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Pat & Connie Benson
 

Where It All Began: Pat and Connie Benson

One day in 1993, Connie Benson came home from a day of classes at HLG and stopped by to see her husband at work.  

“Hammer,” she said, using his childhood nickname. “I found a house for us in Hannibal!”

Pat was in the middle of a busy day at Hassard Elevator, the family business. He turned and smiled.

“I didn’t know we were looking for one.”

Soon after, they loaded a livestock trailer with their belongings, and Pat and Connie—along with 4-year-old Kyley—moved from rural Monroe City to Hannibal. The move from the farm to a bigger town was a change, but Connie felt God calling them there.

Now sitting beside each other—married 44 years and celebrating 30 years since they cofounded Benson Financial Group—they reflected on how God led them at each turn. 

Whispers of His plan began at Monroe City High School where they met in Coach Tabb’s world geography class. Pat, a sophomore, and Connie, a junior, became acquainted when the class joined their desks together for circle discussions.  

“We are both talkers, so I am sure we didn’t stay on task,” Connie said.

“I thought she was kind of cute,” Pat responded with a smile. “I think I wanted to marry her right then.”

Connie began joining Pat and his friends at ball games, and it was Connie’s mom who first pointed out that Pat might be smitten.

“Hammer and a bunch of guys would always go to the games together, and he kept asking me to come along,” she said. “My mom finally asked me, ‘Do you find it interesting that you have a carload of people, but you are always the first one he picks up?’”

From high school friends to lifelong passengers, Pat and Connie Benson have journeyed together through a life they never imagined. 

After they married, Pat continued working at Hassard Elevator.  A few years later, Connie returned to Hannibal-LaGrange to pursue a degree in teaching. With baby Kyley at home, she became a nontraditional commuter student.

“As I drove back and forth to Hannibal, I really liked it there and felt God calling us to make a move. I thought He must have a reason,” she said. “In Hannibal, He surrounded us with Godly individuals through our neighbors and at HLG.”

Mentors like Katherine Burt, who was a professor in the English department at the college, were influential in her growth as a Christian.

“I saw how Connie was impacted by the people God had placed around her and she was changing,” he said. “Her walk with the Lord deepened, and she just kept growing.”

Things went full circle for them after Connie earned her degree and took a position teaching English at Monroe City High School—her classroom was just down the hall from Coach Tabb’s old classroom, where she first caught Pat’s eye years ago. 

Now living in Hannibal, the couple found themselves commuting back to Monroe City each day. While Pat and Connie laughed about the fact that they both now commuted from Hannibal to Monroe City, they now know the move was instrumental in their future at Benson Financial Group.

“I don’t know if I could have left the family business if I still lived in Monroe City, it was just too close to my heart,” Pat commented. “But I felt like God was calling me to something different.”

When Pat decided to go into financial planning full time, Connie fully supported the plan. 

“I was excited, because I knew he had the potential. Sometimes we see talent in others that they can't see in themselves,” she said. “Hammer is a people person with wisdom, and his dad and brothers taught him work ethic and integrity. He knew how to serve others."

With no guaranteed income from Pat, they leaned on God for direction and wisdom—a cornerstone of BFG from the beginning. 

“We continually asked God to lead us and prayed that people would give Hammer an opportunity to talk to them,” she recalled. “When he would get down on himself, I would come in and say, ‘You can do this.’”

Connie remembers the long hours Pat was on the road each month but also recalls his commitment to family and making sure he was there for them.

“There were times he would be with us in the evening, or be at one of Kyley’s events, and then return to his office and work until 2 o’clock in the morning,” she said. “Then other times when he would pull into the driveway at midnight.”

After teaching at Monroe City High and then heading up fundraising at HLGU as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Connie joined Pat as the administrative assistant in 2010.

(Read about Pat’s journey to starting BFG in our March Newsletter)

Although many individuals shared concerns about them working together every day, Pat and Connie found it to be a special gift. Connie retired in October 2024.

