Karen has been at Allen & Company since 2008, and has over 40 years of experience in financial services. In addition to being registered with LPL Financial, where her Series 7 registration is currently held, Karen is the primary point of contact for scheduling, strategic communication initiatives, and coordinates all team-sponsored client events.

Originally from Louisiana, Karen has lived in Lakeland since 1969, and over the years has enjoyed serving on many community boards.  She enjoys cooking and spends her leisure time with her family traveling and relaxing at their river home.

Melissa joined Allen & Company in 2007. All the while, she has been a leader in furthering her education by obtaining her Series 7 license (currently held through LPL Financial), Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation, Life Insurance/Health/Annuities license as well as being the team’s only holder of the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist designation.

Melissa supports the team by operating as the main contact for the team’s 401(k) plans and participants. She also is the lead for preparing client meeting reports, client insurance processing, and creating financial plans.

When not working with clients, Melissa and her husband of more than 25 years enjoy spending time traveling, especially to visit their grown daughter.

Gwyn joined the team as a Client Service Associate in 2019. Leveraging her experience of nearly 20 years in the Financial Industry, Gwyn provides clients and the team with knowledge on a variety of topics; striving to make a profound and positive difference in the lives of clients and colleagues.

Gwyn obtained her Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. A long-time resident of Bartow, Gwyn is married to Chuck Hughes and has two grown children. In years past, she was involved with the Junior League and the Lakeland Christmas Parade.  Now, when time permits, she enjoys fishing with her husband.