At The LiveOak Group at Strategic Financial Partners (LiveOak Group), we’re your financial partners committed to helping you navigate life’s journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose. We believe that financial confidence begins with professional guidance. By taking a comprehensive look at your financial picture and understanding what matters most to you, we craft personalized strategies that are designed to empower you to pursue your passions.
Let’s take the next step together.
View our Customer Relationship Summary
WHO WE ARE
At The LiveOak Group, we believe that achieving financial confidence starts with working alongside experienced professionals who are as invested in your success as you are. Three members of our team, Dino Pihakis, Jon Hunt, and James Graham are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professionals. We also have access to CPA’s, and a dedicated support staff, all committed to delivering exceptional service and results.
With this diverse combination of expertise, we provide holistic financial strategies tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing investments, navigating tax complexities, or preserving your legacy, our team’s depth of knowledge can help ensure every detail is considered.
The Financial Planners on our team specialize in comprehensive financial planning, helping you align your goals with actionable strategies. Our two partners who hold CPA credentials provide advanced tax planning expertise working to ensure every decision is tax-efficient and effective. Together, our team collaborates seamlessly to deliver integrated solutions designed to simplify the complexities of financial management.
WHAT WE DO
A strong financial future starts with a well-crafted plan. With professional guidance, you can confidently define your goals, navigate life’s changes, and make informed financial decisions every step of the way.
Investing isn’t just about returns—it’s about strategy. With experienced insights and a disciplined approach, we help align your portfolio with your goals, balancing risk and opportunity to grow and preserve your wealth. We offer access to discretionary and non-discretionary investment strategies.
Behind every financial decision is a purpose—your family, your future, your legacy. We help safeguard the “why” behind everything you do with tailored insurance and risk management strategies, helping to ensure life’s uncertainties don’t derail your plans.
Taxes play a role in every financial decision. We help you navigate tax considerations with a thoughtful approach, working to ensure your overall strategy remains efficient and aligned with your long-term goals.
HOW WE DO IT
Every financial journey starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your goals, priorities, and concerns—ensuring our approach is tailored to what matters most to you.
With a clear picture of your financial life, we work together to craft a personalized strategy that aligns your resources with your aspirations. Through collaborative discussions, we create a financial blueprint that sets the foundation for your future, helping you navigate options and make confident decisions along the way.
This is where the strategy becomes reality. We take deliberate steps to put your plan into motion—executing with precision, tracking progress, and making sure nothing gets lost in translation. It’s about turning ideas into results, efficiently and effectively.
We’re committed to walking alongside you for the long haul— evaluating, adjusting, and growing with you as life evolves. Through regular reviews and proactive communication, we work to ensure your financial strategy stays aligned with your goals.
MEET THE TEAM
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Dino was born in Birmingham, AL, where he attended Vestavia Hills High School. He graduated from Auburn University in 1996 with a degree in Communication. In 2000, he became a Financial Advisor in Birmingham with AXA Advisors, LLC. Dino joined Strategic Financial Partners in 2008 and was a Site Leader from 2009 to early 2019. Since then, he has focused on working with clients.
Dino lives in Inverness with his wife, Jen, and two children. When not attending their children’s activities, Dino enjoys traveling with his family, hacking it up on the golf course, and spending time with friends. Dino is an avid supporter of the Auburn Tigers. He makes the Greek Orthodox community a priority and, as president of the local AHEPA chapter, he is deeply involved in activities that support the Greek community through scholarship, philanthropy, and civic responsibility. Dino thinks we should play a role in shaping the future of our profession, so he is an active member of Finseca and FPA.
Dino Pihakis, CFP®
SENIOR PARTNER
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​Jon was born and raised in Seneca, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. He was a member of the golf team and a two-time captain. He moved to Birmingham in 2003 and joined Strategic Financial Partners in 2014.
Jon lives in Birmingham with his wife, Jenilee, and their two daughters. They are active in their community and enjoy traveling to various sporting events, the north Georgia mountains, and the beach. Jon is an avid golfer and spends his free time on the golf course with his family and friends.
Jon and his family are active in their church, Homewood Church of Christ, and enjoy helping organizations in the Jefferson and Shelby counties.
Jon Hunt, CFP®, CRPC®
SENIOR PARTNER
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James Graham brings over 13 years of financial planning experience, inspired by his grandfather’s 40-year career in financial services. He graduated from Samford University with a double major in Finance and Accounting while competing in cross country and track.
James is married to his college sweetheart, Brooke, and they have three children with another on the way through adoption. He serves as director for a local marathon that has raised over $75,000 for a school serving adults with special needs. James has completed over 12 marathons, including the Boston Marathon twice.
James and his family are active in their church, the Church at Brook Hills. In his free time, he enjoys coaching his children’s sports teams and traveling with his family.
James Graham, CFP®, CKA®, CCFS®
SENIOR PARTNER
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Chris Townes started his career as a CPA establishing an income tax practice that has served clients through business and personal tax return preparation. After years of serving clients as a CPA he expanded his expertise, offering a broader range of financial services beyond tax preparation.
Known for his dedication and long-standing client relationships, Chris takes pride in delivering dependable, personalized service.
Outside of his service in the financial industry, Chris enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and relaxing on the water with a fishing rod in hand.
*Not practicing on behalf of MML Investors Services
or Strategic Financial Partners
Chris Townes, CPA*®
PARTNER
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Patrick Townes has 13 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant, helping clients navigate the complexities of business and individual taxation. Leveraging that expertise, he offers clients well-rounded insurance strategies to support their financial goals.
Patrick lives in Vestavia Hills, Alabama with his wife and three children. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors, being with his family, and playing golf.​​
*Not practicing on behalf of MML Investors Services
or Strategic Financial Partners
Patrick Townes, CPA*®
PARTNER
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Weston Akin is a Birmingham, Alabama native and a 2023 graduate of Auburn University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance. Following graduation, he returned to his hometown to begin his career with Strategic Financial Partners.
Weston lives in Hoover with his wife, Emery. They are active members of the Church at Brook Hills, where they serve together in the student ministry. Weston also volunteers on the church’s audio production team.
Outside of work, Weston enjoys staying active through basketball, softball, and golf. He is also a DJ and regularly provides music for weddings and special events on weekends.
Weston Akin
PRACTICE MANAGER
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​Anna Schnell is a dedicated Practice Manager with a passion for helping clients navigate their financial journeys with clarity and confidence. A proud graduate of Auburn University, Anna holds degrees in both Finance and Marketing. She previously joined Strategic Financial Partners in 2011 as a Financial Advisor and served in this role for several years. After gaining experience in the Marketing Department of a local firm, she returned to the financial industry in 2018 as the Practice Manager for Constantine Pihakis. With a background in financial planning and a commitment to bringing exceptional service, Anna brings an approachable style to every client interaction. Anna is focused on the client experience and operational efficiencies, and serves as an additional touchpoint for clients’ questions and concerns.
Anna lives in Vestavia, AL, with her husband, Tyler, and their three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and being outdoors.
Anna Schnell
PRACTICE MANAGER
CONTACT US
Address
3500 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 140
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Birmingham, AL 35243
Contact
205-933-0871
Hours
Mon - Thurs
Friday
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
8:30 am – 3:00 pm
