The oldest of four children, Jillian has been in and around small businesses since she was a small child. Her father is the third generation to inherit her family’s forestry business. This is where she was first introduced to the inner workings of small businesses. Likewise, it’s where she found her passion. Working behind the scenes to help the family business has led Jillian to pursue a degree in Business Administration from Bob Jones University.

When she wasn’t working in the office of her family’s company, Jillian spent time as an assistant coach in a CrossFit gym. She enjoyed pushing herself and fellow CrossFitters to be their best just as much as she loved learning the science behind it. Now that she’s relocated to Knoxville, Jillian spends her free time watching movies, trying new recipes, and meeting new friends.

Zach Cooper is our Intern ParaPlanner. He serves clients by assisting in both the operations and financial planning departments. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Finance at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Zach has dedicated his time to hands-on learning by being an integral piece in our client interaction.

Zach has shown an eagerness to grasp complex systems, create efficiency in them and continue to bring about kind accountability. He has shown initiative in investigating how his innate skills can translate across multiple departments.

An avid outdoorsman, Zach has attained the prestigious Eagle Scout status. He uses the valuable skills for discipline and problem-solving to bring the best experience to each and every individual.

Zach has proved to possess exceptional time management skills, and loyalty to see Heritage’s growth be in tandem with his own. He has continued to take on more responsibility in the organization and sees strategic growth as a part of his personal ambition.

When not at work, Zach loves to rock climb, fish, hike, or do anything that takes him on an adventure outdoors.

Amy Ahrens, CEPA® and Investment Advisor Representative, is a tenacious leader who finds creative solutions to each opportunity presented. Amy received a natural education in operating a growing business, as she filled various roles in her family’s mechanical contracting company. Those lessons led her to successful stints in logistics, system creation, education, and sales.

Amy’s education highlights her intuitive thinking and unrelenting spirit. Amy earned a Bachelor of Science in History at Liberty University and went on to study in a graduate program at Lynchburg College achieving her teaching licensure requirements. She applied her talents for intricate system creation and operational efficiencies throughout her years as a high school teacher. As an Independent Sales Director in Mary Kay and later as an Area Manager/Event Coordinator for an Independent National Sales Director with Mary Kay, Amy’s passion for people came alive. Amy worked to mentor and instruct other driven individuals to understand the value of data-driven decision making, and establishing repeatable success. Amy’s driven desire to continue learning and growing led her to achieve the FINRA Series 65.

Amy provides extra care and wisdom when working directly with our clients. In business consulting, Amy provides value to our practice managers by sharing tools to implement in each of their offices. Amy continues to provide the needed accountability for the company’s continual growth. Amy’s expertise is vital in a multitude of areas at Heritage including client interaction, internal company growth, and Business consulting

Amy is married with three children. In her free time, Amy enjoys reading, hiking, baking, traveling, music and fitness.

David Kent, MBA, CEPA®, is essential to the grounding of Heritage. As our logo of a strong oak tree and name suggest- the Heritage team provides stability and strength to each client. David Kent proves to be a steading, anchor to both the internal team and clients. David works as our Executive Director of Business Planning, consulting with business owners and practice managers to listen with a discerning ear, provide tools, and brainstorm problem-solving tactics.

David obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management from Oklahoma State University before serving years in various management roles with JC Penney Company, Inc. and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. David then moved on to earn a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This focused training allowed David to launch a private consulting firm, working specifically with key decision-makers associated with Universities across the country.

David is passionate about helping others succeed by offering saged tactics for individuals and organizations. David lives out his ability to connect deeply with others by serving on several Boards of Directors and working with family-owned businesses as a facilitator of two Life Groups for the Legacy Center.