like to find people that have a diverse background.”

Reach staff writer Adam O’Daniel at aodaniel@bizjournals.com. Read his Bank Notes blog at charlottebusinessjournal.com.

American Prosperity investment firm eyes Birmingham office - Birmingham Business Journal:

2009-10-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

American Prosperity investment firm eyes Birmingham office - Birmingham Business Journal:

American Prosperity Group, a New Jersey-based investment firm focused on retirement and estate planning, is looking to open a franchise location in the Birmingham market.

Mark Charnet, founder and president of the firm, said the company wants to introduce its “Trinity Method of Investing,” financial plan to the region, which helps set financial goals for anyone regardless of how much money they have in the bank.

“We don’t judge people by their bank account,” he said during a phone interview Friday. “We want to help people who really are interested in taking charge and control of their financial future.”

The firm has 14 locations in North Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and in its home state New Jersey.

In search of a few good entrepreneurs

2009-10-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Mark Charnet, founder of Wayne-based Diversified Financial Services Group and its franchise version, American Prosperity Group, doesn't give up easily.

The 28-year insurance sales and retirement planning veteran sued manufacturing giant DuPont over contaminated groundwater at his former home in Pompton Lakes and then appealed the decision twice before losing.

He also pulled himself and his wife, Terry Larsson Charnet, out of bankruptcy brought on by a 70 percent cut to his salary from a former employer that left them on the street with a newborn baby.

But when he discovered that sales representatives he had trained at Diversified Financial were leaving to open competing businesses using his sales techniques, Charnet turned to the franchise concept to protect his methods.

"I came to the proverbial fork in the road," said Charnet. "My decision was to not train another person — or find a way I can realize my passion by training and teaching [others] in this industry in a way that they can't hurt me."

His impetus for launching Diversified Financial was his first experience selling life insurance. Charnet found his managers trained him to sell to family and close friends who wanted him to succeed. But once they bought the policies, the training ended, and he found the issue was an industrywide oversight.

"They never teach people to build a clientele, how to prospect, how to market," said Charnet, "and as a result the industry has a fortune of people that don't make it."

He taught himself, instead, by reading books and listening to books on tape about sales principles and strategies and retirement and investment planning. He became a student of the late motivational author Napoleon Hill.

But after 10 years in the industry seeing untrained entry-level salespeople quickly defeated, Charnet decided to start Diversified Financial in 1991 to sell insurance and individual retirement accounts, mutual funds and annuities, and teach others how to sell them.

"The public perception of life insurance sales is not very good," said Charnet. "It's 'Run for cover! Hold your wallet!' and it shouldn't be that way."

However, former trainees whom he had hired began to leave and use his principles to compete with him, forming the impetus to franchise Diversified Financial as American Prosperity Group in 2003.

Charnet believed the franchise model, in which franchisees sometimes have to sign non-competition agreements, was the way to go, also figuring those willing to pay a franchise fee meant they would be committed to the business.

But the venture cost time and money because a franchise advising retirement and estate planning is unique, said Charnet. He spent about $1 million in legal fees to set up the business model and company with a franchise disclosure document that protected him against competition from his trainees. It also took time to get licenses in various states to operate and advertise as a franchise, and to sell life insurance and retirement investments.

"That's why no one has done this before," he said. He estimated a $5 million loss in revenue while starting the new company. "Sometimes you have to take a giant step back to take a huge leap forward."

After three years, Charnet was licensed in 40 states, which matched his target demographics of a dense, somewhat affluent population and specifically clients 65 to 70 years old. He has gained three more states since then. American Prosperity Group now has 11 units including those in Closter, Englewood and three other New Jersey towns, with three more in the works.

Charnet advertised for franchisees through friends and family, with advertisements in Entrepreneur and Inc. magazines and ads in military magazines aimed at people in the armed forces and The Wall Street Journal. He initially exhibited at the International Franchise Association's annual trade show and now lists American Prosperity Group on the IFA Web site.

He also gives a percentage of the franchise fee and sometimes a monthly fee to businesses that act as matchmakers between potential franchisees and franchisors, such as The Entrepreneur's Source and FranNet, said Charnet.

These matchmakers have become the biggest source of candidates interested in buying a franchise, he said, and recently about half the people who attended the introductory workshops from these companies became franchisees.

Starting up an American Prosperity franchise costs about $85,000 but can range to $120,000, said Charnet. The amount includes the $50,000 franchise fee, office furnishings, security deposits for utilities and rent, travel and licensing fees, he said.

He generally requires that candidates have $100,000 in capital, such as home equity loans or existing 401(k) plans. Candidates are usually men in their 40s, disenchanted with the corporate world who want their own business.

"The subject of money has to be of interest to them, because that's what we do all day," said Charnet, and they should have an ability to work with numbers. They also should be good public speakers, coachable and be able to work with his target clients who are senior citizens. Charnet insists that his franchise candidates have no experience selling or investment planning.

"I don't need to deprogram, debrief and reprogram," he said. "I'd just rather program and educate once."

Charnet said his goal is to open 1,000 franchises nationally in 12 years and hopes his success in training people will set a precedent in the insurance industry.

"The rest of the industry — the insurance industry — is going to emulate this when we become big and noticeable," he said.

E-mail: fletcher@northjersey.com