Meet Our Flint Branch

Joel LaGore is a Financial Advisor who is highly regarded for his friendly and outgoing personality. He believes in building strong relationships with his clients and often forms deep, long-lasting friendships with them. Joel’s financial career began in 1999, when he interned for Dean Oliver. From there he worked for Huntington Investment Company and Smith Barney. In the midst of the 2008 financial crisis Joel and his wife, Sonya, took a leap of faith in starting their own company, LaGore Wealth Management. Their goal was to continue providing exceptional care and service to clients despite the turbulent economic times. In 2012, Joel and Sonya made the decision to team up with Dean Oliver and Jesse VanValin for a shared business endeavor, OLV Investment Group.Joel’s focus on building long-lasting relationships has served him well at OLV, as he has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and friend. As Chief Business Development Officer, Joel works closely with our Money Management Team and helps to keep OLV looking toward the future. Joel has proven that no matter the season, he is committed to caring and serving his clients with unwavering dedication.Joel and Sonya have two musically talented daughters who are each pursuing careers in Christian music. When not working or spending time with his family, Joel dedicates his time to various community organizations. At Flushing Community Church, he serves as a life group leader, sings on the worship team, and is a member of the spiritual life development team. Joel is an avid golfer and enjoys playing whenever he can.

Ben Oliver’s down-home, cheerful nature can make any stranger feel like a life-long friend.  With his natural ability to listen and problem solve, he takes a relational and educational approach with each of his clients, focusing on their individual needs and desires.

Ben is a graduate of Lipscomb University, with an Interdisciplinary degree in American Studies. After college, he went on to work as a junior and senior high school teacher for three years. In 2014 he joined the OLV Investment Group team and has since earned his Series 7 and Series 66 along with his Health and Life Insurance License in 2015. Having had the opportunity to teach, Ben brings a dedication to research analysis with him to each OLV client meeting in order to provide thorough advice.

Having three children, and also being foster parents, Ben and his wife remain busy investing in the hearts, minds and lives of their little ones. As part of this investment, he and his family are involved at their church, First Presbyterian Church of Flint. Ben is definitely “no chicken” when it comes to hard work. In addition to working at OLV, raising a family and being active in his church, he also runs the centennial family farm, where he raises cattle, meat chickens, laying hens, honey & hay.

Gerald (Tim) St. Cin has a genuine care for his clients’ well-being that stems from his family’s long-standing training of service before self. At a very young age Tim learned to serve and help others, as he modeled his father’s example as Senior Pastor at Westwood Church of God in Flint, for over 35 years. It is this care and concern for people that keeps Tim motivated to constantly innovate and create unique ways of helping solve his clients’ financial needs.

Tim’s contemplative approach to problem solving allows him to sift through his clients’ complex and detailed needs. When Tim comes to a proposed solution, we are certain that it has been well thought through, analyzed, tested, and his intent is to produce the ideal outcome for his clients’ needs.

Tim’s genuine care for his clients is only superseded by his love of God and Family. Tim has been married to his lovely wife Dawn for over 25 years. Together they have two lovely daughters – Mandy and Emmy – both of which are a testament to Tim’s dedication to a relentless pursuit of knowledge, as both are fully engrossed in their collegiate studies.

Tim holds his B.A. from Anderson University with post-graduate studies at the University of Michigan, Flint. Tim is fully licensed in Michigan to help service his clients’ needs. Tim holds the series 7, 63, 65, and 31 Licenses and is also Life, Health, and Variable Contracts Licensed, which allows for Tim to act in both an Advisory & Brokerage capacity to service his client’s broad ranging needs.

When not working diligently for his clients, Tim enjoys playing the keys with the worship team at Flushing Community Church. He is also a board member of the Genesee County Coaches and Officials Association (Director of Softball), and he enjoys officiating many high school varsity sports events.  When allowed, Tim also loves to tag along with his family to His wife’s favorite place on earth, Disney World.

Ammar’s tenacity and focus to accomplish what he has set his mind to is inspiring! He is incredibly adaptable and a quick learner which makes him the perfect complement to the OLV team and a great fit in the role of Assistant Portfolio Manager.Born in Dubai, Ammar moved to the States to continue his studies at the University of Michigan where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Business Finance and Economics and then went on to pursue his master’s degree in Finance from the University of Missouri. His capacity for research and knowledge brings immense value to OLV. He also loves people and has a charming way of engaging people of all ages.Ammar is married to his beautiful bride, Areen. They are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl, Irha-which in Arabic means, “God’s gift”. She is a wonderful addition to their family! They also just moved back to Michigan from Texas, where they started their married life together. In his free time, Ammar spends every waking moment with his wife and daughter as they seek to build a new life here.

Getting to know clients on a personal level is just one reason Zach joined OLV Investment Group. His experience in banking and passion for helping others make him a great fit for the role of Client Relations Assistant.

