Our Team

My Journey Unveiled:

In the tapestry of my life, the threads of resilience and determination weave a compelling narrative. As a child of divorced parents, I embarked on a transformative journey that shaped my perspective on selflessness and financial empowerment.

Choosing to live with my mother, despite the challenges, was a pivotal decision. My mother, a high school dropout and a survivor of life's storms, faced the challenge of supporting both herself and a child. Together, we navigated through humble beginnings—from a cramped house trailer to a modest 1,100-square-foot home.

Even in my formative years, my affinity for math emerged as a guiding light. I vividly recall outpacing cash registers in calculating totals and taxes, a skill that would later define my professional path. Witnessing my mother's financial struggles spurred me to introduce her to the concept of savings, a turning point that marked her triumphant entry into the world of financial security.

At 52, my mother, a testament to resilience, opened her first savings account. The pride in her voice echoed this remarkable achievement—from divorce and no high school diploma to becoming a licensed LPN, teaching future paramedics and EMTs. Her journey mirrored my own, reinforcing the transformative power of financial literacy.

My journey continued as I embraced the discipline of the Marines, and my role as the go-to person for financial advice solidified. Whether helping & educating fellow Marines or guiding their families, I found purpose in offering counsel on budgeting, debt reduction, and overall financial well-being.

My experience as a police officer and Marine Officer has endowed me with a diverse skill set that I seamlessly apply in my current work with clients. These skills encompass effective communication, critical thinking, empathy, compassion, attention to detail, ethical decision-making, as well as teamwork and collaboration.

While the path to my current role as a financial advisor and Certified Financial Planner™ spanned 25 years, it feels like destiny. I proud of the impact I have on people's lives, be it supplying emotional support during tough times or crafting strategic financial plans. I liken my role to a navigator armed with a printed folding car map, highlighting the route to success. My mission is clear: to keep clients on course, guiding them towards their goals with expertise, dedication, and a genuine passion for financial well-being.

Before joining Blackwell Financial Services, Karla spent the six preceding years as the proprietor of her own housekeeping business. Prior to this entrepreneurial venture, she co-owned and operated a business in the outfitting industry for a successful fifteen-year period.

With a genuine passion for customer service, Karla is dedicated to providing exceptional assistance to clients at Blackwell Financial Services. In her role as a Client Service Associate, she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to build relationships with all clients and deliver top-notch service tailored to their individual needs.

Having called the Pacific Northwest home for twenty-Six years, Karla currently resides in Chattaroy with her daughter and two delightful Dachshunds, Poppy and Peanut. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family, taking strolls with her dogs, nurturing her garden, indulging in sewing projects, cheering for football, and relishing the wonders of the great outdoors.

Karen joined Blackwell Financial Services in 2017 as a Client Service Associate with LPL Financial. She previously worked with Pete Blackwell at Edward Jones where she served as Branch Office Administrator.

Along with her experience with the implementation of new processes and procedures regarding the new US Department of Labor regulations, she brings nearly 18 years of experience in the medical insurance field.

She has a genuine interest in serving and meeting clients' needs and is focused on providing outstanding customer service and financial advisor support.

Karen and her husband Michael live in Spokane, WA with their two standard poodles, Coco and Maggie. She is now semi-retired to enjoy spending time with their family and their grandchildren, Tristan, Thomas and Fiona who bring them endless joy.  Karen also enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors gardening, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Mark joined Blackwell Financial Services in 2017 as a part-time Client Service Associate.  He continues to support Pete in a part-time capacity as a Client Service Associate, marketing coordinator, and special projects facilitator.

In 2006, after 40 years with the J. C. Penney Company, Mark retired as a store manager. He then taught seated and online business and communications classes at Missouri State University - West Plains as an adjunct instructor from 2006-2017.  While in West Plains, he helped develop the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OZSBI) as an original member of the board of directors and was an OZSBI small business mentor. He has held positions on many city, county, and community boards as well.

Mark also helped as a part-time Branch Office Administrator for Edward Jones for nearly ten years supporting 13 different branches in Missouri, Spokane, and Spokane Valley. He worked nearly full-time at Pete’s office during his last year with Edward Jones.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing, from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Administrative Studies from Missouri State University.

Growing up in Seattle and married nearly 55 years, Mark and his wife, Diane, moved back to the northwest to be closer to their children and two grandchildren.