Knowledge and Experience

For more than a decade, Kevin Braddock has helped highly successful and coachable individuals and families who take comfort in his knowledge and experience. He teaches them the sound, time-tested strategies that help address their goals.

Kevin Braddock

Kevin Braddock

Principal and Wealth Advisor

Growing up in a small New Jersey town, Kevin Braddock’s family worked closely with a very special and skilled financial advisor who became as close as a family member before his tragic loss in a plane crash. It was the example his family’s advisor set that would eventually inspire Kevin to become a financial advisor.

“I remember that Rich was always there with us during family gatherings and celebrations. He imparted in me the importance of genuine, caring relationships that evolve beyond the business end of matters and focus more on the well-being of others,” said Kevin. “I am passionate about bringing this same dedication to the clients I serve. That is why I founded Heartwood Financial Group.”

Kevin believes that everyone is different, and every client has his or her own unique story. That is why he is driven to get to know each client on a deeper level, so he can help guide them to pursue their personalized goals and dreams.

“I want to simplify the complexities of the financial world because I believe it's all about helping my clients sleep well at night. I aim to give them confidence and the knowledge that the plans we put in place will help them feel comfortable with the potential outcomes.”

Kevin has been a financial advisor for more than 13 years, starting his career at Edward Jones. Before founding Heartwood Financial Group in 2022, he helped create Grand Oak Wealth Management, where he served as a partner since 2017. Whether the goal is to send a child to college, retire early, or another critically important financial objective, Kevin obtains the greatest satisfaction out of helping his clients pursue their aspirations.

A graduate of Clemson University, Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree in financial management. Originally from New Jersey, Kevin has lived in South Carolina for more than 20 years. He currently lives in Estill, South Carolina, and looks forward to visits to his family’s home on Saint Helena Island.

Kevin and his wife, Mary, have been married for 13 years and they have two daughters, Anna and Whitley. When he is not advocating for his clients, Kevin enjoys spending time with his girls, perfecting his woodworking craft, and fishing the waters of South Carolina.

Jeff-Violette-sm

Jeff Violette

Client Relationship Manager

Jeff Violette joined Heartwood Financial Group as the Client Relationship Manager to provide exceptional client service.

Jeff comes from New Orleans and relocated to South Carolina in 2012 with his family. A graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Jeff also holds a Master’s degree in Exercise and Wellness from Eastern Kentucky University.

Prior to his move to South Carolina, Jeff worked in the property/casualty and life/health insurance industries and then expanded into affiliation with a financial practice that places an emphasis on long-range planning and long-term care. Jeff’s lifelong commitment to sports and health led him to serve as a wellness coach for clients across the United States, which he views as complimentary to his work in the financial industry, as he believes financial health and physical health are both required for a balanced life. He enjoys watching men’s and women’s SEC sports, working out, spending time with his wife, Jayne, and visiting their daughter, Alexis, who is in medical school at MUSC in Charleston.