Before joining the OLV team, Zach spent several years working in banking. He served as a personal banker and branch service manager for Huntington Bank and as a member rep for Sovita Credit Union.

Away from the office, Zach loves spending time with his children, Wes and Audrey, as well as exploring northern Michigan, reading, and playing for local rugby clubs. Zach also actively attends Holy Redeemer Church in Burton.

Bernadette Rainear’s straightforward, systematic and results-oriented work ethic gives her the ability to make the paperwork process as smooth as possible for OLV clients. Her history as a school teacher makes her the perfect fit for the role of Client Service Associate (CSA) Supervisor in which she trains new Client Service Associates and educates the staff when operational processes and procedures are updated. Additionally, as “Transitions Specialist” Bernadette manages the process of transferring client accounts and relationships to OLV Investment Group when a new financial advisor is hired.Bernadette earned a Bachelor’s and Masters degree in education and has a lengthy teaching history of 12 years, but she took a slight detour 10 years ago when she was hired to work “part-time” for Dean Oliver. Little did she know this would launch her career in the financial industry. She is an integral part of the OLV staff and leads with passion and conviction.Bernadette and her husband have been married since 1993. They are the proud parents of their son, who is a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy (USNA), and they count down the days until their next visit with him. They have also been blessed and gifted with their daughter, who is an active high school student. When not attending her daughter’s volleyball and soccer games or horse shows, she enjoys exercising. She has Kettlebell certifications, attends yoga weekly and likes to walk and run. She’s also involved in Mayfair Bible Church, where she is part of a small group.

Natalie’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her innate kindness make her an ideal fit for OLV. As a Client & Culture Assistant (CCA), she brings a rare combination of customer service and administrative expertise to the table. Natalie is a firm believer that every task, regardless of its size, deserves to be executed with the utmost excellence. This belief fuels her daily responsibilities, from appointment scheduling and mail delivery to organizing ministry events.

With a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Writing from Pensacola Christian College, Natalie’s professional journey spans 18-years during which she has refined her skills in various roles. Having served as an administrative secretary for a local church and a customer service representative for a local insurance agency, Natalie is a valuable addition to the OLV team.

Away from the office, Natalie cherishes time spent with her two adult children and their spouses. Her hobbies include reading, discovering and strolling along local trails, and learning new board games. Although she was born and raised in Chicago, Natalie has grown to love Michigan over the years, embracing its natural beauty and tight-knit communities.

As appointed CEO of OLV Investment Group, Sonya LaGore is passionate about helping others live up to their God given protentional. She is honored and humbled to have the role and opportunity to pour into others’ lives. In doing so, Sonya holds the staff accountable while drawing upon their personal strengths and bringing out the best of each one on the team.Sonya LaGore earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Rochester College in 2003, gained years of experience in management and marketing research, then went on to earn her Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. She understands the business world along with the ins and outs of the financial industry. She comprehends the numbers and anticipates the necessary processes and procedures the investment office demands. While balancing all the internal and external operational variables, she can organize the fine details providing a structured environment where tasks get done and projects accomplished. She strives for growth of the company, as a whole, as well as growth of each individual, being unified to provide excellent service, and being generous with all that is entrusted to us.Sonya and her husband Joel have two beautiful daughters whose musical talents often lead them to perform on stages around the state! Faith is also a major focus for Sonya and her family, and so she is part of the spiritual formation committee and co-leads a Life Group with Joel at Flushing Community Church. Outside of church and family she uses her gift of giving to give back to the community. She is very involved in the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) through which she serves as a Trustee, Chair of Finance, Flushing Area Fund committee member, and a Gen Forward committee member.

Ministry might as well be Libby VanValin’s middle name because she lives to minister to others. As a Partner, Ministry Department Leader and the Humans Resources Manager of OLV Investment Group, Libby’s number one priority is to build-up the OLV team members. She does this through organizing employee events, charitable giving and projects, service projects, overseas mission’s trips, book/Bible studies, conducting hiring interviews, better understanding employee relationships through DISC personality exams and handling internal communications and paperwork.Libby and her husband Jesse began working with Dean and Zan Oliver in 2006. The mentorship blossomed into a partnership, and OLV Investment Group was born in 2012. Libby’s kind-hearted nature led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Michigan-Flint, and she uses that same caring personality to strengthen the OLV “family.”Libby and Jesse have three spunky, bright girls (all born between 2008 and 2011). The girls’ love for animals led the family to build a coop in their yard, where they raise chickens. Libby is active in her daughters’ education and is the Vice Chair of Family Council Board at the Perry Innovation Center. When not ministering at work or home, Libby continues to minister at Bethany Baptist Church in Grand Blanc, MI where she is the Worship Team Leader and plays the keys each Sunday morning.

