David began his career in the investment business over 30 years ago. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree in 1980 and from Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, University of Memphis, with Juris Doctor Degree in 1985. He was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1986 and maintains an active practice emphasizing Tax and Estate Planning. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR®, a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® practitioner.

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David has built his personal and professional life on the principles of community service, civic leadership, and philanthropic investment. David began his community involvement with the PTA in his children’s schools. David was elected to the Shelby County School Board of Education in 1998 and served as chairman for twelve years. He was then elected as the Tennessee School Boards Association President. In April 2013, David became the President of the National School Boards Association. He has twice been honored as Tennessee School Board Member of the Year. In July 2012, David was honored by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences as a recipient of the “Educators Voice Award,” and in September of 2013 he received the prestigious Bammy Award as “School Board Member of the Year.” In 2019, David was awarded the Invest in Others “Catalyst Award” for his work in public education through his non-profit, the American Pillars Education Foundation — a 501(c)(3) in which he serves has Executive Director.

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David has twice been named among the top 1,000 financial advisors in the U.S. in Barron’s Magazine. He has been named a Five Star Wealth Manager multiple years in a row, and, in 2015, David was selected to the Fi­nancial Times 400 Top Advisors List. He has been honored in Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list numerous times. In 2021, Pickler Wealth Advisors was named Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business of the Year, and, in the same year, was listed as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America by Inc. Magazine. David was also named a 2022, 2023, and 2024 Charitable Champion by Invest in Others Foundation for promoting a culture of philanthropy.

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In 2024, David released his first authored book, Pillars of Purpose: Leadership Lessons for Achieving a Life of Significance. Learn more here >

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Read David's Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 

Learn more about David's community involvement here.

 

2011-2012 Barron’s Top 1000: To compile this annual list, Barron's uses data provided by advisors and takes a number of criteria into account for this state-by-state ranking, including assets under management; revenues generated by advisors for their firms; quality of practices, which includes examination of regulatory records; and philanthropic work. According to Barron’s, generally 3000 qualified advisors are considered each year, with 30% of those advisors recognized as a Barron's top financial advisor. Some states may include more advisors than others, in proportion to state populations. 15 Tennessee advisors made the list both years. The state specific ranking is the same list organized and filtered by advisors located in that state. Investment performance is not a criterion. This award is not indicative of the wealth manager's future performance. Your experience may vary.

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Five Star Wealth Manager: Based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria, including a minimum of 5 years as an active credentialed financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, accepts new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, education, and professional designations. 690 Memphis wealth managers were considered for the award; 143 (21 percent of candidates) were named 2015 Five Star Wealth Managers (The criteria provided reflects the most recent year for which advisor received the award. The criteria used, the number of wealth managers considered for the award, and the percentage of those who receive the award, may vary from year to year). These awards are not indicative of the wealth managers' future performance. Your experiences may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

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FT 400: To compile the 2016 list, the Financial Times evaluated nominees on six primary areas and calculated a numeric score for each advisor. The areas of consideration were assets under management (AUM), asset growth, compliance record, experience, credentials, and accessibility. Approximately 985 qualified applications were received; 400 advisors were selected, representing 40.6 percent of applicants. Not indicative of advisor's future performance. Your experience may vary. For the full methodology, please visit ft.com

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2021 MBJ Small Business Award: Created by the Memphis Business Journal. This award is based on Memphis small businesses on the rise and not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or otherwise reflect the performance of the advisor. Click here for more information.

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2021 Inc. 5000 America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies: Created by Inc. Magazine. This award is based on being one of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies and not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or otherwise reflect the performance of the advisor. Click here for more information.

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2022-2024 Invest in Others Charitable Champions List, created by Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. This award is based on leadership in corporate philanthropy and is not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or reflect the performance of the advisor. Click here for more award information.