Our Team

F. Clark Denton, MBA

Financial Services Executive

CA Insurance License #0C90732

  • BS in Accounting, Carson-Newman University

  • MBA, Mercer University

  • Married to Suzanne with three daughters, Emma, Olivia, & Phoebe

Business Philosophy 

I offer a straightforward approach to building financial strategies, focused around you, your schedule, your circumstances, and your objectives. I take the time to understand your needs, explain different options to you, and earn your trust before offering possible solutions. By working with me, you can take meaningful, manageable steps toward developing an integrated strategy to help achieve a secure financial future. Since your financial situation is bound to change, I work with you over time to monitor your progress and help ensure you are on track to achieving your goals.

Phone:865-588-3533‍ ‍Fax: 865-588-3522 Email: cdenton@financialguide.com

W. Dean Cates, CFP®

Financial Advisor

CA Insurance License #4504404

  • MA, Appalachian State University

  • Enjoys playing music and traveling with his wife, Betsy

Business Philosophy 

As the team’s CFP® professional, my focus is on educating our clients on the most efficient financial strategies and tools to help make their dreams into reality. Effective financial planning begins by helping you define your goals, educating you about your options, and tailoring a strategy to make your dollars go farther. Your financial plan is about much more than just saving, investing, and budgeting. It’s about your life, your family, and your future. By working with a team committed to your goals, you can have the confidence and financial independence to take an extra vacation, support your kids through college, remodel your home, or retire on your schedule.

Phone:865-588-3533‍ ‍Fax: 865-588-3522 Email: dcates@financialguide.com

Scott Shoemaker, ChFC®

Scott Shoemaker, ChFC®

Business Philosophy 

The key to a financially secure future is protecting your most valuable assets, looking out for your family, and, if you’re an entrepreneur, taking care of your employees and your business. The future may be uncertain, but you can face it with confidence when you are educated about your options and work with my team to create a financial strategy that can move you closer to your goals, no matter the circumstance. As a Chartered Financial Consultant, I am equipped with a wide variety of specialized knowledge, from income tax strategies to estate planning. I am a lifelong resource for every client, and I’ll be there if your goals or circumstances change.

  • BS in Finance, The University of Tennessee

  • Enjoys camping and traveling with his wife, Kristin, and kids, Macy and Nickolas, and playing golf

Financial Services Executive California Insurance License: #0H49519; Domiciled in TN

Phone:865-588-3533‍ ‍Fax: 865-588-3522 Email: scottshoemaker@financialguide.com

Ed Shoemaker, CLU

Business Philosophy 

In addition to offering a broad portfolio of individual insurance and asset accumulation strategies, I am the team’s group medical insurance specialist. We differentiate ourselves through a commitment to exceptional service, decades of accumulated knowledge and experience, and access to an insurance concierge. I serve local small businesses and business owners so that they can simplify their insurance and asset management and put time back on their calendars.

  • BS, The University of Tennessee

  • Enjoys time with his wife, children, and grandchildren

Financial Services Executive Arkansas Insurance License: #1115619

Phone:865-588-3533‍ ‍Fax: 865-588-3522 Email: edshoemaker@financialguide.com

Chelsea Shanahan

Financial Advisor

  • Enjoys time with husband, Dennis, and their children, Gabriel and Mae.

Business Philosophy

With more than 15 years of licensed investment experience, I work closely with clients to understand what matters most to them. Together, we build thoughtful financial strategies designed to grow, protect, and preserve wealth - so they can move forward with confidence.

Phone:865-588-3533‍ ‍Fax: 865-588-3522 Email: cshanahan@financialguide.com

Ian Woodgate

Financial Advisor

CA Insurance License #4497472

Business Philosophy 

Along with a team of professionals, I provide guidance to my clients to help them reach their financial goals.

  • I live in Knoxville, Tennessee with my wife Tabitha and our two daughters Rockie and Isla. I love being a family man and family values heavily influence my life both in and out of work. Helping loved ones prepare for their retirement was what drove me to this industry and I've since had a decade of experience working with systems, products, and solutions that have helped Americans meet their retirement goals. Besides family and work, my other passions are woodworking, music, and cinema.

Phone:865-588-3533‍ ‍Fax: 865-588-3522 Email: ianwoodgate@financialguide.com