Hello, I’m Brent, and represent the Dunn in SchlegelDunn. I’ve learned my path to financial planning is unique. I’ve never met an advisor who entered the industry the same way. Let’s just say that as a kid I didn’t fight over a calculator like Scott and Steven probably did. And although my story is unconventional, once you know some twists and turns, you’ll have no difficulty seeing how it shaped me for helping others. It set me up for my perfect career at SchlegelDunn.
My entire work history has been driven by a single passion. I love helping people achieve freedom. It may sound cliché or generic, but that’s my most accurate and brief elevator speech.
Occupationally, for my entire career, I have been helping people reach a better place. When I meet advisors, they are typically surprised to discover that I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have facilitated more than 20,000 counseling sessions. Talk about an experience that shaped me to be a better listener and communicator. In that career, I was privileged to walk with others, to guide and support — helping them find freedom — from feeling stuck in depression, anxiety, poor communication, a bad marriage, overwhelming grief, feeling lost, etc.
While working in a private practice my wife and I started in 2002 (she’s also a professional counselor), I realized how frequently the topic of money came up. People did not have freedom, financially or emotionally. And it was taboo to talk about. So, they told me. I learned they had debt, fought over money, divorced over money, had anxiety or guilt about money, and worried about their kids. Most were lacking in financial goals and direction. I didn’t know how to help. So, I decided to learn. I went back to school, taking classes at SMU. I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification.
Financial planning and investing were fascinating. I had the soft skills down. I knew people. I could sit with them. Over time, I gained the technical knowledge. In January 2010, I joined Steven and Scott and SchlegelDunn was born.
Faith is something we all share. It’s significant to who we are as individuals. We are business partners and even more, great friends. I like to think our clients can sense the people they trust really like each other and like what we do.
I think I should end with my “Why?”. Why do I work so hard for my clients? Why am I driven to make clients' lives better? Let me introduce you to my amazing wife, Renee’ and my talented teenagers, Avery and Jackson. I have a wonderful family, and I’m driven to give them the best life possible. This means I love quality time and supporting them in chasing their dreams. In 2013, we made Frisco, Texas our home. We love our city and feel immensely blessed to live in such a wonderful community.
If you see me away from work, I’ll most likely be wearing a cap. I’m a coach for my son’s club soccer team, where I have nearly a decade of experience. Or you may see me supporting my daughter’s Broadway pursuit, and volunteering for North Texas Performing Arts where I’ve served as a board member. And I’m also honored to be on ACU’s Alumni Board, able to give back to my university.
One day I’ll get back to golfing, fishing, and hunting. I’ll continue going to sporting events and hosting friends with pre-game tailgates. I’ll cook and travel and continue putting money into experiences over possessions. But for now, I’m happy to give my time mostly to family and clients. I feel blessed by my unusual path to this place of financial planning and investment management. I’d love an opportunity to meet you to see how we could work together and help you find even more freedom.