Civic Leadership, Economic Development, and Collaboration

Stark Financial Advisers is actively engaged in local economic and civic development initiatives designed to strengthen the communities we serve.

Firm leadership serves as a Director of Okeechobee Main Street, supporting downtown revitalization, small business development, and the promotion of arts, culture, and historic preservation. These efforts help sustain the economic and social vitality of the region while honoring its unique character.

Through the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) we actively participate in its Culture of Collaboration Committee, a public-private initiative that brings together business leaders, civic organizations, and government partners. The committee’s mission is to support local businesses, enhance tourism, promote local culture and history, and encourage responsible, long-term economic growth. This collaborative approach reflects our belief that durable prosperity is built through coordination, shared goals, and thoughtful planning.

In addition, we maintain active involvement with local Chambers of Commerce, supporting initiatives focused on workforce development, small business advocacy, and community-driven economic growth. Our participation emphasizes civic engagement and economic stewardship rather than commercial promotion.

Supporting Agriculture and Land Stewardship

We proudly support the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, reflecting our respect for agriculture, land stewardship, and the multi-generational ranching families that form the backbone of Florida’s rural economy. This involvement aligns with our appreciation for long-term planning, responsible resource management, and the preservation of working lands and traditions.

Investing in Youth, Education, and Health

A defining theme across our firm is a deep commitment to youth development through athletics, education, and mentorship. Members of our team have devoted decades to coaching and leading programs that promote discipline, teamwork, physical health, and character.

Our professionals are actively involved with nationally recognized youth sports organizations, including USA Select Basketball and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), which serves nearly one million young athletes annually across more than 40 sports. Through coaching, governance, and international exposure opportunities, these programs help young people pursue scholarships, professional opportunities, and lifelong personal growth.

Beyond athletics, our team supports youth education through service on school boards, church programs, and mentoring initiatives focused on building life skills and opportunity.

Supporting Children, Families, and Animal Welfare

Compassion and service are core to our firm culture. Through both personal leadership and firm-supported initiatives, we actively support organizations dedicated to improving lives in tangible ways.

These include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which provides world-class pediatric care regardless of a family’s ability to pay, and Operation Smile, which delivers life-changing surgical care to children around the world.

We also support animal welfare and advocacy organizations, including ASPA, reflecting a commitment to responsible care, humane treatment, and community-based rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Honoring Service, History, and Tradition

Members of our firm are involved in veteran outreach and historical preservation initiatives that honor service and sacrifice. This includes participation in organizations dedicated to restoring World War II aircraft and educating future generations about leadership, history, and national service.

A Long-Term Commitment

Just as we build multi-generational relationships with our clients, many of our community commitments span decades. Whether supporting civic collaboration, local business development, agriculture, youth programs, children’s health, or animal welfare, our involvement reflects continuity, accountability, and a long-term perspective.

At Stark Financial Advisers, giving back is not episodic. It is embedded in our values, reflected in our leadership, and carried forward every day by the people who make up our firm.