Lucas Barton and Mike Childress named to Edward Jones LaFollette Office

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Looking to invest in your future, start a retirement plan, save for college, learn more about wealth management or just get some financial advice? Give your local Edward Jones Financial Advisors Lucas Barton and Mike Childress a call!

Mike Childress and Lucas Barton were named as the new financial advisors at the local Edward Jones office located in LaFollette.

Childress said he is enthusiastic about taking over the branch office. “In my Edward Jones branch in Knoxville, TN, I had the pleasure of building deep, personal relationships with my clients in order to understand what really mattered to them and put their money to work toward those goals.” He’s now “looking forward to partnering with the people here in Campbell County and helping them find, and fund, the possibilities for their lives.”

“Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren, or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, we can work together to develop specific strategies to help you achieve your goals. We can also monitor your progress to help make sure you stay on track or determine if any adjustments need to be made. Throughout it all, we’re dedicated to providing you top-notch client service,” Childress said.

Edward Jones is WLAF’s Business of the week. Looking to invest in your future, start a retirement plan, save for college, learn more about wealth management or just get some financial advice? Give your local Edward Jones Financial Advisors Mike Childress (above) and Lucas Barton (below) a call at 423.566.4010.

He also wants clients to know that Edward Jones has thousands of people and advanced technology that supports the office, so clients are ensured to receive the most current and comprehensive guidance.

“In addition, we welcome the opportunity to work with your attorney, accountant and other trusted professionals to deliver a comprehensive strategy that leverages everyone’s expertise. Working together, we can help you develop a complete, tailored strategy to help you achieve your financial goals,” Childress said.

Barton said he is also enthusiastic about taking over the branch office. “I joined this firm because I was impressed with its commitment to individual investors,” he said. “Now I’m looking forward to meeting with the individuals here to help them meet their financial goals.” Barton grew up in the small town of Middlesboro, Kentucky, and was raised by his grandparents, who taught him the “value of hard work and the importance of treating others the way I’d want to be treated.”

“Before becoming a financial advisor, I spent nearly a decade as a funeral director, helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. That experience taught me the importance of listening with empathy, offering guidance with care and building lasting relationships; qualities that continue to define the way I serve my clients today. In 2022, I joined Edward Jones and found my true calling: helping individuals, families and small business owners make confident decisions about their financial future,” Barton said.

Now based in LaFollette, Tennessee, Barton said he is proud to serve the same kind of small-town community that raised him.

“I take a neighborly, down-to-earth approach to financial advising and am honored to help others in our area and surrounding areas work toward their goals. Backed by the extensive resources of Edward Jones, I also partner with your CPA, attorney and other professionals to provide a comprehensive strategy tailored to your life. As your financial advisor, I believe the most important investment is time: time spent understanding what matters most to you. Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for education or working toward other financial goals, I’ll help you build a personalized strategy that aligns with your values and vision. Together, we’ll monitor your progress and adjust along the way to help you stay on track,” Barton said.

Crystal Allen, who has served as the branch office administrator since 2016, said she looks forward to working with Lucas and Mike and continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

Their office is located at 102 North Massachusetts Ave, Suite 10, in LaFollette. Call them today at 423.566.4010.

Edward Jones is a “leading North American financial services firm with more than 20,000 financial advisors. The firm serves more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.2 trillion in client assets under care as of March 28, 2025. Edward Jones’ purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm’s approximately 55,000 associates and our branch presence in 68% of U.S. counties and most Canadian provinces and territories, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. The Edward Jones website is at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/23/2025-6AM)