Certified Professionals

Travis Jennings

Travis has spent over a decade providing finance concierge solutions, systems and support to improve personal finances and reduce taxes for families across the country. Over time, he has learned that a key difference between those with financial prosperity and those without is the quality of professionals surrounding clients and the shared expectations amongst those professionals pertaining to a client’s financial plan.

After his time serving is the United States Air Force, Travis transitioned into the financial services industry where he has hung his hat for over 12 years. The past five years have been dedicated to his personal practice, Finance CAPE, where he serves as the CEO and caters to a variety of high-net-worth families through a fractional family office approach.

Mr. Jennings is dedicated to community service and sits on several non-profit advisory boards throughout the Tampa Bay Area. He takes great pride in mentoring young entrepreneurs and helping seasoned entrepreneurs successfully exit from their various businesses.

Travis has three beautiful kids a wonderful wife and lives on a farm just outside of Tampa, Florida. He enjoys nature, meditation, and teaching those with a desire to grow. He has been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal and featured on NASDAQ News, Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine, and has presented on several podcasts as a finance concierge expert across the country.

Kwesi Robotham

Kwesi Robotham is an entrepreneur, advisor, and financial strategist. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Kingstowne Advisors, LLC, a virtual family office focused on helping affluent business owners and executives grow and preserve their wealth. In addition to providing leadership and operational oversight, Mr. Robotham directs the firm’s proactive planning process, designed to produce integrated tax, legal, business, wealth, and risk management outcomes for their clients.

Jason Bright

As an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology and a “recovering engineer," Jason is adept at breaking down complex problems into their most basic components and working systematically to solve them. By bringing a logical, rational approach to financial planning and advice, Jason aspires to help clients improve financial efficiency and maximize the utility of each dollar that comes into their hands, all with an eye toward stewardship and generosity.

Jason currently serves on the board of trustees for Family Promise of Gwinnett County and is an active member in the Lawrenceville Rotary and a founding member of the Lawrenceville Business Alliance. Jason, his wife Ana and their five children are longtime residents of Lawrenceville, GA where they are very active in their church, and community.

Carson Grover

Carson specializes in helping small business owners and pre-retirees meet their most important financial goals. For the past several years, he has been working closely with CPA’s, attorneys, and other tax professionals to coordinate a truly multi-faceted approach to meeting his clients needs. Through his extensive knowledge of financial planning and collaboration with other professionals, Carson is able to execute various strategies related to business succession, income tax mitigation, liquidation events, estate planning, retirement income planning and asset protection. He takes seriously his fiduciary obligation to always put the client’s needs first. Outside of the office Carson spends most of his time traveling, hiking, reading, going to the gym and hanging out with his wife Angelina, his daughter Salem and their dog Bonnie.

Jack Branch

Jack has been recognized nationally and locally as a top advisor to professionals, CPA's, business owners, and entrepreneurs seeking a forward thinking plan not just a boiler plate one size fits all plan.

His work history before coming into the financial industry gives a fresh outlook on things to look at versus having been in only one industry throughout his entire career. Jack is a graduate from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and lives in Covington with his wife, Renee. He is an active member of Northshore Bible Church in Covington, avid golfer, husband, father, and active supporter of many charitable entities. .

Jack has a passion for helping clients understand what their potential can be over trying to just meet ones needs. He believes that there is so much misinformation to the public that instead of giving an opinion on topics that you should use an objective approach.

Questions to take a close look at include: why one is saving, exit strategies out of a business, risk management, and how to make sure that you have options if life throws you curveballs before you get to enjoy retirement.

The question that I think he asks that is very critical is “if what you thought to be true about your money turned out it wasn’t true when would you want to know?”

There are three types of clients or potential prospects Jack works with:
1) Business owners that want a clear succession plan either internally or externally
2) Business owners that seek more efficiency in their teams, operation, or profit centers to expand upon
3) Aligning business owners with CPA practices and partners that desire more proactive value added services to provide more tax efficiency for clients owning businesses, high net worth, and charitable minded families or foundations

Eric Restrepo

Eric brings his diverse experience as a business owner and entrepreneur together with a deep knowledge of the financial markets, wealth management, tax planning, financial and estate planning using a team-based approach with Legal Services, Tax Planning, Business Advisory, Risk Management and Wealth Management professionals working together to meet his client’s needs. His clients get a concierge level service and access to a Virtual Family Office including the best of breed specialists from around the country. Eric is proactive in bringing time tested and innovative solutions and advice. He works extremely hard to ensure his clients are always ahead of the curve in all areas of their financial lives. Eric lives in Fair Oaks, California, with his wife of 16 years, Alexandra, and their 5 kids, Jeremy, James, Isobel, Theodore, and Eli. He enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, golfing, snowboarding, and watching his kids do just about anything they love to do.

