Our Team
Ron Eckloff, CFP®, CKA®, BFA®
Founder / Certified Financial Planner
For more than 45 years, Ron has helped individuals and families build lives of financial confidence and clarity. He believes true financial security goes beyond numbers. It’s about having a trusted partner who walks with you through every season of life.
Ron combines deep experience with a personal approach. As a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), and Behavioral Financial Advisor™ (BFA®), he helps clients navigate both the technical and emotional sides of financial decision-making. His CKA® designation reflects his faith-based approach to stewardship and purpose-driven planning, values that shape every client relationship.
His career began in 1978 in the banking industry and led to the founding of Barney Financial Services in 1997, an independent firm built on integrity, service, and long-term relationships. Ron’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through his invitation to the LPL Masters Club in 2024 (based on annual production) and his selection to the LPL Ambassador’s Council, which represents top advisors from across the country.
A graduate of Kearney State College, Ron is deeply involved in the community. He volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children, serves on the Dean’s Leadership Council at the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s College of Business, and is part of the finance committee at Kearney eFree Church. His faith and heart for service guide everything he does, both personally and professionally.
When he isn’t advising clients, Ron enjoys golfing, playing racquetball, and traveling with his wife, Kathy. Together, they love spending time with their four children and ten grandchildren. Ron brings a lifetime of wisdom and a family-first perspective to every client relationship.
Emily Jameson, CFP®, CKA® / Investment Representative
Partner / Certified Financial Planner
Emily joined her father, Ron, at Barney Financial Services in 2016, continuing the firm’s legacy of dedicated, multi-generational planning. She combines deep technical expertise with genuine care for the people she serves, helping clients find confidence and clarity in every stage of life.
With a degree in Elementary Education, Emily brings a teacher’s heart to her work as a financial advisor. She believes that understanding is the foundation of good decision-making, and she’s known for explaining complex financial topics in a way that feels simple, clear, and actionable. Clients appreciate her patient, thoughtful approach, and her ability to turn financial goals into real, tangible plans.
Emily’s commitment to comprehensive guidance includes earning several respected designations:
- Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) – Recognized as the highest standard for holistic financial planning.
- Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) – Reflecting her dedication to biblically wise counsel and faith-based financial decision-making.
- General Securities Principal (Series 24 with LPL Financial) – Demonstrating her strong regulatory and supervisory knowledge.
Outside the office, Emily is devoted to her family. She and her husband, Aaron, stay busy raising their four children—Kayla, Zachary, Alyssa, and Olivia. She serves as Board Chair for the West Central Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and is actively involved at Kearney eFree Church. When she’s not cheering on her kids in sports, she enjoys traveling and creating meaningful memories together as a family.
Amy Bettles
Partner / Financial Advisor
For nearly two decades, Amy has been the steady connection between clients and their financial goals. She began her career with Barney Financial Services in 2007 and built her foundation in client service—learning firsthand what it means to truly listen, follow through, and build trust. That experience continues to define her work as a financial advisor, where she focuses on creating plans that fit real lives, not just financial statements.
Amy’s clients value her down-to-earth style and the way she makes financial planning feel personal and practical. She takes time to understand each family’s priorities and helps them make confident, well-informed decisions about their future.
She holds her Series 7 and 66 General Securities Licenses with LPL Financial, along with the Nebraska Life & Health Insurance License, allowing her to provide well-rounded, comprehensive guidance. A lifelong Kearney resident and graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Amy serves as Chair of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Envoys and stays active on committees within her church and local school.
At home, Amy and her husband, John, are raising their three children—Addilyn, Colton, and Macie. Whether she’s spending time with family or cheering at a school event, she brings the same heart, energy, and commitment that her clients have come to rely on.
Jessica Kollars
Client Services Assistant
Jessica joined Barney Financial Services in 2022 as a Client Services Assistant, leveraging over 10 years of management experience and a strong foundation in finance. A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in Finance, Jessica applies her organizational skills and expertise daily to ensure seamless client support.