“If I told 100 people we would be working together, then 100 people said they weren’t sure if they could work with their spouse, but we worked great together,” he said, and chuckled. “If we got aggravated with each other, we would talk it out and then move on—no grudges whatsoever.” 

"We started out slow and steady,” Pat continued. “As our business has grown, we know where our clients have come from. We might be the cofounders, but God is truly the CEO of this business.”

Fun Fact: Years later, Pat and Connie had the chance to reconnect with Coach Tabb himself. After losing track of their former teacher for decades, he called them unexpectedly one day and invited them to lunch.

“It was wonderful to see him again,” Pat said.

/Remembering Those Along the Journey

As Pat and Connie reflect on the people who have served at Benson Financial Group over the years, they don’t think of them as former employees, but as valued friends.

“The people who’ve worked here over the years aren’t just staff to us; they’re beloved partners in this story,” Pat said. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without what they poured into Benson Financial Group during their season here.”

One of the earliest of those partners was Steve Hill.

When Pat expanded his financial advising business, Steve started as a part time advisor.  In 2010, Steve joined the firm full-time as a partner on the same day Connie and Justin Gibson came on board. Including Pat, the four of them became Benson Financial Group. 

From spending days together in the office to sharing vacations, the Bensons and Hills share a deep connection. Connie described Steve as a spiritual mentor in the office who encouraged her and Pat to participate in discipleship training and someone who was always ready to discuss the latest Christian nonfiction.

“When I think of Steve, I think of a close friend and mentor,” Pat said.  “I’m so thankful he became part of our organization and a partner of BFG.”

They also share a love of sports—though not always the same teams.

“The first time I heard Steve’s phone ring, it was the Kansas Jayhawks fight song,” Pat said with a laugh. “I told him we weren’t putting up with that around here.”

Steve retired in 2024, but the connection with the Hill family continues today.

“From Steve to his whole family, it’s just been a wonderful friendship,” he said. “And we’re honored to have his son, Aaron Hill, serving on leadership and as an advisor.”

Another early addition was Herman Hirner who joined Pat at his first physical office. 

Herman was the former CEO of Diemakers, Inc., and a respected community leader.  Pat and Herman designed and opened their first public office on North Third Street in Hannibal.

“Herman brought a high level of leadership and professionalism,” Pat said. “He was just a great addition during the early years of our business.”

Some also helped form the everyday friendships that shaped the family culture of BFG. One of those people was April Fohey. 

She initially came in to do paperwork part-time, which soon turned nearly into full-time during a busy season.

“April was so loyal and dedicated to us,” Pat said. “She was also a lot of fun.”

April’s desk became known as a regular gathering place in the office.

“We used to hang around her desk like it was the water cooler, solving all the world’s problems,” Connie said with a laugh. “She also became a really good friend and prayer partner. She always had her Bible open to a verse we seemed to need that day.”

As the firm continued to grow, BFG was also blessed by those who brought deep professional experience to the team. Debbie Burroughs emulated that description.

When Pat was approached with the idea to hire Debbie part-time, he was immediately on board. Debbie had recently retired from HNB after more than 40 years in banking, eventually serving as a vice president.

“When I thought about Debbie, I thought of high integrity, strong character, and professionalism—and I wondered if we could even get her,” Pat said. “She is a highly respected person in the community.”

Debbie came to help with paperwork in 2022 and retired from BFG at the end of 2024. Debbie became known at BFG for her willingness to help with any task—no matter how big or small—and the genuine friendship she offered to everyone around her.

Another friendship deeply rooted in the story of BFG is that of Bob Pollard.

They first met Bob while doing Bible Based Money Management seminars around the state and quickly formed a close friendship. When Bob began considering a career change, Pat and Connie invited him to join BFG.

Bob and his family moved to Hannibal, and their friendship with the Bensons grew even deeper.

“We served on boards together, took family vacations, and spent many nights around the table for dinner,” Pat said. “We just did life together.”

With tears, Pat spoke of one of the hardest seasons in the history of BFG, when Bob was hospitalized with a very serious case of COVID-19. 

