September 2025

Finance Expert • Mentor • Community Voice

Every issue of Sol-Legacy Magazine shines a light on individuals whose vision, discipline, and dedication help shape cultural and financial legacies. This month, we spotlight Missy Franklin, a trusted advisor, strategic investor, and founding member of Wallace Legacy Investors.

From her humble beginnings in Coffee City, Texas to her leadership in finance, insurance, and tax consulting, Missy has built a career rooted in trust, loyalty, and purpose. Her journey is a reminder that legacy is not just measured in wealth but in the values we pass on to future generations.

In this feature, Missy shares how hard work, faith, and community shaped her path, why she believes in the mission of Sol-Caritas, and how she continues to open doors for families and entrepreneurs seeking financial empowerment.

What first drew you into the world of finance, insurance, and tax consulting?

I must say God…because Finance was nowhere in my scope of focus when I was choosing my career and life goals. 

Can you share how growing up in Frankston, Texas, shaped your values and work ethic?

Growing up in Frankston, and more specifically…Coffee City, Texas, gave me the core foundation of who I am today. I had a community of individuals who poured into me, and I had no clue of the impact they would eventually have. From working in the pea field at the age of about 5 or 6, I learned that the labor involved was not commensurate with the pay. I watched an older woman from the community straddle one row and pick that row along with the rows to her left and right. I picked my one row and made about 65 cents for that whole day. I went home that night and began reading every book I could find. I remember working with Cousin Jesse one summer in his garden and planting watermelons. He said that was the best harvest ever. I remember my aunt driving Daddy’s car home on a flat tire and messing up the rim. Daddy, my grandfather, took me outside that next morning, and I learned how to change a tire on the car all at the age of about 11. Coffee City gave me lessons that continue to guide me along my way. I was given everything that I needed, and I developed the knowledge and skillset to get everything I wanted, and nothing could or would stop me. 

What early lessons about money, trust, and entrepreneurship still guide your approach today?

The value of people and time is very important in showing people who you are. Always remember that the only person who can outwork you is you, because if you think you can or can’t, you determine your outcome. Give your word and keep your word. I saw every business transaction by my grandfather done with a handshake. When Daddy gave his word, people knew they could count on him. Now, everyone knew that Man Smith never met a stranger, and if he was caught in a conversation, which was every time he met or saw a person, he may run late, but he was always right on time. The only time he was not available was at 4 PM, and that’s because he was at home watching Judge Judy…smh!!! I believe I am like my grandfather in my trust in people. When I meet someone, I give them trust and allow them to do with it what they will. If they ever show themselves to be untrustworthy, I will definitely believe them.

How did your professional path first intersect with Carlos Wallace’s career on the railroad?

I recall hearing about “Carlos Wallace” just in passing for a couple of years before I actually met him. I have always been a person who has a love for helping people. He needed some assistance, and I was honored to be able to listen and step in to help. 

When Sol-Caritas shifted from an idea to a full-scale venture, what moved you to go beyond advising and investing?

For me, it was the passion that Carlos had for his purpose. He could have said that he was about to go out and start a ditch-digging mission, and I would be there with towels and water when he came out of the hole. 

As a founding member of Wallace Legacy Investors, how do you define the group’s mission, and what inspired you to help shape its foundation from the very beginning?

As I have transitioned over time, I have seen different fluctuations in the market, and it has become evident that if you don’t take control of your present, you will lose out on your future. I have children and grandchildren, and I needed to be at the forefront of the legacy they are destined to have. It all starts with a strong foundation. I was already speaking of Legacy, and when the Wallace Legacy Investments was presented to me, it was very clear to see that I was meant to be a part of the mission and movement.

What core principles do you rely on when helping clients transition from employment to entrepreneurship?

The major hurdle is building a sense of belief in yourself. I have had to come to a realization that not everyone was raised in a small country town and had people speaking life and prosperity into them. When they believe…they will achieve. I will sit with a client and listen. People say a lot when you just listen. I mentor them into tapping into their passion. Then…they have to make a plan and build from there. People have the misconception that they need a windfall of money to start. They simply need the will and a good mentor to find the way. 

How do you approach financial planning for creatives and entertainers with variable income?

Building a plan is the foundation. Make small, attainable goals so they can see a win, and celebrate the wins. Start with deciding on a business name…registering that name, getting a logo, an email address, and a bank account. All of these steps are wins. These are all seeds in the ground that help your business plan to grow.

What is the most overlooked financial red flag you encounter when helping people build their legacy?

Failing to plan has been the biggest downfall. Plan for EVERYTHING. When making a budget, people leave themselves out. The moment they add in that expense for a night on the town, that much-needed getaway, or the trip to the nail salon that was not accounted for, they have already gone out of line with the plan. My best advice is to make sure they are included in the budget. 

What does loyalty mean to you both professionally and personally?

Being the descendant of “Man Smith,” loyalty is everything. They don’t make them like that anymore was one of my sayings until I realized that we are the “they” now. We have to pour into this generation for the generations to come so they know who they are and where they come from. 

Looking back, what has been your proudest moment in your work with Sol-Caritas?

My proudest moment with Sol-Caritas was in Tyler, Texas, at the Oil Palace. I remember Carlos saying…” Baby, we did it”. It was such a heartfelt moment to see the grown man standing before me smile as the small-town boy, realizing his dream and developing his vision. 

In what ways has your journey with Carlos and the Sol team influenced your own purpose or mission?

I have realized that you must dream your BIGGEST dream and then dream some more. Somewhere in life, we get taught to wake up and stop dreaming. I am here to tell you to pause and daydream, then run towards that dream and never stop. That’s why I, along with my business partners, am opening a Life Insurance Agency in Jacksonville focused on educating, protecting, and serving our community and branching out to offer the same services to communities all across America. We provide OPTIONS and OPPORTUNITIES!!!

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