Dedicated to her community, Jessica and her husband Matt are raising two sons, Jameson and Emmett. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading with her book club and keeping up with her children’s various activities, including walks with the family dog, Cooper. Jessica’s commitment to both professional excellence and family makes her an invaluable member of the Barney Financial Services team.
Elizabeth Quintana
Client Services Coordinator
With a background in the medical field, Liz has gained extensive experience working with people from all walks of life and navigating a wide range of situations. This foundation fostered a strong sense of compassion, adaptability, and a genuine passion for helping others.
She previously owned and operated her own business for more than three years. While she valued the experience of entrepreneurship, she was ready for a new challenge and a change of pace. Now entering the finance world, she is eager to learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships while delivering thoughtful, dependable service.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Alex, their two children, Jett and Margo, and their goldendoodle, Maggie. As a family, they love camping, being outdoors during the warmer months, staying active with walks and workouts, and spending quality time with family and friends. She also enjoys reading and rewatching episodes of Friends.
Ginger Schmidt
Client Services Manager
As the new Client Services Manager, Ginger is passionate about building lasting relationships and excited to provide exceptional service in the financial advising space. With a career that includes extensive experience in both large corporate structures and small business settings, Ginger brings a uniquely adaptable perspective to every client interaction.
Her comprehensive skillset is bolstered by a background in finance, sales, marketing, and management, making her an effective strategic partner for our team. Known for her organized nature and focused leadership, she will provide support for the management of the office. Ginger holds a degree in Business Administration with double emphasis in Marketing and Management from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
A proud, long-time resident of the Kearney community, Ginger enjoys spending time with her spouse, Kurt and their children. Outside of the office, you can find them traveling, reading, relaxing with friends or catching a sporting event.
Jenny Brown
Client Services Assistant
Jenny brings over a decade of work in administrative, billing, and financial support roles, with a passion for helping others and providing exceptional service. She has experience in the healthcare industry and has assisted patients with medical applications, financial assistance programs, and helped them navigate their medical bills — a role that deepened her compassion and commitment to client advocacy. She also served as a Clinic Manager, where she led day-to-day operations and supported both staff and patients.
Now, as a Financial Advisor Assistant, Jenny is excited to bring her background in finance and client care to a new industry. She will be a valued member of the team and bring positivity to every interaction, always striving to make our clients feel supported and informed.
Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending quiet time at home with her husband of 16 years, Derek, and their three pets — dogs Mya and Jax, and cat Sherman. She is an avid reader and always has a book nearby. She also enjoys unwinding by watching TV or relaxing — simple pleasures that help her recharge and stay balanced.
Sarah Lakers
Client Services Assistant
Sarah has recently joined the Barney Financial Services team. With a diverse professional background spanning retail, banking, transportation, investment banking, insurance, and customer service, she brings a well-rounded and adaptable approach to her work. Throughout her career—whether serving as a Retail Assistant Manager or an Executive Administrator—she has consistently become the go-to “Girl Friday,” known for her initiative, versatility, and willingness to step in wherever needed. She thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys taking on new responsibilities, always seeking ways to support her team and keep operations running smoothly. Above all, she values the relationships she builds along the way, as connecting with people has been the most rewarding part of her work.
Inspired by Barney Financial Services distinctive history and forward-looking vision, Sarah is excited to grow her career here and hopes to make a lasting impact while building toward a long-term future with the team.
Outside of work, she is an avid weightlifter and striving to improve at running as well. Sarah is also a proud mother of two accomplished and driven children. Her daughter, Kylee is a NICU nurse in Lincoln, and son, Bryce, is a high school senior preparing to attend UNK. Rounding out the household is Bruno, her 14-year-old Morkie, who may be small in size but definitely runs the show.
Client Centered
Whether you are investing to build wealth, protect your family, or preserve your assets, our personalized service focuses your needs, wants, and long-term goals.
Our team of professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come. We look forward to working with you.