Meet the Fervent Team

Richard L. Baker, D. Min, AIF®

Founder & Senior Wealth Advisor

Since becoming a financial professional in 1996, Dr. Richard Baker has used his diverse background and expertise to serve as a wealth advisor in Springfield, MO. Dr. Baker has always been passionate about working directly with clients and creating individualized portfolios tailored to their specific needs. In addition, he focuses on matching investment and financial planning strategies to his client’s particular goals and advises them on asset allocation decisions, portfolio design, and investment implementation.

He is gifted in helping retirees, business owners, and executives navigate various financial situations such as retirement planning, business succession, and charitable giving. Additionally, he has a lot of experience implementing strategies seeking to preserve wealth, reduce taxes and increase family wealth.

Dr. Baker’s business acumen has also bolstered his career as an author and speaker. His second book, “How do I Retire?” was published in the Spring of 2022 and is an acclaimed practical guide to anyone getting ready for retirement. He writes a weekly column entitled “Stock Market Insights” for seventeen newspapers and is a contributor for ThinkAdvisor, a national publication. In addition, he published his first book in 2015, “Biblical Retirement,” and frequently speaks on financial topics from a Biblical worldview.

Dr. Baker earned a B.S. in Business from the College of the Ozarks and later a Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Midwestern (MBTS). He has passed the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 securities exams held through LPL Financial and holds the designation of Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®).

Dr. Baker was instrumental in establishing The Bridge Nixa, Springfield Dream Center (a Springfield zone 1 inner-city mission), and Alongside Education Ministries. He was previously a board member of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Alongside Education Ministries and was formerly appointed by the North American Mission Board. In addition, Dr. Baker has participated in over 30 international missions or humanitarian trips.

Dr. Baker remains an active alumnus and has held several College of the Ozarks alum leadership positions, including serving on the President’s Council. He lives in Springfield, MO, with his wife and children, where he is active in volunteer work, his local church, the Springfield Southeast Rotary, and the Baron’s Club.

Joe Shearrer

Vice President – Wealth Advisor

Joe Shearrer is a Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Fervent Wealth Management. Joe provides comprehensive wealth management for his clients, working with families and small business owners.

Joe has more than ten years of financial experience. He began his career as an Associate Advisor for Southern Bank, a Financial Advisor for LPL Financial, and then a few years with a public accounting firm here in Springfield doing taxes, financial statement preparation, and client reviews. While working with individual families in an accounting context, he gained a unique understanding and appreciation of the financial needs of families in the Ozarks.

Joe’s diverse background includes owning and operating two successful small businesses. Through these experiences, he honed his understanding of the financial needs of small business owners, learning firsthand about the dreams and aspirations of hardworking individuals.

Joe’s investment management style is dictated by the goals and needs of his clients, believing that asset allocation and diversification are the bedrock of an investor’s portfolio. His approach is rooted in trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of life’s unique challenges and opportunities. He knows the importance of tailoring investment strategies to align with the values and aspirations of his clients.

His interest in private wealth management started at Missouri State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and it has only grown since. He has passed the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials®, Series 7, and Series 66 securities exams held through LPL Financial.

Joe enjoys traveling, golfing, hiking in the mountains, and spending quality time with his wife, two children, and their golden retriever. Joe lives in Nixa, MO, where he is an active community member, serving on local boards, in his local church, and coaching youth sports.

Kaitlyn Teague

Financial Assistant

Kaitlyn is our Financial Assistant and is the first point of contact for most clients when they call or visit our office. She provides administrative support to our wealth advisors by servicing clients’ general day-to-day requests. In addition, she is jointly responsible for processing and following up on security transactions and transfers, overseeing incoming and outgoing phone calls with clients, and fostering and supporting client relationships.

Kaitlyn is very energetic and loves learning new tasks and working with people. She came to us after several years in the finance office of two large public school districts, where she was able to help people in her day-to-day life.

Kaitlyn has deep family roots in the Ozarks and is a Nixa High School graduate who was heavily involved in the award-winning Nixa Crimson Corps marching band. She went on to receive a Business Degree from Ozarks Technical Community College.

Kaitlyn loves CrossFit and continually strives to better herself and those around her. Though she loves the Springfield area, one of her favorite things to do is travel to the beach every year, which she considers her place of peace. In addition, she loves reading, spending time with friends and family, and
enjoying the company of her 15-year-old dog, Bailey.

Sara Baker

Administrative Assistant

Sara serves our team as an Administrative Assistant and provides ongoing support to enhance the client experience. Her commitment to client service makes her a valuable team member.

She has served in the finance industry for over ten years providing clients with excellent care. Sara assists clients with scheduling appointments and answering any questions that may arise. She believes life is about people and making connections and always enjoys interacting with people. She brings joy to every room she enters and loves to use her gifts of hospitality to make the clients experience what they deserve.

Sara graduated Suma Cum Laude from the College of the Ozarks with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She has attended graduate school at Missouri State University. Sara enjoys traveling, attending theater and live concerts, reading, and relaxing at the lake in her spare time. Her greatest joy is spending time with her husband, Richard, and two children, Anna and Micah.