Our Team

John Ruddock, CFP^®

John founded Wiregrass Wealth Management in 2009 after working over 10 years as an financial advisor for some of the largest brokerage firms in the nation. John, originally from Indiana, graduated from Indiana State University with majors in Finance and Business Administration. In 2008, he earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. As a CFP^® professional, John is certified in areas of financial planning which include: Tax*, Insurance, Investments, Retirement Planning and Estate Planning. As a CFP^® professional, John is bound by a strict code of professional ethics and must complete a high level of continuing education. John holds series 7, 24, 63 securities registrations as well as life, health and variable annuity insurance licenses.

John is active in the community and a past President of the Breakfast Optimist as well as a 2002 Club Optimist of the Year award recipient. Outside the office, John and his wife Tonia love watching their two sons participate in sports throughout the year. John is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys Crossfit and kayak fishing.

Adam Thomas, CFP^®

Adam joined Wiregrass Wealth Management shortly after its inception in 2009. He worked previously as a financial advisor with A. G. Edwards and Sons, Inc., for over 10 years. His desire for independence and an environment better suited for his approach to client services led him to join WMM. Raised in the Wiregrass area, Adam graduated with a degree in finance from Troy University. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Adam completed a rigorous course of study and passed a two-day comprehensive examination. To maintain his certification, he attends continuing education programs and adheres to a strict code of ethics.

“20 years ago, people in my industry were called “stockbrokers.” Investments are still a major part of what we do, but investors today require a much more comprehensive relationship with their financial professionals. Acquiring the CFP® certification not only enhanced my skills, but also gave me the confidence to know that I am prepared to help my clients with their needs, whatever they may be.”

Adam and his wife, Christena, love traveling, obtaining a glimpse of other cultures and trying different foods. Adam also enjoys watching his step-son excel with Rehobeth High School’s Bass Team. In his free time, Adam can often be found working with his versatile hunting dogs Scout and Ruby.

Walt Ellis, CPA

Walt joined Wiregrass Wealth Management in 2024 after a 14 year career in the banking industry rising from an underwriter to eventually an area president. Walt’s desire for independence and the opportunity to assist clients on the asset side of their balance sheet made WWM a perfect fit.

Walt is an active member of the community while serving on the boards of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wiregrass United Way and the Southeast Health Foundation. Twice Walt was recognized as a “Top 20 under 40” in the Dothan area and has been the recipient of awards at both the state and national level for his work in banking. Additionally, Walt is licensed in Alabama as a Certified Public Accountant.

Walt was born and raised in the Wiregrass area. He and his wife, Morgan, are the proud parents of three children. Walt enjoys golf, anything fitness related, and coaching his children’s sports teams.

*Raymond James does not provide any tax services or tax advice.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP^®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ and federally registered CFP^® (with flame logo) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.