Jeffrey Smith

Jeffrey Smith is a writer and Certified Financial Planner™ who has spent more than 20 years connecting his clients’ finances with their dreams. An expert in estate planning, with a special expertise in assisting clients with their philanthropic endeavors, Jeffrey has worked as an auditor, banker, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and financial planner. He lectures regularly on a variety of financial topics, and he has published numerous papers, articles and newsletters on estate planning and other financial matters. He is passionate about food and calls himself “dangerous in the kitchen.” He loves music of many styles and occasionally plays his guitar and sings at coffee houses in St. Louis. After working for years with clients from The Greatest Generation, Jeffrey began to recognize a new generation of people who master life in extraordinary ways – people who are bold, innovative and generous. Along with his partners Tom Ruwitch and Mark Patterson, Smith defined them as “Generation BIG” and vowed to inspire, guide and connect anyone who is ready join the rising tide of dreams to action. You can reach Jeffrey at js@generationBIG.com.

Tom Ruwitch is a marketing consultant, writer, and entrepreneur who advises people on how to market their unique expertise. Tom understands that individuals with knowledge in their field can escape the hours-for-dollars cage, increase income without significantly increasing workload, and ultimately have the resources – both time and money – to pursue BIG dreams. Tom has particular interest and expertise in helping non-profits. As founder of MarketVolt, an interactive marketing firm in St. Louis, Tom has advised dozens of non-profits on how to use online and offline marketing to operate more efficiently, improve public relations, draw more volunteers, and raise more money. And he has served non-profits in a variety of capacities, including as a board president, and chairman of marketing and development committees. He speaks regularly at events for non-profit and for-profit businesses. For 10 years beginning in 1990, Tom worked as a newspaper reporter. He continues to write, including a monthly marketing newspaper column and various blogs. You can reach Tom at tr@generationBIG.com.

Mark Patterson is a branding and product development consultant with more than 25 years experience working with Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs internationally to develop brands and create intellectual capital. Mark is founder and president of The Brand Artist, Inc., which he refers to as his calling rather than his business. A former design studio and ad agency owner, Mark created The Brand Artist as his personal reinvention – his vehicle to help businesses and individuals discover, package, market and live their Life to the nth. After a successful career in advertising and design, Mark is now on a mission to help people master 21st century life through his proprietary process The Brand Artist Journey.™ You can reach Mark at mp@generationBIG.com.

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