At Research Financial Strategies, we have assembled a team of highly qualified investment professionals focused on the preservation and growth of our clients’ assets. We all share a bond with the communities where we live, as well as a belief in the power of hard work and discipline over time. That’s how we have grown our business and how we continue to guide the wealth of our clients.
We are dedicated to helping you protect and manage your assets, prepare for retirement and life’s events, and develop a legacy that benefits your loved ones and future generations. As your financial partner, we listen and respond to your needs using clear, simple language. We offer personal service, seek to develop innovative strategies, and pledge to lead you with great care along the path to pursuing your goals.
John F. Reutemann, Jr., CLU, CFP®
Founder & CEO / Financial and Wealth Advisor
301-294-7500
john.reutemann@rfsadvisors.com
John “Jack” Reutemann Jr. is a trailblazer in the financial services industry. He’s not only the founder and CEO of Research Financial Strategies, but he’s also a pioneer in modern investment strategies and a nationally recognized expert whom clients and other financial advisors seek for advice.
With more than 40 years of experience as a registered representative, Jack has spent the last 20 years developing RFS into a multi-state Registered Investment Advisory organization. The firm is known for avoiding declines in the last four major stock market corrections, and it specializes in providing investment advice using a proprietary methodology that leverages technical analysis.
Jack is a frequent guest and expert contributor for CNBC, Fox News and other national media outlets. As co-founder and co-instructor of No More Pies, he helps educate financial advisors and stockbrokers on technical analysis and risk management. He was also an early advocate for the use of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a lower cost and more efficient substitute for mutual funds.
Jack is a native Washingtonian – he attended St. John’s Military High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from the University of Maryland. He takes an active role in his community by supporting many charitable causes. Jack and his wife Toni live in Potomac, Maryland, where they raised five children and are currently spoiling their grandchildren.
Valerie Alexander, CPA
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer
301-294-7500
valerie.alexander@rfsadvisors.com
As chief financial officer and chief compliance officer of Research Financial Strategies, Valerie Alexander is an integral part of the firm’s success. She not only serves as a strategic partner and advisor to the CEO, but she also oversees accounting affairs and ensures all policies and procedures are followed.
Additionally, she leverages her experience as a Certified Public Accountant to provide tax strategy consultations and other tax-related services to clients. Prior to joining RFS, she was a senior tax manager with American Express Tax and Business Services, where she gained 20-plus years of experience in public accounting.
Valerie is a member of the American Institute of Public Accountants and the Maryland Association of CPAs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland.
A native Washingtonian, she enjoys relaxing at the beach, traveling and working out daily at the local gym. Her husband Ray is the CFO of Kane Construction; they have two daughters, Crystal and Jessica.
Jim Streight
Chief Marketing Officer
301-294-7500 x 227
jim.streight@rfsadvisors.com
As Chief Marketing Officer, Jim is responsible for the firm’s overall marketing strategy including sales, print and social media, advertising, publicity, event planning and outreach to professional advisors. He joined Research Financial Strategies in 2017 focused on new business development and sales.
Prior to joining RFS, Jim was with Striquer Funds serving as the Vice President of Sales. Striquer is an International hedge fund based out of Northern Virginia. Previously, Jim began his career as a long time CEO of a startup that grew to become a nationally known furniture retailer. He is also managing partner of a residential and commercial real estate portfolio.
Jim graduated from the University Of Maryland’s Smith School of Business with a dual major in business and economics.
Chris Lee
Branch Operations Manager
301-294-7500
chris.lee@rfsadvisors.com
As branch operations manager, Chris Lee supervises client relations and ensures operational excellence at Research Financial Strategies. He is responsible for setting up new accounts, tracking all incoming transfers and overseeing back office operations, and he also serves as a liaison between the firm’s home office and its financial advisors in other locations.
Chris joined RFS in 2005 as a client service associate. Previously, he worked at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and Paine Webber Investments, assisting the vice president of the Washington, D.C., branch office.
A graduate of the University of Rochester, Chris has a bachelor’s degree in political science. He lives in Rockville, Maryland, and enjoys playing tennis and visiting friends in New York City in his free time.