Jeffery D. Ruffin, (I call him Jeff) was born and raised right here in Birmingham, Alabama. He is married to his lovely wife with two beautiful kids. Fun fact, 4.5 years ago, Jeff took a job as a bank teller with BBVA Compass where he worked his way up to becoming a licensed banker within 18 months, which led him to being featured last year in The Birmingham Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40" for financial advisors and insurance agents.
Jeff is the definition of grit and determination. He's serious about his craft and can give you all a lesson or two in the financial realm. I've definitely received guidance on investing from Jeff so I'm excited to have him join the #FeatureThursdayCrew.
Welcome Jeff as this week's feature:
Name: Jeffery D. Ruffin
Title: Financial Advisor, Principal Financial Group
Location: Birmingham, AL
Background: High School graduate from Midfield High School; Graduate from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a BA in Accounting and Computer Science Applications
YC: Why do you love what you do?
Jeff: I love being able to impact people's lives in a positive way. What better way to leave your imprint on someone's life other than to educate them on money and developing plans for them to be in the best financial situation possible?
I love when I’m speaking with clients and I explain something that they didn’t know; and to see their eyes light up with excitement or when I walk with them step-by-step in planning for retirement and just how captive, comfortable and confident they become about retiring and what that looks like.
It’s very motivating to know people put their livelihoods in my hands so I have to approach every client as if they were my own grandma, mother or brother. It’s the perfect career. It’s where numbers meet people. I get to create roadmaps to what clients want their financial future to look like. Even with dealing with Millennials; just the huge gap there is with financial literacy with the education process is huge and something I definitely want to implement more of and help younger generations to better understand.
YC: What does the first hour of your day look like?
Jeff: The first hour of my day (5am) definitely starts with my morning devotion and a workout. I then follow up by an agenda I create of tasks I want to accomplish for that day.
YC: Do you believe that the people you surround yourself with make a difference in your overall success?
Jeff: Yes definitely. I’ve been blessed to have some great people come into my life who have stretched my mind, changed my perspective and helped elevate me to another level.
“Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." Mark Ambrose
YC: Who inspires you the most, and why?
Jeff: Well let’s see, that one is pretty easy. FAMILY!!! All of my life I saw family make sacrifices to try and put me in a better situation. I’ve always had a dream to be able to not only be successful, but be so successful that we all could enjoy the fruits of my labor because they labored with me. They instilled things in me. Family set the foundation of the man I am today. That's what inspires me to not fail at this thing we call life.
YC: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far on your journey?
Jeff: There are no mistakes, only lessons we need to master. Also, embrace the journey and enjoy the ride.
YC: What's the best advice you would give to anyone striving to reach their goals?
Jeff: Find your passion, stay committed to your dreams, pray for guidance and outwork everyone else! With God, a plan and hard work, success is inevitable.
Thanks Jeffery for being on Yvonne Camille's #FeatureThursday series. If you want to learn more about Jeffery, make sure to check out his social platforms listed below:
Instagram: @J_d_ruffin
Facebook: Jeffery Ruffin
For all financial inquiries or how to start investing, email Jeffery at ruffin.jeff@principal.com.
Check back every Thursday for a new feature. If you know someone I should feature, email me via the Contact Page.
Sending love and positive vibes your way!
Yvonne Camille