Testimonials

Google 5-star rating

The Federal Securities & Exchange Commission recently relaxed their rules regarding the use of client testimonials. The State of California, however, is still studying this allowance.  At this point, therefore, we are not allowed to post the significant list of client and professional testimonials we have available.  We will be glad to share the list upon request, however, and make introductions to anyone you wish to speak with regarding our services. 

R. J. Kelly has been a personal and financial advisor to me and to several foundations on which I have served. He has also assisted me in coordinating the involvement of my children in a charitable lifestyle and attitude. Using his training, background, and his natural abilities of communication and insight, R. J. has helped me achieve my lifestyle goals. 

Having R. J. as a trusted advisor and a valued sounding board has allowed me to make ‘good’ decisions ‘better’. I would gladly discuss my experience with R. J. Kelly with anyone who is considering using his skill sets and services.
george tillery
George W. Tillery
Founder & Chairman
A-Z Bus Sales, Inc.
I would highly recommend the services of R. J. Kelly and his company. Since my wife and I are entering retirement years we wanted help with how we could pass on our life's work to the next generations in our family. Not only our material assets, but our family values and lessons learned as well. This was a mammoth task we'd never done before so I searched numerous estate counselors and came across R. J. Kelly. He promised he could help us in all that we wanted to achieve. And he has done just that at a fair price. Using his advice, I will likely recoup the cost of his service within a year. 

The work done to establish our family's values and a system of family governance, family meetings, etc., has been truly a heartwarming experience to my family members, even our grandchildren who genuinely appreciate the meaning of our shared values and goals. 

R. J. is clearly highly experienced in all facets of estate planning including tax regs and a variety of ways to tailor estate planning to our needs so I am comfortable that I am getting good advice. I also found him to be very patient, something my wife and I needed as we took quite some time sorting through all that needed to be done for estate planning while juggling the demands of everyday life.
Dan Stradford
Dan Stradford
CEO
Action Duct Cleaning
One glance at R. J. Kelly’s LinkedIn profile and Wealth Legacy Group website will quickly inform you that he is at the top of his game in terms of his professional impact upon the San Diego marketplace and how that impact has translated into making a tangible difference in lives of thousands of families over the course of his career. 

He is a true man of God, a servant-leader, a mentor and a friend... which is why he is my choice as my family's Financial Advisor now and for years to come. 
John Kenney
SVP, US Sales Operations
Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
R. J. has deep technical expertise and at the same time is extremely personable. He is an expert at working through a 
myriad of issues including financial, estate, tax, accounting, 
and legal. R. J. is a professional and he is highly skilled at getting things accomplished. He has a successful track record of success and value his experience and his friendship. 

I would not hesitate to recommend him for his advice in wealth legacy issues and financial planning.
Douglas Wall
Chairman/CEO
PureForge
"The life and legacy of R. J. Kelly and all that has been done through his numerous entrepreneurial, personal, and philanthropic successes reminds me a bit of the movie 'The Guardian.' In this movie, Senior Petty Officer Ben Randall, a veteran coast guard rescue swimmer played by Kevin Costner, overcomes his tumultuous past to pour his life into a talented, but scarred Coast Guard protégé Airman named Jake Fisher, played by Ashton Koucher.

Similarly, R. J. Kelly, (as a seasoned business professional,) has overcome many adversities in life and business. His 'rescue mission' is to pro-actively, but gently, 'swim' along side and 'grab hold' of those struggling to survive the tumultuous seas of business and life, by providing practical and timely wisdom to those seeking advice. 

R. J. Kelly will be remembered as God’s businessman, family man, and entrepreneur who desired to 'Never let go' in his passionate pursuit of loving others. I hope you have the privilege of meeting the living, 'Legend of Legacy,' through the life of R. J. Kelly."
Wayne Schmidt
Entrepreneur
English Access ESL
“R. J. Kelly is one of the most professional advisers I have ever worked with. He has solid values, an amazing work ethic, 
total commitment to his clients, and is one of the most 
organized people I have ever met. 

I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with R. J.”
Stan Padgett, Esquire
Padgett Law, P. A.
“It is always a pleasure working with R. J. Kelly of Wealth Legacy Group! Assisting clients, he listens to understand and to help them develop a clear-cut plan for the future. He is a strategic thinker and keeps the needs of his clients at the forefront. I’m always impressed at his organized approach to discovery, strategy and implementation, and I feel confident that clients feel safe in his and his team’s care.”
Great content, nice use of Power Point slides with brevity of words and good graphics, professional delivery style with good passion, informative tax saving strategies. THANKS AGAIN for making the trip up to O.C. to present to my CE group!
Bob Dabic
Vistage Chair
Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
R. J. Kelly leads a very talented and responsive team. They have a wealth of experience and a customer-centric approach that really works for me. They care about their clients and focus on their needs. I highly recommend them 
Rick Itzkowich
Rick Itzkowich
Vistage Chair
Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
"R. J. is one of the few Family Wealth Counselors who has a deep understanding of how to integrate the technical and relational. He's a true professional."
Tim Voorhees
Tim Voorhees
Principal Partner
Million Voorhees Ziebold LLP
"R. J. and his team at Wealth Legacy Group, Inc. provide a comprehensive and customized plan for their valued clients. As a consulting firm that offers many products and options, R. J. partners with experts to provide the best for their clients. He and his team research all possibilities to be sure they present the right plan. His due diligence process is very thorough and efficient. 

