Our Story

Sparks Financial Services is a third-generation planning practice in Bothell, Washington, dedicated to serving clients through our affiliation with Commonwealth Financial Network^®, a Registered Investment Adviser-Broker/Dealer. By skillfully integrating holistic financial and life planning with investment management, we believe our clients experience the value of a well-planned financial life.

Sparks Financial Services was founded by Dickinson Sparks, who earned the CFP^® certification in 1975 and who was a true pioneer in the industry. Dick dedicated his career to serving his clients, and later welcomed his daughter, Cheryl Sparks, to the company to work beside him and continue his legacy. With few women in financial services at the time, Cheryl also forged her own path, and paving the way for a new generation of advisors. Like her father, Cheryl dedicated her career to serving her clients, and, just as her father did for her, she welcomed Joleen Yelton to the company to work beside her and continue the Sparks legacy.

Today, the company is owned and operated by its third generation: Joleen and Taylor Yelton. Joleen is fifty percent Sparks, and Dick's great niece. Joleen is honored to carry on the Sparks legacy that her family started, and together with her husband and team, continue to serve individuals, families and small businesses in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

The Sparks Financial  Services team in 2021. Left to right: Rosa Hughes, Joleen Yelton, Taylor Yelton.

The Sparks Financial Services team in 2017. Left to right: Cheryl Sparks, baby girl Yelton, Joleen Yelton, Taylor Yelton.