After 80 days in the hospital, Bob was finally released, with doctors and nurses lining the hallway as he was wheeled out. When Bob got outside, the entire BFG team was there to greet him with signs and cheers.

“There were days when we didn’t know if we would see him again,” Pat said. “So, the day Bob got to go home was one of the greatest days in the history of this business.”

Following that experience, Bob felt God calling him to minister at the same hospital where he had spent those exhausting and uncertain days.

“Bob wanted to give back and became employed at Hannibal Regional Hospital. After what he went through, he could minister to people in a way many couldn’t,” Connie said. “And of course we supported that decision and still cherish our friendship with Bob and his family.”

Another team member who left BFG to follow a calling was Amy Blackwell.

She was the first receptionist at Benson Financial Group, when the office was located inside of HomeBank.

Connie had previously worked with Amy at Hannibal-LaGrange College, and when Amy mentioned she might be ready for something new, Connie’s ears perked up. Knowing BFG was looking for a receptionist, she immediately told Pat.

“Amy played an important role during those early years when we were much smaller,” Pat recalled. “She was dedicated and professional—always had a smile on her face. She became a great friend and coworker.”

When Amy eventually left BFG, she explained to Pat that she felt lead to start her own business.  

“She told me she thought she would always stay at the college, but leaving had made her realize she had a dream of starting her own interior furnishings business,” he said. “We are always sad to see someone leave, but we want everyone to follow the calling God has for them, even if that means leaving BFG.”

Instead of simply giving two weeks’ notice, Amy stayed until they found a replacement for her—which turned out to be Connie. 

Another familiar face who stepped in during an important season at BFG was Dorothy Dexheimer.

As the firm prepared for its broker-dealer transition, Pat and Connie knew they would need extra help in the office and immediately thought of Dorothy.

“She was the perfect person for that time,” Pat said. “It was a stressful season, and Dorothy’s smile could brighten the whole office.”

Connie agreed, recalling Dorothy’s natural ability to care for those around her.

“She had such a calming presence,” Connie said. “She was the kind of person who mothered everyone in the office.”

Though her time at BFG was brief, Dorothy’s encouragement and steady support helped the team navigate one of the firm’s busiest transitions.

Others who were a part of the organization over the years were Laura ( Burt)  Brust, Jane Vollrath who is Pat’s sister, Brian Dean, and Jenny Johnson.  Even though they spent a brief amount of time with us they were an important part of our continued growth and their contributions were valuable and greatly appreciated.  

Over the years, many people have come through the doors of Benson Financial Group. While their paths have led some in different directions, each one has helped shape the firm and enriched Pat and Connie’s lives.

One retiree made an impact on Pat’s heart like no other.

Connie retired from Benson Financial Group in October 2024. Although she remains on the leadership team, and as partner, she no longer sits in the office next door to Pat every day.

“There was literally just a wall between us,” he said. “I love this business for many reasons, but a big one is that I got to share it with her.”

During her time at BFG, Connie was known as the Director of Fun. The title not only fit her as the event planner, but also because she brought light and encouragement to everyone around her. 

“In this business there are a lot of difficult things we deal with, and she just lifted everyone up,” he said. “People have asked me before what color her sky is, because she is always has a positive attitude. She is just Connie all day long.”

Since her retirement, Pat has had to remind himself at times that she isn’t in the next office anymore, but her heart and leadership remain at the center of the culture they worked so hard to build.

“She hasn’t always been the face people saw in the business, but I don’t think people will ever truly know what she has meant and continues to mean to this organization,” Pat said. “She truly is my best friend.”

30-Year Fun Fact: In 2006, Pat changed from Gateway Financial Services to Benson Financial Group.

Connie as a donut, fulfilling her "Director of Fun" role!

Team greeting Bob as he leaves the hospital after 80 days with COVID-19.

/National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer week is celebrated during the third week of April, and at Benson Financial Group, we take serving our wonderful community seriously.