He makes sure the options he is offering as well as the experts he trusts prove themselves before beginning a relationship."
Stephani Lucas
President/CEO The Annuity Consultants
Passionate. Visionary. Inclusive. Philanthropic. Compassionate. Leader. Helper. Caring. Articulate. Insightful. Inspirational. Wise. Seasoned. Professional. Listener. Inspirer. These are just some of 
the words that endeavor to capture the whole wealth advisory statesman, R. J. Kelly. I encourage fellow advisors, the Ultra 
High Net Worth and business owners to find for themselves 
what value he brings to their personal, philanthropic and business continuity needs.
Carl Sheeler, Ph.D
Managing Partner, Business Valuations, Ltd.
Allison Appraisals & Assessments, Inc.
I have had the pleasure of working with R. J. in a professional capacity, presenting to an organization. He is a thoughtful, humble and an exceptional person who garners my best recommendations from a personal and professional perspective. Your time with R. J. will be well spent.
Peter Freska, MPH, CEBS
Principal/Adviser
The LBL Group
"I've worked with the Wealth Legacy Group, Inc. since around 2014 as I was transitioning from the Marine Corps. R. J., Vymean, and the whole WLG team are a professional and caring team for their clients and the overall San Diego community. With a great belief in servant leadership and philanthropy, I highly recommend all San Diegans to learn about this amazing group and discover how they can both benefit from their experiences and how they can become a part of this organization too."
Phil Kendro
Phil Kendro, MA, ATP
First Officer
United Airlines
R. J. is a man of unlimited ability. His passion, ethics and consideration of others before himself puts him into a very select class of financial professionals. His aim is to care for others at levels beyond the scope of consideration by most people. His expertise is a premium added to his care of clients and others. I highly recommend you establish a relationship with R. J. Since I have come to know him I have witnessed a man living in the rare air of life; yearning to go higher and seeking to know more, all the while keeping his feet planted on the ground.”
Jerry Troyer
Executive Director
Providence
"R. J. has helped me and my family tremendously in reviewing and analyzing everything we have accumulated over the years. His expertise and knowledge have been invaluable in helping us make plans on how to extend our inheritance to future generations as well as making a philanthropic impact. 

In addition to being a financial advisor, he is also a great friend. He not only takes the time to understand the financial aspect, but also takes the time to understand the family dynamics and individual personalities. I would highly recommend his services."
I’ve known R. J. for many years. My wife and I have hired R. J. to help us sort through the myriad of complexities in identifying goals and positioning for our futures. R. J. is an especially creative financial advisor and thinks way beyond standard approaches to financial planning. He has a broad suite of capabilities available to assist in everything from base investment advice to charitable giving to tax planning. It has been a pleasure working with R. J.

John Klearman
Retired Entrepreneur 
R. J. Kelly has helped us combine our passion and purpose with our resources. We have been encouraged to know our ‘why’ so we do not lose our ‘way’. And with a smart use of various trusts, insurance products, and retirement investments available from a range of companies we have actually saved money, expanded our future retirement income all the while directing a portion of our taxes to philanthropies of our choosing. And should there be assets remaining we can leave a directed legacy to the generations to come. Death and taxes may be certain but there is no need to follow the herd when R. J. and the WLG team are at hand.
WLG clients, BCB
I have worked with, collaborated with, and have known R. J. for a number of years now. R. J. is the consummate professional who always strives to put the client first and constantly exemplifies the highest degree of integrity in everything that he does. 

