Behind the Scenes: The People Who Keep Your Financial Life Moving (Ep. 14)

When it comes to financial planning, it’s often the behind-the-scenes teamwork that makes everything work seamlessly. In this episode of Living Beyond the Numbers, Jude Boudreaux and Caleb Arringdale sit down with two of The Planning Center’s client service specialists, Marisa Hardwick (Chicago) and Blake Murphy-Skelley (Moline), to spotlight the people who make sure every account, transfer, and detail is handled with care. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really means to serve clients well, solving problems quietly, building trust, and creating a sense of calm even during life’s most stressful moments. From handling RMD season to comforting clients after loss, Marisa and Blake share how empathy, precision, and teamwork bring The Planning Center’s mission to life every day. What to expect: The role client service specialists play in delivering peace of mind How small details and follow-ups create big client trust What happens behind the scenes during transfers and RMD season The emotional heart of financial service and why it matters Discover the care, coordination, and human connection that keep your financial life running smoothly. Connect with Jude Boudreaux CFP® The Planning Center LinkedIn: Jude Boudreaux [email protected] Phone: (504) 717-4862 Connect with Caleb Arringdale: LinkedIn: Caleb Arringdale [email protected]  Phone: (309) 797-4030 Connect with Marisa Hardwick: LinkedIn: Marisa Hardwick [email protected] Phone: (312) 664-4090 Connect with Blake Murphy-Skelley: [email protected] Phone: (309) 794-4030 About our Guests: As a Client Services Specialist, Marisa Hardwick’s responsibilities include providing administrative support to our financial planners and excellent customer service to our clients. With a background in healthcare services and working in residential life as a Resident Advisor while in college, it has always been a passion of hers to help those in need. Marisa strives to foster a supportive environment for our team, assuring they can depend on her to deliver top-notch service to our clients. Blake Murphy-Skelley’s responsibility as a Client Services Specialist is to assist all clients of The Planning Center and members of our team. He has been working in customer service since he was 14 years old and is glad to be bringing that knowledge and experience to The Planning Center. Blake wants to provide a safe space for clients to feel comfortable as soon as they walk through the front door.