Scott Burch

Scott W. Burch has been a Financial Advisor since 1989. Sage Investment Group is an independent firm specializing in financial planning for both individuals and businesses, working closely with select CPA’s to help them offer more proactive and holistic planning to their clients.

Whether you have a 401K to rollover, an existing portfolio to manage or income to protect, we can help. Maybe, working alongside your attorney or CPA, you need to establish or update an estate plan, or need to reduce taxes and expenses to increase business income, we can help with that as well.

We begin by gathering information, which allows us to identify any potential problems, as well as any opportunities that may exist. We are then able to potentially eliminate problems and take advantage of opportunities. This may result in an overall improvement to your financial position. Once this is completed, you will know what you have, why you have it, and what it is designed to accomplish for you – thus resulting in educated decisions. We would welcome the opportunity to sit down and talk about what is important to you and establish a plan to help you accomplish your goals.

Roland Chow

Roland is currently Financial Planner and Portfolio Manager at Optura Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor which specializes in evidence-based financial planning and investment management utilizing data science and fintech (financial technologies). He is also an investor/advisor to several fintech startups and real estate companies. Roland has been in the high-tech industry for over 16 years prior to his role at Optura Advisors. His key roles in corporate include management consulting, product strategy, and business development spanning industries including technology, finance, consumer retail, and manufacturing. He was formerly the youngest founding board member and investor at Tri-Valley Bank (acquired by Heritage Bank). He has experience with a number of different asset classes including real estate, alternatives, derivatives, and equities. Roland started his career at Ernst and Young LLP after graduating from the University of California at Berkeley. He was formerly a Product Manager at i2. At the SAS Institute, he was responsible for advancing the analytics roadmap for a number of Fortune 500 companies. His background in analytics and big data include price optimization, customer analytics, predictive modeling, forecasting, and machine learning which he now applies to the financial advisory practice to provide data-driven outcomes for clients. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Silicon Valley Chapter of the American Association of Individual Investors and was formerly Treasurer at Life Eldercare.

Manos Cito

Manos G. Cito, is the founder, owner and lead advisor, of BACK9 Advanced Tax Planning Solutions. Manos has over 25 years of diversified financial markets experience. Manos and BACK9 ATPS work with CPAs that are frustrated with their work/life balance, concerned about fee compression, and are worried about the future of their practice.

Manos founded BACK9 Advanced Tax Planning Solutions after seeing so many tax professionals struggle to fight the grind of high-volume tax preparation and compliance services for their current clients. Through his affiliation with Elite Resources Team & The Team Based Model, Manos provides access to a national network of partners with industry leading expertise to provide more proactive, advanced and holistic services/solutions to their clients. This allows the tax professional to increase and diversify revenues, increase revenue per client, reduce the reliance of volume tax preparation and improve work/life balance without prospecting for new clients.

Manos graduated from Seton Hall University and began his career as an institutional securities and foreign currency trader. He later moved into sales, brokering, and senior management for several global financial services firms before transitioning into wealth management and financial planning in 2007. Manos is also active in giving back to the community. He is a supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Society for the prevention of teenage suicide, Seton Hall University, and the Meridian Health Care Affiliated Foundations. He is a past member of the Seton Hall’s Alumni Association Board of Directors, Trading Room Advisory Board, President’s Council on Athletics, and Pirate Blue Athletic Fund.

Tracy Coffman

Tracy has been an independent agent since he began in 2005 and is Series 6,63 and 65 certified. Over the past 5 years Tracy has been focusing on providing permanent life insurance in addition to AUM business.
He has been closely affiliated with a CPA office for over ten years and has been looking for the “compelling reason” for CPAs to engage, at a deeper level, with an advisor. Tracy has observed the pressures CPAs have with work-life balance and the difficulties of succession planning for their own business.

Steven D. Cox

Steven co-founded SDP Personalized Planning to help business owners & entrepreneurs ensure their business success translates to personal financial success while also regaining their time. He focuses on leveraging evolving financial planning technologies and coordinating teams of financial, tax, and legal experts to continually improve outcomes for the people he works with.

Al Devji

As an independent financial planner, Al Devji works with successful business owners and Physicians to help them understand the importance of developing a strategic, long-term financial plan that helps them achieve their goals and objectives. For over two decades, Al Devji has been taking the mystery out of complex issues so that his clients fully understand all of their options regarding long and short-term goals.

