Meet the team
We are committed to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security. Our core values of integrity, trust and excellence enable us to provide Clients with clear, professional advice to maximize their enjoyment of wealth now and in the future.
This website serves as a gateway to the world of insurance, where you can learn more about our services, read helpful tips and resources, meet the team and get in touch with us directly. Whether you are a new Client looking for guidance or a current Client with questions, we are here to help.
Feel fee to reach out - we are eager to hear from you and discuss how we can work together to protect what matters most.
Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions Inc.
Your financial strategy should be as unique as you are. Whether you’re just starting out, about to enter retirement, or somewhere in between, a strong financial roadmap can help you reach your short and long-term goals. Let’s work together to protect what matters most to you and help you secure your future. Reach out to get started. Let’s get you there.
Rob Rice
As a Sun Life Financial advisor, I provide holistic financial advice to Clients, and have done so since 1978. I take pride in watching Clients achieve financial security.
My holistic financial planning style is influenced by my other passions in life; travelling, lifelong learning, sailing, and people. When my kids were in grade school, I had the privilege of taking them travelling across the world for a year. This experience taught me the value of patience, planning and adaptation.
My wife and I spend much of our summer sailing the Great Lakes and that has taught me that you can not control the wind, but you can adjust the sails to reach your destination. This is a lesson I also apply to financial markets.
I understand the value of a holistic strategy and the important role it plays in achieving lifetime financial security. Together with Clients, I create a clear roadmap to help them achieve their unique goals.
Job Title: Financial Planner, Sun Life | Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions, CFP®, CPCA
Languages spoken: English
Phone: (519) 672-9506
Email: rob.rice@sunlife.com
Address: 240 Waterloo Street, Suite 104, London, ON, N6B 2N4 Canada
Neal Kongkham
I am a Financial Planner dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate their financial journey with confidence and clarity. With a B.A in Economics earned in 2004, I embarked on my career as an Advisor in 2005, and since then, I've continually enriched my expertise and knowledge in this dynamic field. In the early stages of my career, I built a robust practice which was recognized with the Chartered Life Underwriting (CLU®) designation. Eager to expand my horizons, I transitioned into a manager role, role that I took full advantage of, because while mentoring new advisors I continued my education and became Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC) and Certified Health Specialist (CHS), with these being achieved, also driven by a desire to offer personalized guidance and support, I returned to the Advisor role and completed my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. Armed with diverse skill set and a deep understanding of financial intricacies, I'm committed to providing tailored strategies to address Client’s diverse needs, aspirations and helping ensure your financial goals are not just met but exceeded.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I find joy in spending as much time with my wife Gabriela, our two lovely daughters, Leah and Luna, as possible. In my leisure time, you can find me on the hockey rink, relishing the competitive spirit as a goalie, or enjoying a round of golf when the weather permits.
Job Title: Financial Planner, Sun Life | Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions, CFP®, CHS™, CIM, CLU®, RRC®
B.A., RIS
Languages spoken: English
Phone: (519) 660-0906
Email: neal.kongkham@sunlife.com
Address: 200 Village walk Blvd, Suite 300A, London, ON, N6G 0W8 Canada
Alfred Tran
As a seasoned CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® with over 20 years of industry experience at various levels, I feel very fortunate to be able to help Clients make sense of their worlds. By utilizing a comprehensive financial planning approach, I’ve developed a track record of helping Clients navigate complex financial landscapes, from retirement planning and investment strategies to tax optimization and estate planning. My Client-centric approach helps ensure personalized solutions tailored to each individual’s unique financial goals. My commitment to ongoing education and industry best practices enables me to provide the highest level of expertise and guidance.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife Yasmine, and my three wonderful children Olivia, Isla, and Ezra. I’m passionate about cooking and travel, and even better when those are paired together! I love a good book, and often find a frustrating level of relaxation on the golf course.
Job Title: Financial Planner, Sun Life | Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions, CFP®
Languages spoken: English
Phone: (519) 660-0906
Email: alfredtran@sunlife.com
Address: 200 Village walk Blvd, Suite 300A, London, ON, N6G 0W8 Canada
Melissa Rice
I am fairly new to the insurance and finance world, having completed my education in the health sciences. I have Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Toronto and Brescia University College. I then spent a year conducting nutrition research in Peru. Afterwards, I returned to the University of Toronto to complete a Masters in Health Science, specializing in Global Health. I worked for 10 years in the nutrition industry as a private practice and corporate dietitian.
Because of my experiences, I value the importance of taking a holistic approach to life. I understand the connections between health and finances and how they work together to help us achieve our lifetime goals. I believe in building strong communities at home and abroad, and value volunteering. I served on the Board of Directors of the London Squash Racquets Club and as the Board Chair for the London Training Centre. I have also volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, London Intercommunity Health Centre and am currently a volunteer at 519pursuit and the London Food Bank.
