Advisor's Bios

Back in 1986, the founders of CORE Financial began working along the front range as independent agencies working in our own hometown markets. We worked together for many years helping families and small businesses plan for, and insure, their financial future.

We formed CORE Financial in 2001 and greatly expanded the products and services that we make available to the public. We now have a number of very qualified insurance-licensed individuals and registered representatives of Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. that have joined together to make up an integral part of our firm. Our representatives are continually attending various company and industry-provided educational courses to grow their knowledge of the products and strategies that are available to you. Our representatives are well versed in a variety of financial disciplines with tremendous resources available to help get the job done right.

CORE Financial - Financial Professionals

  David Menard, LUTCF - Investment Advisor Representative of Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. 

General Agent with Transamerica Life Insurance Company
davemenard@core-financial.net

 Dave Menard is the co-owner of the Menard Agency of CORE Financial based in Fort Collins, CO. Since 1988. He has worked in the financial management field, helping successful executives, business owners and affluent individuals with wealth management.

Dave graduated from Western State in 1985 with a Bachelors Degree in Business. Since he began his career in financial management Dave has passed the series licenses 7, 63, 66, his Life and Health insurance license, as well as, a license for Long Term Care insurance. Dave is an Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Representative with Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.

Dave has been a member of the MDRT member for many years bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge into play for his clients. The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is an independent association of more that 20,000 life insurance agents who have met strict ethical and production requirements to qualify. Recognized internationally as the standard of the life insurance sales performance, the MDRT’S members represent more than 60 nations and more than 475 insurance companies. In addition, Dave is an active member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). Dave’s role as a financial advisor is to provide comprehensive financial guidance to aid his clients in the pursuit of their financial goals.

The Home Office of Life Investors Financial Group (LIFG) has recognized Dave’s leadership and knowledge by requesting him as an instructor for their sales representative schools and seminars on a regular basis. He has also been requested to serve as a guest speaker for numerous educational conferences and training sessions hosted by LIFG. In addition, Dave has been involved in numerous public speaking engagements for other financial professionals around the country. Sharing his knowledge with others is a major part of Dave’s philosophy.

Acting on his strong belief of the importance of giving back to his community, Dave supports several charitable organizations, locally and internationally, through sponsorship and/or donations of time and resources.

Dave shares his life with Alexia Smaller who is, also, his business partner.  They live in Fort Collins, CO.  When not working, they love to travel, spend time with family, and hike.

Karen Ketcham, LUTCF - Registered Representative of Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc
karenketcham@core-financial.net

Karen Ketcham manages the Core Financial agency in Lamar, CO. She has been in the business since 1993 and her practice includes all facets of financial services, including life insurance, health insurance, long term care insurance, education funding strategies and investment options.

Ketcham holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Wyoming and a Masters from Adams State College. In addition to her life and health license, she, also, is Series 6 and 63 licensed and is a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).

Karen is an active member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Zonta and Rotary International. Karen has 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren.

Core Financial in Lamar is a full service agency, building on client relationships to provide a full range of financial services.

 Phil Gordley
philgordley@core-financial.net

 Phil Gordley started in the insurance industry in 1982, at the age of 20. After the several years as a top 10 producer working with PFL Life / Transamerica group, he was promoted to a National Marketing Director position, in charge of recruiting, training, and development in the Southeastern States.

After several years of record production, exceeding $1,000,000 per year in annual life premium he was promoted to the position of Marketing Vice President, and then Divisonal President 2 years after that. He was rewarded with a seat on the Board of Directors with Marketing and Management Corporation of America and also sat on the board for Professional Life and Annuity, an affiliated insurance company.

Phil resides in Albuquerque, NM with his wife Zora, and his two daughters Olivia, and Madison. He enjoys cheering them on at their soccer matches, and swim meets. Zora has also recently gotten her Life license and is helping with the ongoing growth of the Albuquerque office.

Phil was the #1 Agency recruiter of the year with Life Investors Insurance Company of America in 2005 and continues to build the New Mexico branch of CORE Financial. He currently holds his Life and Health licenses.

Cisco Rubio
ciscorubio@core-financial.net

 Cisco Rubio was born and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico (the original Vegas). He has been with CORE Financial since 2006. He is considered a Twin Career Representative, also, being an Assistant Pastor at Victory Life Assembly of God.

 Cisco has been the top producer in New Mexico and the #1 Twin Career Rep. for Life Investors Financial Group (LIFG) in 2006,2007, and 2008. He has earned VIP club and Fortunaire status each year. Cisco specializes in life and health insurance and equity index annuities. 

Cisco is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a degree in Engineering Technology and taught at the college level for over 5 years. During that time he was, also, an independent business owner in the direct sales industry heavily recruiting and training other business owners. He burned out from teaching and recruiting and was looking for another way to help and teach people, as well as, a greater way to supplement his income, so he answered an ad in his local newspaper and the rest is history.  

Cisco has a heart to help people. He is married to his beautiful wife, Trudy, and has two boys Josiah and Isaac, and a daughter Briana. When he is not helping someone he enjoys soccer, golf, reading, watching movies, and traveling.  Cisco Rubio is not affiliated with TFA.