About Us

Partner, deceased
11/13/1962 - 05/21/2021

Though he has sadly left us too soon, Robbie’s influence will forever impact all aspects of life at Proffitt Wilkes Griffin Wealth Management. Robbie was always striving for something greater, which is why he and his friend John Wilkes joined together in 2000 to pioneer their signature ‘team-approach’ to wealth management. Without his expertise and passion, Proffitt Wilkes Griffin Wealth Management would have never grown into the robust practice it is today.

Robbie truly understood the meaning of service. After honorably serving our country in the Air Force, he started a 35-year financial journey. From John Hancock, to Prudential, to finally Proffitt Wilkes Griffin Wealth Management, Robbie never stopped finding better ways to serve his community, family and clients.

Robbie leaves a strong legacy behind both professionally and personally. He is survived by his wife Sonya, his son Tyson and daughters Shaunna & Shannon as well as three grandsons and a granddaughter.

While our hearts ache that Robbie has left us too soon, we know he would not want us to be sad. Instead, Robbie might tell you to grab a buddy and shoot a round of golf or spend the day fishing. There will never be another Robbie – we will always feel his absence. But, with hearts full of gratitude for his contributions, we will also always smile upon his memory.

John Wilkes understands that your investments are simply a means to meet your family’s future needs.  He believes in the importance of getting to know his clients on a personal level.  By knowing more about you, your family, and interests he is able to tailor an investment plan that is uniquely yours.

From his experience as a long-term care administrator, John understands what is important in life and that our family and life experiences are what make us who we are. As an advisor, he is able to use this experience to discuss not only investment issues, but also the life issues that all seniors face.  Social Security, health care issues, and legacy planning are particular areas of focus.

John completed his BBA in Corporate Finance and his MBA in Finance from East Tennessee State University. He is a PIM certified Portfolio Manager and earned his Portfolio Manager certification in 2004.

John is a member of both Cokesbury United Methodist Church, and the Cherokee Masonic Lodge #728.

John enjoys spending time with his daughter, Hadley Rose. A member of the Oak Ridge Sportsman’s Association and the NRA, John also enjoys target and clay shooting, golf, as well as motorcycling and boating.

The PIM program is not appropriate for all investors. Please carefully review the Wells Fargo Advisors advisory disclosure document for a full description of our services. The minimum account size for this program is $50,000.

Every client’s life and economic situation is unique. By listening carefully and paying attention to detail, Kyle Griffin is dedicated to helping families and businesses develop financial strategies that line up with their individual needs, goals, and risk tolerance.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance with a secondary emphasis in Entrepreneurship, Kyle began his career with Wells Fargo Advisors in 2010. While at UT, he participated in the Investment Group and the Financial Management Association. He was also named a University of Tennessee Bloomberg Master by passing exam requirements and earning acknowledgements in equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, and commodities.

In 2015, Kyle achieved the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CFP® professional designation.  The CFP® designation identifies those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination covering the following areas:  the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning. 

Kyle and his wife, Tracey, live in Knoxville with their two Labrador Retrievers, Sophie and Oak.  He enjoys spending his free time in various outdoor activities; which includes golfing and going to the lake, training and working their dogs. Kyle is a member of the East Tennessee Retreiver Club. He is an avid UT football and basketball fan, attending games whenever possible.

“Follow through is key to happy clients and a successful business.”

Well-organized and detail-oriented, Michelle Palmer handles all aspects of the branch operations and all client requests.

Michelle began her financial services career at a bank branch in Michigan in 1990; later moving into an IT help-desk training position, supporting hardware and software upgrades within the corporation. In 2001, Michelle joined the investment side of the business and became a registered sales assistant to a group of Financial Advisors in the Institutional Sales Group at the bank. After moving to Tennessee to be closer to her family, she joined the Proffitt & Wilkes Financial Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in 2008. In 2014, Michelle achieved the designation of a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional ™. In 2017 the group became Proffitt Wilkes Griffin Wealth Management, associated with Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network.

Michelle and her husband Jim live in Crossville with their “family” of rescued dogs and cats. Michelle’s favorite vacation is cruising the blue waters of the Caribbean; where she can spend time reading and relaxing in the sunshine, and swimming with the dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish.

For Christine Hoffa, this life is an adventure. She was born on the bright side and seeks the positives first in any situation. She’s a perfect fit at Proffitt Wilkes Griffin Wealth Management because she loves working with people and helping make a difference in their lives. As our Client Associate, we believe she’ll bring a smile to your face with her competence and attention to detail.

Born and raised in Eastern Pennsylvania, Christine only recently heard the call of the Volunteer State. We certainly are happy that she took a leap of faith and moved to Maryville! Throughout her career she’s brought excellence in customer service to places like Glen Gery Coporation, Rentokil North America, Brentwood Industries and Hubbell Incorporated.

Above all, family is the most important thing to Christine. When you see her, ask her about her “bright & beautiful” daughter Elise’s burgeoning career in education. She’s very close with her extended family as well, considering them as close as brothers and sisters. In her free time, you’ll find Christine learning new things from online courses, crafting artwork and spending time with her kitty-cats, Barnabas and Theo.

After twenty years in the financial industry at PNC & Old National Banks, Jennifer Kelly brings a deep operational experience in the financial industry to her role as Administrative Assistant at Proffitt Wilkes Griffin Wealth Management. An adventurer at heart, Jennifer is in her element when she’s helping our clients with their operational needs on their own journeys towards happiness & success.

Jennifer fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving from her native town of Parker City, IN to Tennessee to be closer to the things she enjoys. With a trusty coffee in hand, she’s ready for any administrative matter that might pop up in the day-to-day course of business.

Be it on her motorcycle, camping, trail riding, or simply sitting around the campfire, Jennifer loves the outdoors. At home, she enjoys birdwatching and especially loves gardening. When you see her, ask how her flower gardens are coming along!