Al Devji helps his clients obtain a better understanding of their current financial situation and define their future goals. Whether it is insurance planning, wealth accumulation and preservation, a secure retirement or leaving a legacy, every person, family and situation is unique and requires customized and highly personalized solutions.

As the relationship evolves, he ensures that he and his clients meet regularly to make sure that, as personal and business situations change, their financial plan remains on-target to meet their goals. He also makes sure his clients understand each of his recommendations before implementing any specific proposal.

Al Devji brings over 20 years of financial and business experience to his clients. He started off working for MetLife Corporation and ended his run earning top 3 percent of financial advisors status. Al Devji also has 17 years of qualifications of achieving Million Dollar Round Table awards. In addition, he has qualified for Court of the Table, which is a rare and impressive achievement. He is a Certified Long Term Care Specialist (CLTC) and also holds the LUTCF designation (Life Underwriting Training Council Fellowship).

Al Devji and his wife, Shamsha have been married for over 27 years and have three children together, Alisha, Rahim and Rahman. Two of his children plan to follow in Mr. Devji’s footsteps by joining the family business. Al Devji loves listening and even singing to all types of music and plays table tennis in his free time.

Ronald Flores

Ronald Flores and the team at Curious Finance bring valuable expertise to businesses and accountants. This certification enhances their ability to provide proactive, holistic financial solutions for high-net-worth clients and business owners. With access to over 75 specialists, clients benefit from strategic tax planning, wealth management, and business optimization. Located in the Bay Area, Curious Finance offers nationwide services, ensuring comprehensive financial support tailored to clients' unique needs.

Jeffrey Hill

I started Hill Financial Group Inc. in 2009 during the recession, with the intent to help clients create financial security and peace of mind. Over the course of my career, I've noticed a huge gap in understanding taxation and income planning for retirement. It's for that reason we created a virtual family office to give clients proactive and holistic planning options.

Sterling Hirsh

Sterling Hirsch is a seasoned and solutions-oriented executive with eighteen years of senior level business management experience. During this time he has conceived, created and executed multiple business plans in the startup up of 5 different companies. He has proven his ability to identify needs and create strategies to realize success. His persistence and work ethic along with his “no panic” management style have given him the ability to see obstacles as opportunities in disguise. He has demonstrated consistent success in guiding new business enterprises to profitability from their inception. In 2005 he realized that he wanted to bring his planning experience to assist business owners, individuals and families with their longevity planning. In 2008, Sterling First Financial was established.

Sterling First Financial specializes in business consulting, retirement planning and comprehensive wealth management. We serve a unique group of successful business owners, busy retirees, and high income professionals and develop relationships through education and strategic planning.

The mission of Sterling First Financial is to create a legacy that will stay strong through the generations. We do this by focusing on the financial freedom our clients need to maintain their lifelong independence. We design and implement a holistic and proactive strategy for each and every client to empower them and their family to achieve their dreams.

Rob Holman

Rob Holman has been in the financial industry for over 35 years, working with individuals to help create a personalized income strategy for retirement. He is currently the owner and CEO of Dason Wealth Management & VFO Solutions. These companies give Rob the freedom to access specialized products that will meet the needs of every individual.

Additionally, Rob has a long history of business management. He has owned and operated several of his own businesses and managed hundreds of representatives in 11 states. He spent many years working in the banking industry both here and abroad, specializing in international investments and banking. Some of his other titles also include Senior VP of a national financial services firm and Principle of his own mortgage brokerage.

He and his wife Robyn, yes Rob & Robyn, live in AZ. They have 5 children, 9 grandchildren and a slew of animals including horses, dogs and turtles. He is an avid golfer and a newly 2 handed bowler. He enjoys traveling and vacations but also appreciates a quiet night home in front of the TV. He is outgoing, fun and a great listener. Rob has a genuine concern for others, including their financial wellbeing. As he himself grows closer to that retirement age he has shifted his focus to helping others secure their retirement future.

“There’s a time in life to gamble in the market and the time is NOT when you retire!” -Rob Holman

Greg Keiper

Greg Keiper began his career in financial services in 2001, not long after graduating from Towson University in Maryland. Prior to his current roles as Director of Advanced Planning at Mid Atlantic VFO, & President of Medicare Life Annuity Insurance Group, Greg held roles in finance and mortgage lending before transitioning to Insurance Planning.

In 2020, Greg started the Medicare Life Annuity Insurance Group, specializing in providing innovative insurance solutions & helping clients to navigate the complex Medicare marketplace. Their mission is to create personalized plans that will fit their clients’ budget, lifestyle, and future needs.

