Don Richards, CFP®, CPFA® has been a financial advisor and an independent insurance broker since 1984. He earned his BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1978, his MBA in Finance from the University of Denver in 1983, his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 1989, and his Certified Plan Fidcuiary Advisor designation in 2021. Don currently holds FINRA Series 7, 63 and 65 registrations and provides investment products through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC. He is the founder of The Richards Financial Group, Inc. and is an associate with The Benefit Team, LLC, an employee benefits consulting and brokerage firm.
Don is involved in numerous community and professional organizations and has served on the boards and advisory councils of several charitable foundations, including the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Young Americans Education Foundation and Junior Achievement of Metro Denver. He served on the Chamber's Executive Committee from 2008 through 2009. Don is an active member and volunteer with the Denver Chamber, is a graduate of the 2007 class of Leadership Denver, an eight-time delegate in the Leadership Exchange program and a six-time delegate in Colorado Experience. He is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Program of the Rockies and is an advisor to the American Enterprise Institute Leadership Network. Don serves on the steering committee of the Dean’s Society at the Daniels College of Business and has served as a mentor in the Daniels Scholars program. Don is an active member of Colorado Farm Bureau, the Western Stock Show Association, Colorado Cattlemen's Association, and the Silver Spur Club at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo.
Distinctions:
- Daniels College of Business Outstanding Alumnus of the Year - 2015
- Robert Blankenship Heart Award (Denver Chamber) - 2014
- Reiman School of Finance Distinguished Alumni Award - 2013
- David E. Bailey Small-Business Advocate Award - 2008
- Four-time recipient of the Chamber Champion Award
Don has climbed all of Colorado’s Fourteeners and is a regular participant in long-distance cycling events. He is a pen-and-ink artist whose work has been published since 1972. Don is a frequent speaker at various events and programs within the Denver business, civic and academic communities.
