RPI focuses on helping people navigate life transitions by delivering financial guidance and advice.
We make it our personal mission to show our client family how to identify and then live their one best life with meaningful purpose and financial stability. The very core of our story is about family. You might hear us welcome you to the RPI Family, and with many of our relationships that span 3 decades show, we mean it!
The family dynamic is both external and internal – Founder David Blaydes has added to the team organically with team members that include family and others that have been together for well over a decade. When we work together, you can expect the expertise of our entire team rather than a single advisor.
Our team takes continuous learning and education seriously to stay ahead of the curve with top-of-the-line guidance and advice. Designations include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®), Masters in Personal Financial Planning (MS), Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Registered Financial Consultant (RFC), and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™).
David L. Blaydes, MS, CFP®, AIF®, BFA
Founder and CEO
630-778-8118
David L. Blaydes, MS, CFP®, AIF®, BFA, is the founder and CEO of Retirement Planners International, Inc., (RPI), and has been successfully engaged in the financial planning industry since 1977.
Jared Lester, MBA, CFP®, BFA
Wealth Advisor
630-778-8118
Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Jared Lester graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the Krannert School of Management. After graduating, Jared moved back to Oklahoma to serve on the Treasury...
Jim Wilkins, RFC, BFA
Wealth Advisor
630-778-8118
Jim Wilkins, RFC, is a Wealth Advisor for RPI and has been successfully engaged in the financial planning industry for over 25 years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Western Michigan University and holds the...
JD Blaydes, RFC, BFA
Wealth Advisor
630-778-8118
Since graduating with a degree in Financial Counseling & Planning from Purdue University in 2016, JD joined the RPI team as RPI’s newest Associate Wealth Advisor. JD has been surrounded by the financial services industry for his...
Bridgette Borgnini
Director of Marketing & Operations
630-778-8118
As the Director of Marketing & Operations, Bridgette adds value by implementing a Team approach based upon a high level of efficiency. She coordinates the compliance within the office to make sure all processes and procedures are...
Lauren Lester
Client Relationship Manager
630-778-8118
Lauren became part of the RPI Team upon graduation from Purdue University in 2011. As RPI’s Relations Manager, Lauren’s primary focus is the client experience. Her main pursuit is to ensure clients’ needs are exceeded...
Patti Johansen
Client Relationship Manager
630-778-8118
By putting the client at the center of what she does, Patti understands each client and demonstrates her genuine desire to exceed all of their expectations. She loves getting to know them personally so she can provide them with the...
Sharon Negris
Client Relationship Manager
630-778-8118
Sharon has been with the RPI team since 2015 and truly appreciates the opportunity to service our client family. Knowing that each client has a unique life situation, she appreciates...