In recent years, Greg has partnered with Elite Resource Team as a Team Based Model Consultant. In 2023 Greg started Mid Atlantic VFO to broaden the services he and his team can deliver. In this role, Greg helps business owners maximize their profits and CPAs deliver more value to their clients through proactive and holistic planning with the help & expertise of a Virtual Family Office

As a widower who lost his wife Megan to metastatic cancer several years ago, Greg is an advocate for women’s health initiatives. In his spare time, you can find Greg watching football, volunteering & spending time with his daughter, Caroline. They can often be found enjoying the great outdoors camping, swimming, fishing, paddle boarding — you name it!

Greg has made it his mission to provide his clients with sound solutions that have been proven through a disciplined process. From assisting CPAs and business owners, or helping individuals acquiring Medicare to planning a legacy, Greg & his team at Mid Atlantic VFO and Medicare Life Annuity Insurance Group stand by their clients each step of the way.

Ed Kollada

Ed is Managing Director/Founder of Elite Wealth Partners. Ed is known as a thought leader in the professional services industry based on his 15 years of experience owning and operating a multidisciplinary firm. Prior to joining Elite Wealth Partners, Ed worked over three decades in consulting/commercial banking/investment/private banking areas at Arthur Young, American National Bank, Lehman Brothers, The Bensman Group, American Chartered Bank, and Strategic Retirement Partners providing personal/business/investment advisory services to growing middle market companies, senior management teams and wealthy families.

With an emphasis on professional collaboration, Ed brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the team along with his experience in independent non-bias investment management, financial planning, private banking, insurance plan design, and specialty financing needs to the Elite Wealth Partners team.

Ed is a graduate of Indiana University and DePaul University (MBA). He is a Certified Public Account (CPA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner (CFP®) and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®). Ed holds his Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination) and state insurance licenses.*

Ed’s community involvement includes Membership/Volunteering in Chicago organizations including PAWS, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Chicago Marathon, and Greater Chicago Food Depository. Ed resides in the Chicago area and proud dad to his two older sons, Matt and Mike. He is an avid runner, and also enjoys travel, golf, snow skiing, and a commitment to life-long learning.

Stuart Kruse

J. Stuart Kruse, CFA, has a Masters in Management (MBA) from Kellogg Graduate School of Management with concentrations in Finance, Decision Sciences (Game Theory), Marketing and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. After helping to bring a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) public on the American Stock Exchange in 1997, he worked at Lehman Brothers as an investment advisor and then at Bear Stearns as Portfolio Manager advising on over $1B in asset. It was at Bear Stearns where Mr. Kruse created several quantitative portfolios that evaluate stocks’ fundamental characteristics that have traditionally led toward market outperformance. Since inception (May, 2005), QVP (Quantitative Value Portfolio), KAM’s flag-ship portfolio, is approximately doubling the returns of the S&P 500 (net of fees) without assuming additional risk.

Mr. Kruse founded Kruse Asset Management (“KAM”) in 2007, based on statistical principles of KAM’s successful QVP, where he manages money for High Net Worth and Family Offices. Additionally he is an advisor for YCharts, a financial, web-based company that is backed by Morningstar. Mr. Kruse has served as an adjunct professor and Concordia University’s school of business and Lake Forest Graduate School of management where he taught classes in Entrepreneurship, Ethical Leadership and the Decisions Sciences. He has also testified as an expert economist for a variety of legal cases.

Mr. Kruse also holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and has served charities such as The Posse Foundation (Chicago Board Member), the Karam Foundation (International tutor/mentor) and Renaissance Knights. He and his wife, Shermin Kruse, a partner at the law firm of Barack Ferrazzano, have four children.

James Lavorgna

James A. Lavorgna, J.D., LL.M., TEP, CFP® I help simplify the complex financial lives of highly successful families and business owners, especially those with real estate holdings, working virtually throughout the country.

Using a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach with a team of over 40 specialists, each an expert in their respective fields, I help my clients: preserve their wealth, mitigate taxes to increase cash flow, make their business profitable, taking care of their heirs, ensuring their assets are not unjustly taken, and charitable giving.

Generally, after only a few months working together, my clients are frequently able to:
* Not worry about financial organization
* Identify financial pain spots and actionable solutions
* Substantially reduce their overall tax burden
* Increase cash flow
* Get help with family governance
* Develop a strategic succession plan they can count on

You are in the business of a your family or running a successful business. Life can get complex. We are here to simplify the financial noise in your life, get you organized and set up to reclaim your time, develop and implement a comprehensive a plan to help you reach your family and financial dreams.

