Meet the professionals who can help you pursue your goals
We help individuals and families work toward achieving their ideal retirements.
Meet The NuVenture Financial Group Team

Advisory Team

Bob Horne, RICP® CEO / President / Financial Advisor
Bob Horne, RICP®
CEO / President / Financial Advisor
Bob’s goal is to empower clients to make informed decisions and help accomplish their retirement income goals.
When entering the financial services industry, Bob served as an assistant vice president and branch manager for HSBC Bank. In an effort to find a professional atmosphere that matched his own commitment to building client relationships, Bob made a career change to specifically focus on retirement strategies. After working as an advisor with two local Jacksonville firms for 7 years, he decided to pursue his entrepreneurial vision and launched NuVenture Financial Group in 2019. As the CEO of NuVenture, Bob uses his passion for problem solving to help individuals and families with their long-term retirement strategies.
Bob has passed the Series 6, 63, and 65 securities exams and carries a life, health, and annuity license in Florida. He has also obtained the industry leading Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation.
Bob resides in Mandarin, Florida, with his wife and four daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family. Additionally, Bob is actively involved with his church and currently serves as the treasurer on the board of directors with the local nonprofit organization Hart Felt Ministries. He is a founding member and past president of both the Capital Gain Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) and Core Network Referral Group (CNRG).
Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Nuventure Financial Group. NuVenture Financial Group is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by NuVenture Financial Group are not subject to Investment Advisor requirements.
Learn More About Bob
Read Hidden Obstacles May Snag Your Retirement? 5 Key Points to Consider
The appearances in Kiplinger were obtained through a PR program. The columnist received assistance from a public relations firm in preparing this piece for submission to Kiplinger.com. Kiplinger was not compensated in any way.
Jenna Simpson, CFP® VP of Operations / Financial Advisor
Jenna Simpson, CFP®
VP of Operations / Financial Advisor
Jenna was raised in Southwest Florida and moved to Jacksonville to attend The University of North Florida in 2012. At UNF she dual majored and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelors in Finance and a Bachelors in Financial Services from one of the top 5 programs in the country. During her senior year she entered the financial services industry, working for New York Life in a commissions-only role. Realizing that “salesperson” was not the role for her, she transferred to the other extreme and worked for a fee-only boutique firm in Jacksonville.
Limited in her growth and learning opportunities, Jenna joined NuVenture’s independent firm. NuVenture offered her freedom to explore many financial needs her clients may face, and they have continuously encouraged her to continue her education. After many years of study, dedication, and the support of her team, she obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ mark.
Working under the independent umbrella of NuVenture, she has the ability to advise others and develop strong relationships with the clients she works with. Jenna is an Investment Adviser Representative and aims to help assist the families she works with in their financial goals through decade’s long relationships. She enjoys engaging with these families and helping them with their retirement. Her goal is to increase the financial literacy for all she works with and within the community.
Outside of work, Jenna and her husband Michael enjoy travelling to and camping in National Parks, watching their favorite sci-fi shows, and enjoying crafts. However, continuing education, advancement in her field, and the continuing growth and development of NuVenture Financial Group is always at the top of her mind.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Learn More About Jenna
Read Avoid Retirement Regrets: Five Facts to Learn Now, Not Later
The appearances in Kiplinger were obtained through a PR program. The columnist received assistance from a public relations firm in preparing this piece for submission to Kiplinger.com. Kiplinger was not compensated in any way.
Julian Arndt, FPQP® Financial Advisor
Julian Arndt, FPQP®
Financial Advisor
Julian joined the NuVenture family as its latest insurance professional in 2023 after moving to Jacksonville from Arizona. He earned his Bachelor of Science in public service and public policy from Arizona State University in 2018.
After working in the public sector for several years, Julian wanted to follow his passion for finance, so he worked to earn the Financial Paraplanner Qualified ProfessionalTM (FPQP®) designation. This designation program is for new professionals entering the financial services industry looking to deepen their foundational knowledge in financial planning.
He has passed the Series 65 exam, and obtained his life, health and fixed annuity license with the State of Florida in 2023.
In his free time, Julian likes to spend time with his partner, Samantha, and their dog, Theo. They enjoy biking, exercising, going to the beach and exploring Jacksonville.
Jacob McLeod Financial Advisor
Jacob McLeod
Financial Advisor
Jacob joined the NuVenture family full time in June of 2024 after interning with us in the summer of 2023. He was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL and comes from a big family with five siblings who all live locally.
Following his high school graduation, Jacob's career ambitions led him to Boston, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in finance from one of the top business schools in the country, the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. Jacob hopes to make an immediate impact on the advisory team at NuVenture, and is currently studying for his life, health and fixed annuity license as well as his Series 65 exam.
Outside of his passion for finance, Jacob enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and his girlfriend Madison. His hobbies include golfing, fishing, watching football, and cooking.
Ethan Robertson Planning Support Specialist
Ethan Robertson
Planning Support Specialist
Ethan brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping others to his role at NuVenture Financial Group. Born and raised in Jacksonville's Mandarin neighborhood, Ethan grew up in a large family and learned early on the value of hard work and perseverance.
He gained valuable experience in financial services during his 14 successful years in the automotive industry, helping clients navigate vehicle financing options while also developing a strong foundation in customer service, problem-solving, and relationship-building. This blend of financial expertise and client-centered service has seamlessly transitioned into his work at NuVenture Financial Group.
As part of the NuVenture team, Ethan enjoys bringing his skills and work ethic into a company known for its integrity, high standards, and dedication to positively impacting families. He takes pride in simplifying financial strategies and helping clients work toward a secure and confident retirement.
Outside of work, Ethan is a proud father to three boys—two being twins! In his free time, he stays involved in the Jacksonville community by coaching youth football and baseball. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with family and friends. Ethan considers the Bible to be the greatest self-help guide ever written and strives to live out its lessons daily. Coming from humble beginnings, he values hard work and is passionate about serving NuVenture families with integrity and purpose.
Client Experience Department