He is also one of the co-founders and the driving force behind The Center for Wealth & Legacy. I highly recommend R. J. for your consideration. You will not be disappointed.
William Exeter
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC
R. J. is a total professional. He really knows the complexities of his business and has the common sense to call on experts when he doesn't know the answers. He never lets ego stand in the way of providing his clients with the best answers for their questions. 
Working with R. J. and his team has been a blessing for myself and my family. As a real estate investor, I look for value and seek to capitalize on what I have while focusing on future growth. R. J. came to the table with a myriad of options and took the time to narrow down our focus to the one (and best) solution that would have the most positive impact for my goals financially & otherwise. I could not be more satisfied with my experience working with the Wealth Legacy Group. I will work them again and highly recommend them to friends and colleagues. Keep up the good work! 
tony dray
Tony Dray
Real Estate Entrepreneur
Wildrose Real Estate Corp, LLC
R. J. Kelly has a unique perspective of how to manage money. Whether it is a business owner preparing for an exit, a private investor looking to improve their returns or somebody trying to protect their wealth, R. J. has creative solutions for challenges people have had for years. R. J. is a Vistage Speaker, where he shares his knowledge with leading CEO's. His takeaways are actionable and impactful to all who attend! 
dale robinette
Dale Robinette
Vistage Master Chair
Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
 I have known and worked with R. J. for almost two decades. He has served me well as a financial advisor, connector to people and resources and a friend. He has high integrity, is relationally strong and always provides incredible value.”
Ron Jenson
America's Life Coach
R. J. is the consummate strategic trusted advisor. When putting together a team of advisors for a client, R. J. would be an excellent member of that team because not only of his high level of experience and expertise but also his caring and consultative approach with clients. As a result of his many years of experience in working with the wealthy, the client is immediately put at ease and thus feels comfortable in expressing his or her planning goals, objectives and maybe most importantly their concerns about such planning. 

Based upon my experience in working with R. J., I can whole heartedly recommend him to be part of an advisory team or for working with a client on an individual basis.”
Bradford Dewan
Attorney
Miller Monson Peshel Polacek & Hoshaw
I have had the pleasure of working with R. J. in a team approach to solving client issues and meeting their objectives. His care in making sure objectives were met and overall collaboration were a value to the team efforts produced by this group of trusted advisors.”
Mark Morris
Mark C. Morris, J.D., CPA, LL.M
Senior Tax Counsel
LevitZacks
"R. J. runs an incredible practice that is thoughtful to the needs and objectives of his clients. His impressive background with his Master's of Science in Financial Services, tax emphasis, and  other advanced Financial Planning certifications are a real asset that his clients benefit from. Out of the many financial professionals I work with, R. J. stands out above the rest with true depth and knowledge to benefit clients."
Steven de Barón Prescott, CFP, MBA
Managing Director
Kingsbarn Real Estate Capital, LLC
R. J. Kelly and I have worked on teams together, with mutual clients and on professional Boards with one another. I highly endorse R. J.’s leadership and ability to get tasks accomplished. He is a true achiever. Furthermore, R. J. listens, sets goals and makes things happen in an ethical and exemplary professional manner.
Tim Rafalovich
Vice President, Wealth Management Specialist
Wells Fargo Bank
“I had the privilege of being referred to R. J. Kelly in connection 
with a wrongful termination case with Erisa (pension) Cross-overs.  I found his knowledge of pension law abundant – specifically 'top hat' plans and analysis for determining whether one is truly ERISA-compilant exempt. R. J. is an efficient and reliable source of knowledge. His attention to detail is not only prompt, but effective. I would, and do, highly recommend Mr. Kelly’s services to my colleagues.”
Kari M. Myron
Partner
Bohm Matsen Kegel & Auilera, LLP
R. J. has an incredible skill that one doesn't find very often: the ability to lead a team of hard-charging, Type A personality, successful leaders in their own right and do it in such a way that everyone feels involved, important, and that their ideas and opinions are priceless to the group. R. J.'s energy, drive and creativity are boundless, and he does everything with an efficiency level second to none. It's my pleasure to call him friend and know that I can call on him when needed and he'll be ready with answers, help, introductions and a smile.”
Joe Luby III
Author
KEEP IT! Advanced Tax Strategies for IRAs
R. J. has created a complete cadre of financial services that I find to be unique in today's marketplace. The breadth of planning skills coupled with his heartfelt drive to provide peerless service makes him a natural provider of choice to successful business owners seeking to maintain and grow their family assets and legacy. R.J.'s personal commitment as a Christ follower is evident in the 'servant's heart' that he brings to his professional relationships.
The late Mark Fingerlin
Missed greatly but not forgotten
R. J. Kelly is one of the most credentialed, competent and caring Financial Advisors I've ever met. His skill in helping successful business owners and entrepreneurs of all kinds is unparalleled , especially in the areas of business growth, tax reduction, succession planning and legacy. He has a genuine love of people which extends to his clients. I always recommend R.J. to other Financial Advisors who have business owner clients who seek to reduce risk, grow their business, sell or transfer with tax benefits, and invest the proceeds wisely while creating a true lasting legacy and doing good in the world. I am fortunate to know a Financial Advisor of his stature.”
Max Bolka
Financial Advisor Mentor
Comprehensive Business Consulting
R. J. has advised on both business equity planning and insurance needs. He is responsive, timely, and provided good solutions.”
David Chong
Executive Director
Coast Care Partners

4540 Kearny Villa Road
Suite 114
San Diego, CA 92123
Office: (858) 569-0633
Fax: (858) 333-4942
info@wealthlegacygrp.com