Our Team

John C. Keene

Founder, President, CEO

Since 2018, John has been walking with clients during their greatest moments of need.  He helps others protect what matters most to them while leading them toward their most important goals and dreams. He focuses on providing guidance to his  clients, listening intently to their needs and offering thoughtful, intentional guidance so they can make confident financial decisions.

John is a financial advisor with Eagle Strategies and holds his FINRA Series 7, 6, and 63 securities licenses. In 2019, 2020, and 2023 he was named to New York Life’s Executive Council*, and in 2021, 2022, and 2024 he was named to President’s Council*. He was a recipient of several sales award including, the 2018 Rookie of the Year sales award as well as the 2019, 2020, and 2021 New Organization Agent of the Year award from the Hawaii General Office.  

John is also the Founder, President, and CEO of Keene Financial Group LLC.  A financial practice with a national presence and a proud member of the Latino Market Community.

Prior to his career in financial services, John was a speech-language pathologist and later became the Vice President of Development at Shriners Hospitals for Children® in Honolulu. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Valparaiso University in Indiana and later attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine, where he earned his Master of Science. He then completed his clinical fellowship on the Big Island of Hawaii.

John is on the board of Family Programs Hawaii and is a member of the Rotary Club of Honolulu, the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. He and his beautiful wife have three amazing children and are also “parents” to the world’s cutest dog!

*Council is an annual company recognition program based on agent production from July 1- June 30.

Brandon Ramos

Financial Advisor

I am a retired United States Navy Submarine Senior Chief with over 23 years of service, where I led teams in demanding, high-accountability environments. I served during periods of significant national and global uncertainty, including the post-9/11 era, when sound judgment, discretion, and disciplined execution were essential. Throughout my naval career, I was entrusted with high-responsibility leadership roles, and selected for special projects.

Following my military retirement, I transitioned into the financial services industry with Keene Financial Group, bringing with me a leadership philosophy shaped by decades of service: People First, Mission Always. I have received training in comprehensive financial solutions, including education concerning military and teacher benefits, pension analysis, and retirement income planning. My work spans holistic financial strategies for individuals, families, and business owners, integrating protection strategies, investment strategy, tax-aware decision making, and long-term income sustainability.

I believe financial strategies should be structured, transparent, and rooted in long-term thinking, not reactionary or sales driven. My role is to educate, guide, and provide clarity so clients can make confident, informed decisions. Whether working with military families navigating pensions and benefits, educators navigating around retirement systems, or business owners balancing growth with risk management, I focus on building strategies that are disciplined, coordinated, and aligned with each client’s values and objectives.

Leadership has always meant responsibility to others, whether in uniform or in advisory work. I take pride in building trust, simplifying complex topics, and serving as a steady, reliable resource throughout every stage of the strategic process. Accountability, preparation, and follow-through remain central to how I serve my clients and my team.

Outside of my professional work, I am most proud of my role as a father. Watching my children pursue excellence through discipline, commitment, and resilience reinforces the values that have guided my career and continue to shape how I lead and serve.

Drew Schnelker

Financial Professional

Drew Schnelker believes that financial strategies are deeply personal — it is more than charts and numbers, but about people, families, and the futures they wish to embrace.  Guided by integrity, honesty, and a heart for service, Drew brings a relationship-first approach to every client he serves. Drew holds his FINRA Series 6 and 63 securities licenses.

Originally from Michigan, Drew moved to O‘ahu in 2018 with a plan to return home after two years. However, Hawai‘i had far greater plans.  He quickly fell in love with the island’s strong sense of community, married his incredible wife, and became a proud father to two young daughters. Today, Hawai‘i is home — and the foundation of the life he cherishes most.

Before entering financial services, Drew invested numerous years working closely with high-net-worth individuals in the private club industry. That experience shaped his belief that true service means anticipating needs, earning trust, and showing-up consistently — values he now brings to each client relationship.

Drew approaches every relationship as if he were helping a friend — because that’s how he sees his clients. “When that first conversation feels more like catching-up than a consultation,” he says, “That’s when I know we’re a good fit.” From there, he works to understand what matters most — family, travel, legacy, retirement — and builds customized solutions to help make those dreams a reality.

Whether he’s helping a young family protect what matters most or guiding a retiree toward lifetime income and long-term care insurance, Drew considers the trust of his clients his greatest honor. Building financial security and lasting legacies is more than a career for Drew — it is his passion and his promise to every client he serves.

Matthew "JR" Darnell

Financial Services Professional

Matthew “JR” Darnell, born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii, is a graduate of Arizona State University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Communications. His time at ASU played a pivotal role in shaping his path, where he built a strong foundation in finance through academics and participation in the stock market club. He currently holds the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification, along with Life and Health Insurance licenses, and continues to educate himself by attending training to further his knowledge and be a valuable resource.

JR was drawn to financial industry through a longstanding passion for investing and financial markets that began in high school. He realized that financial industry offers an opportunity to positively impact his community by creating stability through life’s unpredictability and achieving financial freedom. He is skilled at translating complex financial concepts into understandable language.

JR is a proud Eagle Scout. Outside of his current role, JR enjoys hiking, playing basketball, and listening to music.

Hudson Smith

Intern

Hudson Smith brings a strong foundation in finance, business, and relationship management to his work with clients. His entrepreneurial experience with small businesses and working directly with individuals and families have shaped a thoughtful, disciplined, and service-oriented approach.

Raised in a military family, Hudson developed adaptability, resilience, and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds at an early age. Those experiences continue to influence the way he builds relationships with authenticity, trust, and a genuine focus on understanding each client’s goals.

Hudson earned his Associate in Arts degree at 17 while completing high school, reflecting the drive, discipline, and initiative that continue to guide both his academic and professional pursuits. He studies Finance and International Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he continues to deepen his understanding of financial strategy, markets, and long-term strategies. He has further strengthened his international perspective through academic experiences in Florence, Italy and Sydney, Australia, expanding his understanding of global business, culture, and international markets.

Committed to continuous growth both personally and professionally, Hudson values integrity, consistency, and building lasting relationships centered around the needs of each client. He is passionate about helping individuals, families, and businesses alike in making confident financial decisions through education, thoughtful solutions, and personalized guidance.