Cheryl Westbrook Client Experience Coordinator
Cheryl Westbrook
Client Experience Coordinator
Cheryl joined the NuVenture Financial Group in December of 2023. After spending the past 10 years in Salt Lake City, Utah, Cheryl is excited to be back in her hometown, Jacksonville, Florida. She lives in the Avondale area with her children and dog, Ozzie.
With a background in Journalism- she is a former reporter for the Florida Times-Union- and time spent in the hospitality and mortgage industry, Cheryl is thrilled to bring her experience to her new role as a Client Experience Coordinator at NuVenture.
Although she loved the mountains, Cheryl is happy to be back in the Sunshine State and out of the cold, dry winters of Utah. She spends her time outside of work taking care of her five children, playing piano, reading, writing poetry and enjoys anything music related.
April McLain Client Engagement Coordinator
April McLain
Client Engagement Coordinator
April joined NuVenture Financial Group in March 2023, bringing her vibrant energy and dedication to the team. A resident of St. Augustine for over 20 years, she happily spends much of her free time exploring the historic downtown area. Her weekends are often filled with beach outings and camping adventures. April also has a passion for chasing sunsets and cherishing moments with her family and friends.
At home, April keeps busy with her many creative pursuits, including gardening, redecorating, and woodworking projects. She is a proud mother of three—one beautiful daughter, two handsome sons—and is now enjoying her newest role as a loving grandmother to her grandson, whom she adores spending time with and snuggling.
April’s compassionate spirit extends beyond her personal life. In 2011, she founded Socks for the Soul – St. Augustine, FL, a charity dedicated to providing new socks to the homeless community and local shelters. Driven by her passion for helping those less fortunate, April believes in showing kindness to all people, love for all things, and serving as a genuine reminder to “be the good” in the world.
Sadie Walsh Administrative Assistant
Sadie Walsh
Administrative Assistant
Sadie joined the NuVenture team in January 2023 as an administrative assistant. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and minor in Leadership from the University of North Florida. When she is not working, she enjoys walking on the beach with her husband or having coffee with friends. Her passions are spending quality time with others, singing, and loves Jesus. Sadie is grateful to be on the NuVenture team and is excited to see what the future holds.
Operations Department

Dawn Ackerman Operations Manager
Dawn Ackerman
Operations Manager
Dawn was raised in Jacksonville, Florida for most of her life. She previously worked in the mortgage industry for over 25 years before deciding to transition into working with the amazing team at NuVenture Financial Group. Dawn's precise work ethic and tenacity are just some of the motivating factors she keeps in mind as she continues to grow. Outside of NuVenture, you can find Dawn spending quality time with family, friends, traveling and loving on her two furbabies, Dunkin' and Darla.
Gretchen Barker Operations Specialist
Gretchen Barker
Operations Specialist
Gretchen was born and raised in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. She joined our family in December of 2023 as an Operations Specialist. She has had 15 years of experience in the mortgage industry and will be using her expertise from that field to excel in her new position with us. She enjoys a fun filled lifestyle with her husband and two children. Her children keep her busy with travel baseball, volleyball or just spending time together. In her spare time, you can find her at the beach, volunteering at a local farm, catching up with friends, or enjoying date nights with her husband.
Sylvia Lara Operations Coordinator
Sylvia Lara
Operations Coordinator
Sylvia joined the NuVenture family in late September 2022 as an Operations Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor in Business Administration with a major in finance and minor in psychology. She has worked in finance since 1992 in various financial institutions and has had great rapport with clients. She finally made the move to Jacksonville, Florida 5 years ago and felt like this has always been home, never looking back. She loves to exercise and trying out new restaurants. She has 2 furry, very active babies – Hans and Charlotte who also love getting their exercise, especially at the beach.
Marketing Department
Desiree McMillan, CDMP Digital Marketing Specialist
Desiree McMillan
Digital Marketing Specialist
Desiree started at NuVenture Financial Group December 2023. She graduated from UNF in 2020 with her Bachelors in Business Management with a Minor in Marketing. She was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL and spent a summer travelling across the country in her camper. She enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking, and exploring new places. In her free time, she is fond of taking photos of any wildlife she can find. Family is most important to her, as she is the only child and grandchild in her immediate family.
She also spends time volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation facility where she cares for injured and ill animals until they are ready to be released back into the wild. Because of her love for animals, she has rescued three cats that are now her forever fur children. She hopes to continue aiding in animal rehabilitation and spreading awareness of the importance of protecting our local wildlife.
Ashlyn Horne Marketing Coordinator
Ashlyn Horne
Marketing Coordinator
Ashlyn joined NuVenture in 2021 as an Administrative Assistant while beginning her college journey at the University of North Florida. With a passion for creativity and data-driven strategies, she pursued and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Digital Marketing and Analytics.
After exploring various career paths post-graduation, she felt led to return to NuVenture as the Marketing Coordinator. Ashlyn loves that this role allows her to use her God-given talents to make a meaningful impact and help others while driving NuVenture's mission forward.
Outside of work, Ashlyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, soaking up the sun at the beach, traveling to new places, and exploring local spots around Jacksonville.