Qualifications and Background:

Mr. Lavorgna started in the insurance business in 1976 and has been in the financial services industry for 45 years. He earned his Certified Financial Planning designation in 1984. He also has earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Juris Doctor (Litigation), Master of Laws in International Tax and Offshore Planning, and Master of Laws in Wealth Management and Private Banking. He has been in and associated with the investment industry since 1979. And is currently an Investment Advisor Representative of Forsyth Wealth Management, Inc. a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor and licensed insurance agent.

Susan Marshall

As an Investment Advisor Representative and Life/Health Agent, Susan D. Marshall, CLU®, ChFC®, provides financial strategies for retirement as well as comprehensive health and life insurance options.

Susan helps business owners and families improve their retirement plans with strategies that serve to minimize taxes and maximize security. She also specializes in helping women who find themselves suddenly single achieve financial independence, enjoy renewed confidence, and have the ability to live the lifestyle to which they are accustomed.

Susan graduated from the University of Colorado and holds a lifetime teaching credential from Midwestern State University. In addition to helping over 1,000 clients address their financial needs, Susan has also owned and operated a dance studio, worked in the health and education fields, and navigated the challenges of being suddenly widowed when her three children were young.

Through her presentations, Susan educates from a perspective of a lifetime of personal and professional experiences. Sharing valuable information, she can help to create a plan for a more secure financial future for her clients. We all work hard with the goal of one day comfortably enjoying our Golden Years. With Susan as one of your trusted advisors, you can have the confidence you deserve that your family will be ready.

Lance Peters

Lance is the Principal of Nautical Star Financial Group. With more than 26 years of experience advising individuals and corporations, Lance excels at working with clients to create customized financial plans that include targeted wealth management strategies to help his clients meet their needs and achieve their goals. Lance specializes in providing comprehensive advice that incorporates, among other things, investment management, insurance strategies, estate and retirement planning, tuition funding, employee benefit plans, and business transition plans.

Jeffrey Rainer

With over 20 years of experience, Jeff specializes in working closely with clients to build a Financial Road Map, so they Live Life on Purpose. To accomplish this goal, he leverages a Virtual Family Office of National experts in order to discover what is really important to his clients and then builds monitors, and updates a comprehensive financial plan tailored to the needs of each family he works with .

Jeff is dedicated to helping clients attain financial security for their families and businesses. He understands the future can’t be predicted, so he helps his clients prepare for best and worst-case scenarios, while creating lasting, long-term relationships based on trust.

Jeff has been awarded the National Quality Award by NAIFA®, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, numerous times and is a qualifying member of MDRT - The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®.

Additionally, Jeff is a registered Investment Advisor Representative, and is life, variable, and accident and health licensed. He has the following industry designations:

•ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant)
•CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter)
•RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional)
•CASL® (Chartered Advisor for Senior Living)
•CLTC (Certified Long-Term Care)
•Medicare Planning Certified

In his free time, Jeff and his wife Jodi enjoy all things outdoors, including hiking, biking, and golfing. They are passionate about international travel and ethnic food.

Advisory Services offered through Avaii Wealth Management, LLC. Securities offered through Private Client Services.

Eric Runge

Eric Runge is a Team-Based Model specialist who has been in the financial planning industry for 18 years. With his unique skill set, Eric specializes in helping accountants discover and solve the biggest problems plaguing the tax industry, including tax-season burnout, undesirable company revenues, and too many clients. Eric is married to Renee, and they have 3 children, Judah, Rillian & Jackson. Eric is a third-generation Oregonian, and in his off-time enjoys whitewater kayaking, playing the drums, and Civil War history.

Lee Schwartz

Born and raised in southwestern ND in a family who owned their own business, Lee developed a strong work ethic, a grounded outlook on life, and a knack developing and nurturing friendships and relationships. Always active, loving any time on or near water, a passion for health&fitness, numbers and music were evident from early on.

Health&fitness took the lead for education and career, leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1998. Running his own business, caring for people from 1998 till 2016 full time. A career transition took place in 2016 as Lee learned of a section in the US Tax Code allowing a very effective and efficient way to increase spendable dollars for his tomorrows.

The passion for numbers surfaced and a calculated transition was underway. As a professional insurance advisor, Lee brings a level of detail and care to clients he has been bringing to people who have sought his care for two+ decades. Interestingly, there is a tremendous overlap in how he adds value and care while increasing people’s quality of life as an advisor. His clients see this and appreciate this.

Lee resides in White Bear Lake, MN. Yes, near water. Very involved in the community since 1998 as both of his adult children were raised here along with being an involved member of the business and sports community in the area too.

