"A mentor is not someone who walks ahead of us to show us how they did it. A mentor walks alongside us to show us what we can do."– Simon Sinek
In 2020, a VP of a large bank with their own financial investment department, was approaching retirement age and facing several major decisions. He chose Doug Jolley to be his retirement planner. When Doug asked him why, he simply said, “After getting to know you, I trust and choose you.”
That sums up what Doug is all about – earning your trust to walk alongside as you make some of the most important decisions of your life – how to structure your life savings at retirement in a way they last.
Doug just completed 33 years in his chosen profession. His passion for financial planning began in 1989 at American Republic Insurance, where he was recognized as one of the top agents, and later as one of the top five managers in the nation, ultimately becoming a Vice President with the company. In 2001 he decided to branch off and form his own firm. Today he is the CEO and managing partner of Retiring Sharp.
Every day, he searches out new ways to better serve his clients. Surrounding himself with a team that shares the same values and vision, Retiring Sharp continues to grow and make a real difference in the community. The Columbia International University School of Business conducts retirement seminars in which Doug is one of the featured speakers.
He majored in Journalism at the University of South Carolina and is an accredited journalist, having published newspaper, magazine and online articles. Doug has served as a featured guest on talk radio shows across the country.
Outside of work, Doug served two terms as the President of the Midlands chapter of NAIFA – the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Doug currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the non-profit Tri-County Veterans Support Network. TCVSN serves as a liaison to provide comprehensive support services for our veterans.
Doug and his wife, Jan of 41 years enjoy spending time with their son, Jonathan his wife, Lila and their grandchildren, Fiona 9, and Judah 1 . Doug and Jan are active members of 12 Springs Community Church.