Clay, CLU is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Proud Americans, a grassroots organization promoting the traditional values that made this country great. The Proud Americans’ five core principles – God, family, country, personal responsibility, and helping others – are the cornerstone philosophy that Clay has embraced throughout his life as a successful Christian businessman and commun
ity leader. A native of Fort Worth, Jerrell has more than 50 years of experience in the financial industry and is the founder of 3 Mark Financial, where he serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He is also a founding member of Tahoe Oil & Gas, LLC and serves the company as its managing member. Prior to his current business positions, Clay was President and CEO of Protective Financial Services for 12 years and also worked in sales and management for Great American Reserve Insurance Company. and Avinci Media Group, Inc., and a past member of the Texas Legislative Sub-Committee on Long-Term Care in Texas. Clay has been a member of the Society of Financial Services Professionals since 1976 and has served the organization as President of the Houston Chapter, chaired the committee to create the Woodson Award and is a Gold Key member. He also was the 1996 recipient of the Texas Leaders Round Table Outstanding Achievement Award. In addition to his responsibilities with the Proud Americans, 3 Mark, and Tahoe, Clay is an advisor to Patriot International and VetUSA. He is the founder of Proud American Kids, a 501c3 non-profit organization that works with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide books to children of disabled veterans. Clay is active in his church and various civic organizations and is a much in-demand speaker for both civic and business gatherings. He and his wife, Phyllis, have six children and 13 grandchildren. Among his hobbies are golf, hunting, and reading.