As far as music goes, Lee has an appreciation being raised when the WalkMan was the cool thing and then to nowadays having millions of songs at our fingertips, almost anywhere we are. No musical talent…yet ??

Todd Smith

Todd S. Smith, CFP®, ChFC®, CTM®, CLTCTM
Executive Director

Todd began his financial services career in the late 1990’s working for Prudential Securities in NY soon after graduating from Hamilton College. Since then, he has developed a diverse and valuable financial background as an investor and advisor, working for both small boutique financial planning firms, as well as larger financial corporations.

Since 2012, Todd has focused on working with Accountants and other tax professionals, helping them offer more proactive and holistic planning to their clients. In doing so he formally launched Level 5 Financial and Level 5 Insurance Services. As a business owner and entrepreneur, himself, Todd enjoys designing creative wealth creation & preservation strategies, advanced tax mitigation, and business optimization within a virtual family office ecosystem to maximize the potential of business owners and families..

Todd is a lifelong learner; he typically aims to read at least 25-30 books and log an average of 40 hours of continuing education annually. Todd has earned some of the most of the coveted industry designations such as Certified Financial Planner®, Charted Financial Consultant®, Certified Tax Master®, and Certification in Long-Term CareTM. Todd currently resides in Colorado Springs with his wife and son. Outside of work, you can find him enjoying the great outdoors, at the ice hockey rink, or planning his next trip.

Merrill Taylor

Merrill was employed by large CPA firms for the first 10 years of his career, until he started his own CPA firm in 2015. As his client base grew, he started to notice how much clients were paying in taxes and became frustrated with how difficult it was to find ways to save money on taxes, even after he spent thousands of dollars on research. Over a period of years, Merrill collected tax savings strategies that he uses with his clients to help them save as much as possible in taxes.

Charles West

Charles West began his career as a Financial Advisor in the tough market environment of 2001, gaining hands-on experience in helping people weather the ups and downs of financial turmoil. Based in North Carolina, Charles is appreciated by his clients for providing down-to-earth solutions and understanding for even the most complex financial topics. And as the Senior Change Agent for Endurance Financial he is responsible for leading the highly diverse team of people tasked with delivering solutions for client success.

Scott Vignere

Scott has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years. Having been in the industry this long he has noticed several areas that are under served and has focused his attention on these areas. These would include Charitable Planning and the power it can bring to estate planning. He has discovered that Defined Benefit Plans can bring tax advantages unparalleled by other Qualified Plans. He has also seen that, when utilized correctly, Life Insurance can be very powerful as well. Recently, he has become part of what could be termed “The EB5 Community” for foreign investors.

In his free time, he enjoys sailing his boat on Lake Michigan. He has even been known to take his guitar on board and console the waves. Unfortunately, his drums won’t fit on the boat so that activity is restricted to home. In the basement. He is also currently pursuing his Private Pilot’s license and enjoys Formula 1 Racing.

Andres Rios

Andres Rios is an accomplished leader in the financial services industry with a track record of success since 2015. With a keen focus on developing and guiding agents and advisors, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in fostering high-performing teams. His extensive expertise, evidenced by certifications including Series 6, Series 63, Series 7, Series 66, and Series 24, empowers him to provide strategic and insightful financial guidance. Known for his ability to inspire and motivate others, Andres is dedicated to driving innovation and achieving results for his team and their clients, making them a trusted leader in the industry.

Andy Bowman

I help CPAs and accounting professionals become the "Most Relevant Advisor" for business owners and HNW clients.

Joseph LoPresti

As the founder of Arlington Wealth Management, Joe drives the firm’s initiatives to ensure that it does all it can to help successful business owners and families achieve their essential life goals. His career, spanning over 38 years, focuses on a consultative wealth management process designed to help improve our clients and their family’s wealth and happiness.

After 15 years of working for other investment firms in the 1980s and 90s, Joe founded Arlington Wealth Management. His career path led to the framework for developing AWM’s proprietary investment methodology PAAS, or Proactive Asset Allocation Strategy. Joe is the author of Empowered Investing: Strategies for Proactive Investors. He also hosted a radio program where he shared his knowledge and methods with a larger audience for many years.

Outside of business, Joe has been happily married to his wife, Angela, for 32 years and has three vibrant daughters, all excelling in their chosen careers. He enjoys making wine, which he’s been doing for 25 years. Joe’s the third generation of winemakers in his family, carrying on the tradition of his grandfather and father.

Michael Testa

Michael specializes in helping families and business owners organize and simplify their financial house and maintain and active role in keeping it that way forever. Michael utilizes his resources with the Tailored Wealth Solutions firm in a structured manner to best provide the right solutions for clients to ultimately follow their dreams and to stay the course actively.

