Our Experience and History

Rodney M Friedman, Managing Partner has more than 25 years of experience in financial services. He was Regional Sales Manager for a major insurance company for 18 years. In this capacity, he managed a sales force of approximately 100 agents throughout a five-state region. Rod joined the financial services industry in 1983 at Smith Barney (formerly Shearson Lehman Brothers) and in 1999 moved to Paine Webber (now UBS Financial Services) before forming FPL Financial Strategies in 2007. In addition to applicable securities registrations and insurance licenses, Rod obtained his bachelor’s degree in industrial management from the University of Southern California. Rod has served on the Board of Trustees for The Columbus Literacy Initiative and currently with Junior Achievement. He is an avid golfer and enjoys taking his classic 1966 Plymouth Belvedere to car shows and cruise-ins. Rod resides in Hilliard; has six children and seven grandchildren.

Mark Phillips, Managing Partner has more than two decades of experience as a financial advisor. He started his financial services career in 1987 as a Financial Consultant with Paine Webber and moved to Smith Barney to become a First Vice President –Investments. Most recently, he was at UBS Financial Services before forming FPL Financial Strategies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Kent State University. He is an active member of Sycamore Creek Church, as director of leadership development and a teacher on Sunday mornings. He is past president of the Evangel Christian Academy Athletic Booster Club, a former volunteer Pickerington High School Tigers football coach and active with the Pickerington Youth Athletic Association. Mark and his wife Jan have a son and daughter. He enjoys playing softball, the occasional round of golf and traveling to Florida theme parks.

Michael W Leonard, Managing Partner has more than 25 years of experience helping investors. Michael actually began his career working with Key Bank (formerly Society Bank) in Columbus then opened and managed the Johnstown Branch of what is now the Heartland Bank. Michael teamed up with Rod Friedman in 1987 after moving to Smith Barney (formally Shearson Lehman Brothers) from Merrill Lynch in 1985. In 1999 Michael and Rod moved their practice to UBS Financial Services and for two years Michael served as the Sales Manager for the Columbus Complex of UBS Offices. In March of 2007 Michael and Rod realized their “Dream” of going Independent when they teamed up with Mark Phillips and formed FPL Financial Strategies, LLC.  Michael is a member of the Big Walnut Chamber of Commerce, sits on the Investment Committee of the Community Foundation of Delaware County, is a Board Member of the Jefferson Village Condo Association and is also a member of the Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite and the Aladdin Shrine Temple.  When Michael isn’t at the FPL Offices he is usually with his family, cycling in preparation for the Pelotonia or playing an occasional round of golf.

David D Alspach, Partner - Financial Advisor has more than two decades of experience as a financial advisor. David worked with Coca-Cola for 14 years as vice president of a local bottler prior to joining Smith Barney (formerly Shearson Lehman Hutton) in 1988. He remained with that firm until reuniting with former colleagues Rod, Mark, Mike and Mindy at FPL Financial Strategies in May of 2009. He holds the Charter Retirement Plans Specialist designation from the college of financial planning and earned a bachelor of science in business administration from The Ohio State University. David is active in the Rotary Club of Columbus, enjoys golf and holds an instrument pilot rating. He resides in Dublin with his wife Helaine where they raised three daughters.

Robert Kauffman has more than 7 years of experience as a Financial Advisor.  His career as a Financial Advisor was preceded by a 25 year career in Information Technology, starting as in intern with the Department of Defense Systems Automation Center and ending as Director of Computer Operations with Limited Brands and then Cambridge Integrated Services.  In 2003 Bob became a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley, until he decided to join forces with FPL Financial Strategies in November, 2010. Bob holds the Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor^SM (CMFC®) designation from the College of Financial Planning.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Sociology and Economics from Holy Family University. He and his wife Sally enjoy seeing the world together, and have especially fond memories of their trips to Europe. Bob also enjoys the arts, particularly classic movies and live theater.  Bob enjoys golf and observing (not participating in)  most other sports. He resides in New Albany with his wife Sally and daughter Megan.

Mindy Seymour, Operations Manager has 18 years of financial services experience as well as her Series 7 registration. She has supported Rod & Michael since 1995 working with them at Smith Barney as a Registered Client Service Associate. Mindy helped Rod and Michael transition their business to Paine Webber in 1999 and then the three founding partners to FPL Financial Strategies in 2007. Mindy is Operations Manager and supports the team in all aspects of operations and client service. As Operations Manager, she received recognition from the team for helping them pass their first audit. A Newark, Ohio native, Mindy now resides in New Albany with her husband and daughter. She is an active member of Highpoint Nazarene Church serving on the Women’s Ministry Council and active in Youth Ministry. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and vacationing at the beach.