ABOUT US

Kropog Financial Group, LLC is an independent wealth management firm with offices in Mandeville and New Orleans, Louisiana. Because we are a family-owned firm, we have a sincere interest in the overall financial well-being of each and every client we serve. Since 1979, we’ve helped our clients organize their financial lives, pursue their financial goals, and preserve and grow their hard-earned assets.

We broker through LPL Financial, the nation’s leading independent broker/dealer*, which means we have no proprietary products, no sales quotas, no investment banking business relationships, or any other conflicts that get in the way of providing personalized financial planning and investment advice. Put another way: our independence allows us to provide our clients with financial advice aligned with their personal objectives, free from conflicts of interest.

In addition to the value offered by working with an independent firm, our clients also benefit from obtaining the advice of financial professionals who are diligent about improving their knowledge of the ever-changing financial world. Jim Kropog and Ryan Kropog have both earned the distinguished CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designations, credentials that require experience, knowledge, continuing education, and ongoing adherence to regulatory standards. And, as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm, Kropog Financial Group is able to internalize many business practices non-RIA firms cannot, resulting in lower operational costs and therefore lower advisory fees.

Additionally, as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professionals, Jim and Ryan have a fiduciary duty to their clients. This means that they have an obligation to act in their clients’ best interest and to place their clients’ interest ahead of their own, requiring good faith and honesty in all client relationships.

Ryan Kropog, CFP®, RICP®

CEO / Financial Advisor

Within Kropog Financial Group, LLC. Ryan’s work focuses on financial planning, portfolio analysis, portfolio development, customer service, marketing, and research. Ryan holds the FINRA Series 7, 66, and 24 registrations through LPL Financial and a State of Louisiana life insurance license. Additionally, on October 12, 2012, Ryan earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, one of the premier designations in the financial services industry.

Courtney Valentine, MBA, APMA®

Financial Advisor

Courtney was born in Hattiesburg, MS, and graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master's degree in Business Administration. She moved to New Orleans, LA in late 2020 where she began her financial career as a Paraplanner.

In late 2022, Courtney joined Kropog Financial Group as a licensed Financial Advisor, holding the FINRA Series 7 & Series 66 with LPL Financial and a State of Louisiana life insurance license. Courtney also holds The Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (or APMA®) designation.

Chris Rodriguez, MBA

Financial Advisor

In 2017, Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in Entrepreneurial Management and Marketing. Shortly after graduating, Chris continued his studies at Tulane, receiving his MBA, focusing on Finance in 2021.

In August of 2021, Chris joined Kropog Financial Group as a Financial Advisor. As a licensed financial advisor, Chris’ responsibilities focus on financial planning, portfolio analysis & development, customer service, marketing, and research. Chris holds the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registrations through LPL Financial.

Calvin J. Foster-Billiot

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Since graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU) in 2010, with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and management, Calvin has worked in the banking industry gaining knowledge and experience in financial services. In November 2012, Calvin joined Kropog Financial Group as the Office Coordinator.

In 2024, Calvin became the Chief Operating Office (COO) for Kropog Financial Group. His duties include marketing strategy development, business technology expansion, compliance oversight, client services, and operational support.

Gabrielle Walker

Director of Client Relations

Gabrielle was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on Keesler’s Air Force Base, and raised in St. Tammany Parish. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU) in May of 2016. Since graduating, Gabrielle has worked in a managerial position for a local vision care center, giving her valuable knowledge and experience with both client relations and business management.

In March of 2023, Gabrielle joined Kropog Financial Group as the Director of Client Relations. Her duties include client services, office coordinator, client communications, scheduling, and office operations support.

Suzanne Kropog

Controller

In 1991, after teaching for 10 years in the Archdiocese of New Orleans parochial school system, Suzanne joined Jim in what is now known as Kropog Financial Group, LLC. Upon her semi-retirement in 2023, her part-time duties include maintaining compliance requirements for the business and handling the business’ personal bookkeeping and recordkeeping.

Jim Kropog, CFP®, RICP®

Emeritus

Jim began his career as a financial advisor in 1979, which was the start of what is known today as Kropog Financial Group, LLC. In his current role within the firm, he serves as a consultant and trainer to the firm’s current advisory team.

In 1999, Jim earned the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, one of the premier designations in the financial services industry. In 2016, Jim earned the designation of Retirement Income Certified Professional®. Additionally, he holds the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 24 registrations through LPL Financial.