ABOUT
Why Keating KC?
No two families are the same, and you deserve an advisor that genuinely understands and cares about your unique circumstances.
We will work closely together to craft a custom financial plan built around your given situation and future objectives, carefully making adjustments as your circumstances evolve.
Enjoy the financial confidence of having an advisory team with 20+ year relationships built on trust and integrity. As life inevitably presents new opportunities or challenges, having a dependable, trusted advisor alongside you that understands your family and your objectives will help with important decisions.
Keating & Associates Leadership
Joe Gravino, CFP®
My career in the financial services industry began in 1994 in Kansas City. In 2000, I became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a certificate that maintains rigorous standards for experience and ethical practices. I’m proud to be a trusted fiduciary, acting solely in the interest of my clients.
Gaining my bachelor's degree in finance and economics from Rockhurst University, I have taught personal financial planning for the University's Master of Business Administration program.
In addition to being named a member of the Raymond James Executive Council in 2012-2022*, I am also a member of the Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting**, a group selected based on their demonstrated commitment to pursuing a consulting approach in managing and growing their practices.
Outside of the office, I can often be found on the golf course with clients and colleagues or enjoying the beach. In 2021, I achieved my scuba certification and enjoy diving when possible. I also collect small batch bourbons and still enjoy hunting for hard-to-find bottles.
Clients know me to be a highly-energetic individual with a keen sense of humor. I’m said to possess valuable connections in the Kansas City area and look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
*Membership is based on prior fiscal year production, re- qualification is required annually.
** The Investment Management Consultant designation is awarded to those who complete the internal Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting program.
Josh Hill, CPFA®, CFP®, Licensed Insurance Agent
I coordinate finances for families and business owners in the Kansas City area. I take a holistic approach in order to help my clients develop a “whole plan” for their lives today, and for their future.
I’m driven by educating people in the ways their money can work for them, and I enjoy seeing my clients continue their progress toward what’s important in their lives.
As a second-generation Financial Advisor with Keating & Associates (K&A), healthy financial practices are deep-rooted. While attending KU, I began my career as a financial services intern with K&A. After graduation, I spent time in Washington DC as both a Congressional Intern and a Public Policy Intern.
My Midwest roots, as well as my love for the local sports teams (CHIEFS!) brought me back to Kansas and to K&A. I have the pleasure of working with a wide range of clients including retirees, professionals, and young families. I also enjoy working with local business owners to implement and monitor their retirement plans.
I appreciate the supportive team culture of K&A and its network of industry professionals (CPAs, estate planning attorneys, etc.), coupled with the tools and resources offered through Raymond James. These tools allow us to input your information into different scenarios and instantly see the impact of the variations, helping you select the best options for your situation. The combination of K&A and Raymond James has all the firepower of a big Wall Street firm, but we’re right here in your community.
When I’m not working, my wife Lauren and I enjoy traveling (Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, and anywhere warm!) and cooking together. I follow all the Kansas City sports teams, I enjoy socializing and grilling with friends and family, and I’m learning to love golf. I do not enjoy mowing my lawn.
Sophie Simes, Investment Administration Manager
As the Investment Administration Manager for Keating and account administrator for Josh and Joe, I ensure accounts are updated as needed, complete client requests for money movements, trades, and any other account-related administrative tasks, along with supervising account administrators for other financial advisor teams that partner with Keating.
My career in finance began in 2020 at Glass, Lewis, & Co. as a Research Associate. From there, I went to American Century Investments as an Investment Representative but was still looking for the right fit. Since being with Keating, I have felt incredibly rewarded by the work and the company culture.
Prior to working in finance, I worked for 7 years as a professional chef in California – from Santa Cruz, to Oakland, to San Francisco – but moved back to Kansas City to be closer to my family and complete my degree in English at UMKC.
I enjoy engaging with clients, while also making things easier for Josh and Joe so they can better assist clients with their advising and planning needs. Solving complex issues and finding answers to difficult questions are my favorite aspects of my position.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, sewing, hiking, biking, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, my dog Irene, and my cat Ophelia.
Kajsa Messmer, Account and Office Administrator
Having recently graduated from the University of Kansas in May 2023, I'm brimming with excitement to kick-start my career journey at Keating as an Office and Account Administrator. My academic journey focused on marketing and business analytics with a professional selling certificate.
Prior to this role, I spent two enriching years at a different Raymond James-affiliated advisory firm in Lawrence, Kansas. Since graduation, I moved back to Olathe to live closer to family and friends, about which I couldn’t be happier.
My education, combined with financial industry work experience, honed essential skills like data interpretation, client relationship management, and strategic planning – all of which help me to succeed as part of the KeatingKC team. I do all the scheduling for Josh and Joe, and I cherish my role as a communication hub, ensuring that every interaction is seamless and productive.
Away from the desk, you might find me indulging my Swedish roots, from folk dancing to holiday traditions. I’m also fond of being outdoors, playing basketball, and traveling when I can.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.