Kay Dee Cole grew up in the Corvallis area as a farmer’s daughter just South of Corvallis. She attended Corvallis High School and graduated from the Oregon State University school of Agriculture with a Natural Resources Economics Degree, with minors in business and statistics.
Out of college she went to work with the USDA as a statistician and moved away from Oregon. In 1996 she moved back with family, to Corvallis, and helped with the family farm until they opened a florist business in 2000.
Having a small business opened her eyes to the complexity of running a business and planning. “I realized I had a lot to offer to others with the experience I've gained and I took an opportunity to become a financial advisor with Edward Jones.
After five years in the corporate world Kay Dee made the transition in 2010 to become an independent fee-only advisor. She currently is certified as a CFP® professional (Certified Financial Planner) and completed her Executive Certificate of Financial Planning at the University of Portland.
Kay Dee is a cancer survivor and understands the complexity of financial planning during a serious illness. "In 2012 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, stage IIIB. This was a stressful time for me, my family and my clients. However, I believe it made me a better financial planner."
She is currently serving as a director on the Chamber of Commerce board. Previously she served as board members on the Benton County Fair Board, serving as Chairwoman for two years, th Grace Center for Adult Day Services and on the Arts Center board. Kay Dee is also a member of the Financial Planning Association, Greater Corvallis Rotary, Corvallis Chamber, and Corvallis Independent Business Alliance.