Jeriod Turner, partner and advisor, said BFG’s commitment to service comes from a strong example set by Pat and Connie Benson themselves.

“Pat often says that this community has given us so much that we want to make sure we give back,” Jeriod said. “And we have a very caring team, so that’s a natural outlet we try to provide company time for.”

Benson Financial Group also looks to supports organizations that share the commitment to give back through various community events or fundraisers.

Jeriod said with BFG’s core value to remain Christ-centered, it is important to seek opportunities to serve others as He did. 

“Jesus reached into the community and helped those right in front of Him—like feeding the 5,000—and of course, His ultimate act of service in dying on the cross. We could never compare or measure up to Jesus, but we can always strive to be his hands and feet,” Jeriod said. “There are other organizations that do so well at that, and we also try to support them when we can.”
 

• Pat Benson:

  • Hannibal Police and Fire Advisory Board
  • FNC – Kissing Well of Uganda Advisory Board
  • The Crossing Church, Hannibal, Mo

• Justin Gibson:

  • Hannibal Chamber of Commerce Board
  • FNC – Kissing Well of Uganda Advisory Board
  • Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation Board
  • Child Advocacy Center of Northeast MO
  • Mark Twain Home Foundation Board
  • Gideon’s International Ministry Board
  • Early Bird Kiwanis service club
  • Hannibal Career & Technical Center Advisory Board

• Jeriod Turner:

  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes Advisory Board
  • United Way of the Mark Twain Area Executive Board
  • Hannibal Arts Council, Vice President Executive Board

• Aaron Hill:

  • Madison Park Christian Church Ministries
  • Youth Sports Coach

• Tim Miller:

  • Quincy Chamber of Commerce Ambassador
  • Junior Achievement in Northeast Missouri and West-Central Illinois
  • Horizons Food Pantry

• Ben Strother:

  • RISE Program, United Way of the Mark Twain Area

• Becky Speckhart:

  • Madison Park Christian Church Ministries

• Jen Kovar:

  • FNC – Kissing Well of Uganda Advisory Board

• Amanda Hall:

  • Gideons International Ministry

• Megan Duncan:

  • MU Extension Council
  • United Way of the Mark Twain Area Ambassador

Justin volunteering with WATCH Dogs. 

Turn the Page with Connie

By Connie Benson

I have been leading Bible studies over the past 25 plus years, and I often get asked if I have any suggestions for a good Bible study.  Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado is one of my many favorites.  

My Tuesday morning Bible study group has met for over 14 years. We are in the final weeks of this study, and we all agree that this study has been one of the highlights.
 

Experiencing the Heart of Jesus

Experiencing the Heart of Jesus is a 52-week study “intended to take you from the flatlands—from seeing Christ at a distance—to the experience of being surrounded by Christ.”  It encourages us to step closer to Jesus to experience His grace, forgiveness, power, and love.

This is a study you can do individually or invite others to join you and is designed so that you can start it at any point in the year.  

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World 

Another Bible study to consider is Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver.  With her fresh approach to the familiar Bible story, Joanna shows how all of us, Marys and Marthas alike, can draw closer to our Lord: deepening our devotion, strengthening our service, and doing both with less stress and greater joy.” 

Our daughter, Kyley Adams, hosts Bible studies in her home several times a year, and she and her friends just finished this book/Bible study. Kyley said it was one of the best she has done and was very applicable for women of all ages because of the fast-paced world that we live in today.

This book includes a 12-week companion Bible study in the back for individual or group use.

When you are in for an appointment—or just driving by one of our offices—take a minute to stop by and pick one out to take home. When you are finished with the study, I would love to hear your thoughts.

/Welcoming new team members!

Join us in giving a warm welcome to Elaina Foreman and Lillie Blankenship, our newest team members! Elaina and Lillie both joined us in March as administrative assistants and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them on board.

Meet Elaina!

Meet Lillie!

Quarterly Celebrations at Benson Financial Group 

We are so grateful for what each staff member brings to the team! 
 

 /Upcoming Holidays & Closings

 
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Psalm 19:1