Our History
1957 – The Roots of Financial Council
The roots of Financial Council date back to 1957, when Howard Leeb—affectionately known as Bud—opened his first regional office for an independent investing firm in Towson, MD. Bud challenged the conventional belief that investments and insurance were at odds, instead viewing them as complementary components of a well-rounded financial strategy. Unbound by any single product or provider, he embodied the spirit of independence that continues to define the firm today. His advice-driven approach laid the foundation for what would become Financial Council, emphasizing integrity, independence, and client-first service.
1982 – A Family Affair
In 1982, Bill Leeb joined his father's firm, bringing a shared commitment to Bud’s founding principles. Together, they formally established Financial Council, envisioning a collaborative network—a true “council”—of advisors who shared their values of independence, transparency, and comprehensive financial planning. They expanded the firm’s capabilities by assembling a team of professionals, ensuring that clients receive personalized service. This marked a turning point in the firm’s evolution, as it began to grow not just in size, but in depth and expertise.
Late 1980s – Ahead of the Standard
As the financial industry evolved, it began to align more closely with Financial Council’s ingrained commitment to ethical standards. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the term Fiduciary Standard emerged, and Financial Council fully embraced this concept, voluntarily committing to act in the best interests of its clients long before it became a regulatory requirement. This shift reflected a core belief, that prioritizing long-term, trust-based relationships with clients leads to better outcomes than focusing on short-term transactions. By aligning its practices with the fiduciary model, Financial Council reinforced its dedication to putting clients first in every decision and recommendation.
2022 – Innovation in Service
As our clients’ needs have evolved, so has our approach. We recognize that retirement planning is not just about financial projections, it’s about preparing for life’s next chapter. From housing choices to caregiving concerns, we see the importance of addressing the personal dimensions of retirement with the same care and expertise we bring to financial planning.
In response, we launched the Live Well Retirement NavigationSM program in 2022. This in-house initiative helps clients anticipate and navigate the broader challenges of retirement, offering guidance on lifestyle transitions, long-term care planning, and more. The program has become a cornerstone of our client experience, reinforcing our role not just as financial advisors, but as indispensable life partners in planning.
2024 – Securing Financial Council’s Future
In 2024, Financial Council took a pivotal step toward ensuring its long-term sustainability and continuity. Recognizing the importance of leadership succession, the firm welcomed a new generation of owners from within its ranks. Jodi Greenlund, David Travis, and Jeffrey Reynolds, each with a long-standing commitment to the firm, joined Bill Leeb as owners of Financial Council. Collectively, Jodi, Dave, and Jeff bring more than 60 years of combined experience and insight, enriching the Leadership Team with deep expertise and a shared dedication to the firm’s mission.
This transition was not only about continuity, it was also about reinforcing the culture, values, and client-first philosophy that have guided Financial Council for generations. With this expanded leadership structure, the firm is well-positioned to continue delivering trusted guidance and enduring value to clients for years to come.
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If you would like to explore a partnership with our team, or if you have questions regarding our meeting process, please reach out. We'd love to help!
100 West Road
Ste. 504
Towson, MD 21204