Areas of Concentration Include:

Personal Retirement Planning
Business Succession/ Exit Planning
Comprehensive Asset Management
Insurance Protection/ Wealth Transfer Planning
Education Planning
Investment Portfolio Construction

Michael has been in the industry for a total of 16 years. He was born and raised in the Capital Region and extended his education at Siena College in Loudonville, NY where he graduated with a degree in Investment Management. Michael is married to his wife Ashely and they have a beautiful daughter Dylan. Passions include educating the community on wealth building, fitness competitions and Real Estate.

Michael holds a FINRA Series 7, 66 and 31. Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Licenses

Stacey Andres

Stacey Andres is a nationally recognized financial advisor based out of Spring Hill, TN with remote offices in Franklin and Brentwood to meet clients. He brings years of experience helping high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and CPA firms across the country navigate complex financial landscapes.

With a personalized approach, Stacey creates tailored solutions that address the most pressing concerns of his clients, from wealth protection to advanced planning strategies. From being a family man to being featured in Forbes, his professional expertise lies in building comprehensive, customized financial plans that consider every aspect of a client’s life.

Quick Facts:
Director of Advanced Planning for multiple CPA firms
Published Author and Nationally Recognized Expert
Married for 28+ years with three children
Focuses on high-net-worth families and business owners

Tom Suvansri

Tom Suvansri is a financial strategist with an MBA from Penn State University and over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He is the founder of Perennial Pride, a company that helps clients create their own financial strategies and build wealth with less risk. He is deeply motivated to help families, professionals, and business owners gain control, freedom, and certainty over their finances, as he has personally witnessed the struggles of those without financial literacy.

Ron Joseph

A foundational truth that Ron lives by is Hoesa 4:6 which says it’s the lack of knowledge that keeps God’s people from thriving. For over 15 years he has been helping and teaching people to thrive that puts a stop to all of the unnecessary wealth transfers in the way folks plan, spend, and save pennies for their future.

Ron believes that he can bring better value to clients by showing them how, with proactive planning and backed by a team of experts, to avoid the losers instead of trying to pick winners. Implementing proven proactive methods that provide better choice and control over their dollars today so as to not sacrifice their desired future lifestyle.

Ron is very active in his church, spending time in the warm months on the lake, and during the winter months on the mat as a College/High School wrestling official.

After talking with Ron you’ll probably come to the realization that he thinks differently and does not follow the crowd (like the 5th dentist in the old Trident commercials).

Sam Ocegura

Sam is a Financial Planner that works with Small Business Owners.

Ryan Puckett

From 1999 to 2006, Ryan Puckett served his country in the U.S Air Force. In 2006 he separated from the Air Force recruiting young individuals for a new life in the military, to explore a career in financial services.

Ryan graduated from Franklin University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and in 2012 with an MBA. In 2020 he completed another educational program and became a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®.)

Ryan joined Skylight Financial Group in May 2009 and became a partner in the firm in 2016. He is growing a practice of individual and business financial planning. His passion and love for finance and helping others is one of his greatest assets.

Ryan has been happily married since 2005 to his wife, Beth Puckett who also assists in day-to-day operations on his business team. They have 3 children, 2 girls (Madison & Peyton) and a boy (Greyson) who keep them very busy. When Ryan is not working, he enjoys golf, fishing, boating, and participating in his children’s sports and activities.

Mark Wade

Mark Wade is founder and president of Echelon Wealth Strategies, Echelon Asset Protection, and Echelon Virtual Family Office—companies that arrange and coordinate tax planning, risk mitigation & asset protection, wealth management, legal services, and business advisory services . . . for business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and their families.

For more than 44 years, Mark and his teams—both local and national—have earned the trust and friendship of clients across the US: going extra miles to understand, design, and apply custom solutions not just for investments but for every family's unique needs and goals.

Mark’s BA in economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University launched a lifetime education, both formal and informal, including personal financial planning from the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Investment Management Analyst certification from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

When he founded Echelon Wealth Strategies in 1999 Mark had 19 years in financial services, leaving as regional vice president of a national securities firm. By then he’d added formal training to be a Master Registered Financial Consultant, Certified Asset Protection Planner, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Certified Senior Advisor, Certified Income Planner, certified in Blockchain and Digital Assets, and an Advanced IRA Rollover & Distribution Expert.

Currently a state representative for The Wealth Preservation Institute, Mark has also served The International Association for Financial Planning, National Society of Public Accountants, Institute of Investment Management Consultants, Investment Management Consultants Association, Society for Financial Awareness, and National Society of Financial Educators. He’s served on boards for local and national non-profits.

