OLV Leadership

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.

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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 of Business Development, 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.

 

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There’s no such thing as an unsolvable problem for Jesse VanValin! As Partner and Financial Advisor at OLV Investment Group, Jesse’s intense work ethic guides his relentless pursuit of solutions to the struggles we all face in making investment decisions. He channels his eagerness into researching and investigating companies, trends and patterns in the market in order to provide the most ideal strategy options for individual clients. Jesse works closely with each client’s retirement goals, seeking to deliver a workable, well thought out plan.

Jesse’s varied career background as a carpenter, real estate agent and property manager drives him to fight for the success of every man. He relates on a personal level with clients from all types of backgrounds, which fosters his attentive personal service. However, after pursuing various careers, Jesse found his niche when he graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a degree in finance in 2006. Shortly after, he joined Dean Oliver’s team, and in 2012 Dean Oliver, Joel Lagore and Jesse VanValin joined forces to create OLV Investment Group.

Jesse and his wife Libby have three “daddy’s girl” daughters, who have inherited his intensity and desire to excel at all they do. He and his family are active members in their local church. When he’s not managing client accounts and studying the markets, he loves spending time with family, enjoys woodworking projects and playing an occasional round of golf with friends.

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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.

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