Dean Ripley, CEO, Founder, and Majority Partner

Dean started the firm now known as Ripley, Garlock & Associates Financial Planning Group in 1994, after graduating with a B.A. in Government from Beloit College in Beloit, WI. Dean holds numerous securities licenses and has obtained a substantial number of professional designations, including the CFP® credential. Dean has been affiliated with Northwestern Mutual and the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company for the entirety of his career, having helped pioneer many of the developments that have brought Northwestern Mutual Life from being a premiere insurance company to becoming one of fastest growing and most prestigious wealth management firms in the industry. Dean started his practice in his hometown of Boulder, CO and opened his second office in Phoenix, NY when he relocated there with his family in 2002. His clientele spans the entirety of the US, and he is particularly grateful for the exceptionally long-tenure of many of those relationships.

Dean prides himself on being technically astute and he works every day to better his skills of eliciting and understanding his clients' goals and dreams. His hope is that simplicity and integrity are the benefits most enjoyed from his work with his clients. His values include hard work, loyalty, and courage.

Dean’s practice work is focused on retirement distribution planning, estate planning, and working with owners of closely held family businesses to aid in planning for growth and succession. Dean is the head of the Investment Committee, the Planning and Practice Committee and acting President and CEO of Ripley, Garlock & Associates. Dean has received numerous awards and recognition from Northwestern Mutual and other industry organizations over his extensive career, including many years as a Top of the Table qualifier with MDRT™ and consistently qualifying for NMWMC’s Wealth Management Conference- the highest honor for Wealth Management Advisors at Northwestern Mutual.

Dean lives in Phoenix, NY and loves to travel and follow Syracuse and Colorado Sports with his long-time companion Sheila. Dean and Sheila also enjoy spending time with their children, who all live locally, working or attending college. Dean and Sheila are both very passionate about the non-profit hunger program Sheila started in 2017, Erin’s Angels, and many other Phoenix community and school district causes. Dean recently was recognized as the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by the Central New York Association of Fundraising Professionals, and he also serves as a Board Member at Beaver Meadows Country Club.

Trevor C Garlock

Trevor is a Wealth Management Advisor as well as a Founder and Principal of Ripley, Garlock & Associates Financial Planning Group. He graduated Cum Laude from St. Lawrence University in 2010, majoring in Economics & Environmental Studies, and has earned both the Chartered Financial Underwriter (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) credentials through the American College. Trevor’s entire professional career has been in the financial services industry with Northwestern Mutual. He strongly believes that the professional work we do has a profound impact in our clients’ lives. His practice focuses on retirement income management, wealth accumulation, financial planning, and risk management. 

Trevor lives with his wife Erica, son Remington, and Mini Bernedoodle, Deke, in Alexandria Bay, NY. In their down time, they enjoy boating on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands, traveling, and camping. Trevor also enjoys playing golf, fishing, ice hockey, cooking, and spending time with close family and friends.

Trevor is very involved in volunteering his time to serve his community. He currently co-chairs the Foundation for Community Betterment – Alexandria Bay Chapter. He also sits on the national board for the Foundation for Community Betterment acting as treasurer. In his work, he has assisted the organization in applying for and receiving a number of grants. Trevor also raises money for River Hospital in Alexandria Bay.

Trevor has been awarded Northwestern Mutual’s Quality Award (2013-2016) which recognizes commitment to excellence in service to clients as well as the Community Service Award (2017) for his philanthropic efforts. In 2014, Trevor received the 20 Under 40 Award from the Northern New York Business magazine recognizing him as an emerging community leader.

Kim has been affiliated with Northwestern Mutual since 2006. She joined Ripley, Garlock & Associates Financial Planning Group in January of 2008. She has more than 20 years of experience in professional office executive assistant positions and a track record of strong performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments. She’s a time management maven and administrative expertise runs through her veins. Kim skillfully manages Dean's calendar as well as numerous other areas of the enterprise including handling various aspects of client relations, database maintenance, event planning and training and development. In addition, she provides support to Dean in fulfilling his ongoing professional development. Kim currently resides in Central New York with her family.

Jen joined Ripley, Garlock & Associates in October of 2016. She is a Service Associate and the primary contact for Trevor Garlock. She has an associate degree in Arts and Humanities. Jen grew up in Watertown and recently moved back from Philadelphia, PA where she worked in a high-level administrative role. Jen's main focus is scheduling appointments and managing the day-to-day operations for Trevor. In her free time, she likes reading, running, and anything to do with being on the water!

Mariah joined Ripley, Garlock & Associates in 2020. Mariah works as Laura Engle's right-hand, scheduling appointments and managing her practice. She has an associate’s degree in Applied Science and several years of administrative experience. When she is not spending time at home with her two cats, she enjoys baking, photography and planning her next trip to Disney.

Jessica joined Ripley, Garlock & Associates in January of 2017 and provides support within our investment operations area. She attended Le Moyne College in Syracuse and was in retail management prior to coming into the financial services field. She has obtained her FINRA Series 6, 7 & 63 securities registrations, as well as New York State Agent License for Life, Accident and Health. Jessica is a Phoenix native and long-time family friend of the Ripley’s. Jessica is passionate about charities and organizations that benefit the wellbeing of children and animals, loves spending time with her son and friends, and her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Mallory joined Ripley, Garlock & Associates in June 2022 as an Insurance Coordinator. She graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology: Food Service & Restaurant Administration. She has worked at SUNY Oswego for nearly 16 years in Food Service Management. Mallory is excited to transition to a new career in helping people with their insurance needs. She resides in Fair Haven with her husband, daughter, son and dog. She enjoys camping trips with her family and loves to kayak. She recently worked to become a certified astrologer and loves to share her wealth of knowledge.

Wendy joined Ripley, Garlock & Associates in April 2022. She is the office manager in the Phoenix, NY office. Wendy has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bryant University in RI. She is a native of Central New York and intends to stay in the area at least until retirement. She loves going on vacation, especially cruises in the Caribbean. She has 2 small dogs and 8 nieces and nephews that she spends as much time with as possible.

Lynne Mathews

Lynne will greet you with a smile, whether in person or on the phone. Her commitment to personal relationship management and excellence in client services means that she will address your questions and needs effectively and efficiently.

Lynne brings a wealth of experience having worked for one of the largest international banks, a Denver-based brokerage firm, a registered investment advisor, plus her experience working for the healthcare industry and a Fortune 500 Company, as well as over 15 years’ experience working with John and his clients.

As a licensed insurance agent, Lynne can also help with new insurance needs and underwriting whether it be life, disability, or long-term care insurance.

Lynne is looking forward to serving you. Please give her a call.