165 Services Team
The 165 team consists of 5 team members. Each has played a key role in both the evolution of the 165 process and it’s success. Combined, they offer our clients nearly 30 years experience in the investment fraud recovery field.
Alan Gavel – Chief Executive Officer and Legal Counsel
After serving our country in the United States Navy, Alan commenced his educational journey at Georgia College & State University by earning his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Accounting. He continued on to earn his Masters in Business Administration degree from Vanderbilt University followed by his Juris Doctorate degree from Mercer University – Walter F. George School of Law in his hometown of Macon, GA.
As a member of The American Bar Association and The United States Tax Court Bar, Alan has represent hundreds of tax payers in audits and appeals before the IRS. With a passion for appreciating law and ensuring top quality customer service, upon joining 165 Services, LLC in 2002, Mr. Gavel’s primary objective is to assist tax payers through representation, with the complexities of Section 165 of the IRS Tax Code.
Alan actively instructs various Business and Law related courses at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. He also conducts tax work shops and hosts conference presentations on various tax related topics nationwide.
Steve Mead – Chief Operating Officer
After graduating from Michigan State University in 1985 with a B.A. in Communications, Mr. Mead focused on sales, productivity, marketing and management training for some of the nation’s premier corporate and celebrity themed restaurants. This experience is the cornerstone of the 165 Services, LLC customer service belief system.
Having joined 165 Services, LLC in 2003, Mr. Mead traveled broadly as an industry trade show representative, proctor for continuing professional education of tax professionals, and personal visitor for injured investors to explain and illustrate the benefits of the Section 165 Casualty Theft Deduction.
Joining the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents in 2008; Mr. Mead continues to broaden his education to comply with the preferences of the IRS. Considering the Internal Revenue Service as the best customer of 165 Services, LLC; his focus is to continually refine the systems and processes of the organization in order to make it easier for the IRS to decide in favor of the tax payer who files a claim for benefit under Section 165 (c) 2.
David Lopez –
Executive Vice President, Corporate Compliance and Research
A 1994 University of South Florida graduate in Finance, Mr. Lopez has the wealth of experience and integrity which serves as the backbone of the organization. After years of working as an equities trader, through education and experience he served in the capacity of Financial and Operational Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Corporate Compliance Officer.
Over the years David has earned and maintains, the FINRA Series 7 - General Securities License; Series 63 - State Blue-Sky License; Series 55 - Equities Trader License; Series 4 - Option Principal License; Series 24 - General Securities Principal License; and Series 27 - Financial and Operations Principal License and Florida Life/Health and Variable Annuities License.
Highly sought in the industry, it is an honor that David has consider, since the beginning of the organization, 165 Services, LLC as his contemporaries.
Joe Jelks – Executive Vice President, New Business Development
After serving in the United States Air Force, Joe attended Wichita State University, majoring in Communications with emphasis in English and Spanish. A member of 165 Services since 2004, experienced in nearly every department of the organization; Joe successfully communicates the principles and concepts instrumental for tax payers and tax professionals to confidently make the decision to engage 165 Services and proceed with a claim for benefit. Committed to customer service, hundreds of victims of investment fraud have recovered the tax benefits they are entitled to under Section 165 of the Tax Code, through a comfortable, professional relationship with Joe.
Known as “The Voice” of 165, Mr. Jelks entertains as a stand-up comic in his free time. From tears to laughter, Joe Jelks is a unique example of character and leadership in the industry.
Marsha Barich –
Executive Vice President, Organizational Operations.
With a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Marketing, Marsha graduated from The University of South Florida, College of Business in 1995. After graduating Marsha became a Sales Consultant selling administration services for 401(K), defined benefit and profit sharing plans for PFPC a division of PNC Bank; which relocated to Baltimore, Maryland.
In November of 2004, Marsha joined 165 Services LLC and has focused mainly in the audit and tax arena. Ms. Barich has always maintained that even though this business is a tough business she has always believed in “the product”. Marsha’s accomplishments prove she is a person that will work hard for the cause of the injured investor.
Marsha maintains her greatest accomplishments in life have been her strong marriage, raising a child to adulthood and attainment of her BA as a non-traditional student. 165 Services, LLC relies on Marsha to allow weaknesses to be subordinated to the strengths of the team.