Marcie Owsinski is a dedicated Client Service Associate (CSA) at OLV Investment Group, working diligently in our Flint office. Joining the company in 2023, Marcie plays a vital role in supporting the advisor team by efficiently processing all necessary paperwork and procedures to ensure seamless client services. Marcie excels in areas that demand meticulous attention to detail, adherence to processes, and consistency, making her a great fit for our Flint team.Despite starting her career in a different field, Marcie's passion for customer satisfaction remains unwavering. Previously, she pursued cosmetology studies at Mott Community College and enjoyed over two decades in the professional beauty industry. However, when life presented her with an unexpected opportunity for a fresh start, Marcie fearlessly embraced it, eager to acquire new skills and explore uncharted professional territories.Beyond her professional pursuits, Marcie finds solace and joy in gardening, a hobby she hopes to someday master. Additionally, she finds fulfillment in crafting, camping, and even indulging in archery. Residing in Flint for the past 19 years, Marcie cherishes her role as a mother to three wonderful children and a supportive wife to her amazing husband.

Kelsey’s constant quest for knowledge has been the motivating factor in her pursuing a career in the finance industry. Kelsey received her Bachelor of Finance from York College of Pennsylvania. She then went on to earn her MBA in Finance from Keller School of Management, while also being a busy mom, showing the tremendous grit with which she pursues life. She also received DeVry’s Certificate of Academic Achievement during all three years.

Before joining OLV Investment Group, Kelsey’s career in the financial service industry had been mainly working in the banking sector helping her customers pair their complex financial needs with solutions that she could bring to the table. In her current role at OLV Investment Group, Kelsey assists with data entry, attends client strategy reviews, and tends to clients with online access and service calls.

Kelsey and her family live in Genesee County, Michigan, where their children are involved in an array of sports and extracurricular activities. Kelsey’s hard-earned skill set makes her an excellent addition to the OLV team.

A dedicated and compassionate individual, Jenny has joined OLV in the role of Executive Administrative Assistant. Working to keep office activities running smoothly, Jenny’s position allows her to work across multiple departments, assisting with projects in Administration, HR, Operations, Hospitality and Marketing. It hasn’t taken long at all to see that Jenny is a perfect fit for the OLV team.

A mother of four, Jenny values spending time with her family. Jenny worked at the school her children attended for 15 years and became known as the ‘Mom’ of the school. Bringing her skills from office administration, Jenny is excited to begin a new chapter and a new career at OLV Investment Group.

Jenny and her husband, Wally, married for 28 years, enjoy walks, bike and motorcycle rides, traveling to visit their children and being grandparents. They are active community members, with Wally working at Reach the Forgotten, a jail ministry. They cherish witnessing God’s transformative work in the ministry. Jenny embraces her role at OLV, excited to connect with her co-workers and engage in the organization’s vibrant culture.

Wendy’s love for detail and structure makes her a great fit for the role of Compliance Associate at OLV Investment Group. She brings over five years of experience as a Client Service Associate to her current position. Working to help OLV operate within the necessary guidelines and structures, Wendy is a valuable asset to the team.

Wendy is an alumnus of Schoolcraft College and Lansing Community College. With her dedication to detail and commitment to excellence, Wendy has grown along with OLV, having been on the team for over six years. Her role on the compliance team is an essential piece of our work at OLV.

The proud mother of two, Wendy enjoys attending their sports events and various activities. She is an active member of her local church and enjoys reading, shopping, and golfing with her husband in her spare time.

With her artistic skill and eye for color, you’ll see Julie Bower’s design talents on display in all sorts of OLV Investment Group communications, mailings, gifts, events and anywhere else she can add her creative touch!Julie graduated from Central Michigan University in 1988 with a double Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Interior Design. From there she worked at a graphic design company, and then went on to the news advertising world before joining LaGore Wealth Management in 2009. When OLV Investment Group was formed in 2012, it was obvious that Julie’s talents could help the new team! So, she came aboard, and has been involved in driving the company forward ever since.Julie and her husband have two young-adult children: a daughter and a son. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoys being the secretary and event organizer at Flushing Point Church of Christ. She also helped start the first Plant-Based Nutrient Support Group (PBNSG) small group in Genesee County and continues to be a hostess for this organization. When she’s not keeping busy in the Flint and Genesee County area, her wanderlust guides her to the great outdoors and around the globe.

With parents who enjoyed long careers in advertising, Patience grew up in the world of marketing. She now plays a key role in helping OLV Investment Group create a different kind of generational impact for the families we serve.From brand development to event planning, Patience is involved in all things marketing at OLV Investment Group. Her other responsibilities include graphic design, social media management, copywriting, photography, and videography. She attended Arizona State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.Patience, a resident of Grand Blanc, is a lifelong Michigander. When she’s not in the office, Patience enjoys painting, reading, and working out, and she’s looking to take up pottery. She also attends a local church and would love to someday use her skillset in missionary work.