Job Title: Associate Advisor, Sun Life | Office Manager, Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions, MHSc
Languages spoken: English, Filipino, Spanish
Phone: (519) 672-9506 ext. 102
Email: melissa.rice@sunlife.com
Address: 240 Waterloo Street, Suite 104, London, ON, N6B 2N4 Canada
Jennifer Layman
I am the Administrative Assistant | Client Concierge with Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions. I have always had a passion for helping people. The first step in my journey was to study holistic nutrition at Fanshawe College and the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I then spent eight years as a nutritionist teaching people how to live healthier lives in a modern world. Now as an Administrative Assistant with Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions, I'm that friendly person who is honored to greet you.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing pickleball, weight training, practicing yoga about three times a day, and I’m an avid squash player with “multiple” London Squash Club championships under my belt. When it's time to relax, I enjoy hitting the pavement along the paths of the TVP, snuggling with my rabbits (when they aren’t asking for treats which is always) and enjoy travelling when time allows.
Job Title: Advisor Assistant, Sun Life I Concierge for Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions
Languages spoken: English
Phone: (519) 672-9506 ext. 107
Email: jennifer.layman@sunlife.com
Address: 240 Waterloo Street, Suite 104, London, ON, N6B 2N4 Canada
Alexis Froklage
I’m a dedicated Administrative Assistant at Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions, with a passion for providing exceptional customer service.
I began my career in a law firm, where I quickly learned the fundamentals of office management and Client relations. My role involved managing schedules, preparing legal documents, and coordinating meetings, laying the groundwork for my professional development. I have excellent time management skills, allowing me to prioritize tasks and manage tight deadlines. That, paired with my strong communication skills and my ability to foster relationships within the office, contributes to our team’s efficiency.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids, my friends, and my extended family. I enjoy cooking but enjoy eating even more. In the summer, you can catch me relaxing on a patio or by a pool, and in the winter, you will probably find me hibernating with a good book. I pride myself on being a kind person who finds happiness in the simple things life has to offer.
Job Title: Advisor Assistant, Sun Life | Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions
Languages spoken: English
Phone: (519) 660-0906
Email: alexis.froklage@sunlife.com
Address: 200 Village walk Blvd, Suite 300A, London, ON, N6G 0W8 Canada
Erica Brown
As a Service Associate with Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions, I am committed to providing support, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and personalized attention in every interaction. My goal is to create seamless and positive experience, drawing on strong communication skills and attention to detail. With a commitment to professionalism and efficiency, I am here to support you every step of the way on your financial journey.
Outside of the office, I have developed a passion for fitness, integrating it seamlessly into my lifestyle. I firmly believe that maintaining a healthy body and mind is pivotal for personal and professional success. By dedicating time to fitness activities, I not only prioritize my well-being but also bring a renewed sense of energy and determination to my role at Black Oak.
Job Title: Service Associate, Sun Life | Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions
Languages spoken: English
Phone: (519) 660-0906
Email: erica.brown@sunlife.com
Address: 200 Village walk Blvd, Suite 300A, London, ON, N6G 0W8 Canada
Laura Duarte
I serve as a Marketing Associate at Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions. I bring a couple of years of experience working with Sun Life's head office. With Black Oak, I have the privilege of leveraging my experience to craft innovative marketing strategies, whether it is developing compelling content, or analyzing insurance data, I thrive on the excitement and creativity that comes with the job.
If there is something you should know about me, it is that I am a people person through and through. I have always been fascinated by the power to connect people and ideas. I am friendly and positive, and that is the vibe you will find in me both in and out of the office.
Beyond the office, you will find me pursuing my passion for fitness, food, adventure, books and sports. I am a truly believer of the power of staying active, I am also a big fan of hot yoga, golf and baseball. I love travelling- visiting new places and food, and I love even more when these two hobbies are paired together, I almost forget to mention that I have a Chef degree as well and I love cooking.
Job Title: Service Associate, Sun Life | Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Phone: (519) 660-0906
Email: laura.duarte.lira@sunlife.com
Address: 240 Waterloo Street, Suite 104, London, ON, N6B 2N4 Canada
James Yoo
I am currently an Administrative Assistant at Black Oak Financial, working to obtain the IFIC license. I bring a wealth of experience to our team, having honed my skills in trading, Client relations, and administration during my over 10 years of experience in the financial industry. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to simplifying tasks, I aim to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of my work.
Originally from Toronto, Ontario, I live in London with my wife, Cecile and my two dogs and two cats. Outside of work, I enjoy taking my dogs for walks or taking them to the dog parks on the weekends. I am passionate about sports, particularly baseball and European Football. In the summer, I play in a Men’s baseball league here in London.
Job Title: Advisor Assistant, Sun Life | Executive Administrative Assistant for Black Oak Insurance & Financial Solutions
Phone: (519) 660-0906
Email: james.yoo@sunlife.com
Address: 240 Waterloo Street, Suite 104, London, ON, N6B 2N4 Canada
Have questions?
Here to help answer your questions, provide clarity about products and get you started on the road to achieving your goals.