In 1992 Mark won the main event at The Grand American World Trapshooting Championships. He set two world records: one for the largest field—4,562 shooters—and one for winning by two targets, and with the only perfect score of 100. (Until Mark every win had been by one target or a tie.)

Eric Schwartz

"If you want to be successful, surround yourself with successful people."

From his start by attending a prestigious Long Island, NY private college preparatory school, Woodmere Academy, to his time at the University of Miami School of Business, he has been surrounded by peers with the natural drive for success.

This same drive for success was experienced in business by starting his professional career being mentored by one of the most successful managers in the Life Insurance Brokerage industry. In short time, he had risen from a newly licensed insurance agent to a brokerage manager of the most successful brokerage agency in the John Hancock Life Insurance career system. Often, not only was he the brokerage manager in an agency that year after year was ranked #1 and occasionally #2 in the company, but he earned the rewards and accolades of the leading brokerage manager as well. He subsequently purchased the agency he was working in and merged with a very successful Career Agent Agency and continued to grow the agency together with his Partner for years before they both saw the changes coming within John Hancock and the industry and decided to move on from John Hancock Life Insurance Company.

After a few years of retirement, he resurfaced in the workforce by opening two restaurants in Long Island, New York. Over the next few years, he operated and grew them successfully up untill he and his family decided to relocate to Florida. After selling and relocating to West Palm Beach, Fl, he enjoyed being close to family and spending time with his wife and two sons who also attended The University of Miami.

Now, based out of Cape Coral, FL, and serving as the newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer of the Echelon.

Barry Goldwater

Barry Goldwater is Founder & Principal of Goldwater Financial Group, an insurance advisory firm dedicated to delivering planning strategies that help families and businesses achieve their goals of wealth building and protecting family assets. Because of his deep desire to help people succeed, he works tirelessly to address the issues that matter most to the people who rely on his good advice, financial education and product knowledge.

Goldwater Financial has a keen focus on de accumulation planning. Said differently, we are income planning specialists with an emphasis on lifetime income planning. We integrate all your pension like income and we make a plan that under any circumstances, you will never run out of money. You have our word.

Hall Ballinger

Hall is a native Memphian and graduate of Auburn University with a degree in finance. After 5 years in the industry, Hall grew to serve clients with a focus in employee stock options and now serves people all throughout the country. He and his wife, McKenna, have a passion for the city of Memphis and recently welcomed their first son, Cade, into the family. When not in the office, you can find Hall spending time with family, woodworking, serving in his church, and cheering on the Grizzlies.

Craig Hebert

I'm an avid car camper and love the outdoors. I help people figure out their "why", and that is what floats my boat! Getting out of my comfort zone has allowed me to help people get out of theirs. I work alongside my father and we've been going strong for well over 20 years now! I like that! I like it a lot!

Michael Simms

An early adapter to technology in the delivery of services for business owner clients, Michael and his firm was one of the initial firms engaged with the BizEquity business valuation services. Now with over 40 million valuations conducted by the platform the process and results have ‘democratized’ the understanding of business value for business owners. Michael has engaged with CPAs, Attorneys, and business owner clients to deliver valuations since 2014.

Having been a part of leading and growing small businesses, Michael entered the financial services industry looking to bring business owner clients valuable information to make important decisions. Having engaged with BizEquity as well as the Business Enterprise Institute (Business Exit Planning) and the Value Builder System (Business Coaching and Exit Planning) Michael delivers perspective to business owner for understanding the real ‘sellable’ value of their business as well as where there are gaps in value which would cause its transactional value to falter. Knowing the ‘book’ value of a business is a starting benchmark for every client, however Michael strives to elucidate to clients during the valuation process those areas of their business which need focus and attention to solidify the value of their business.

Paavan Kotini

Paavan Kotini, MBA, is a bestselling author of Effortless Wealth: The S.W.A.N.™ Approach to Unlocking Wealth for Busy Professionals, Speaker, and Entrepreneur. Paavan's journey from a biomedical engineer at Vanderbilt, aiming to cure cancer, to becoming a leader in IT and finance, is full of surprises and discoveries. Triggered by his own struggles with finance, he immersed himself in the field and became a leading financial planner, recognized for making complex concepts easy to understand.

Paavan is the Founder and CEO of S.W.A.N. Insurance Group LLC, as well as Kotini & Kotini, an innovative planning firm, his goal is to provide advanced financial strategies to a wider audience. With almost twenty years of experience, Paavan aims to provide professionals and families with the tools for financial stability and peace of mind, helping them sleep well at night. The team he has built for S.W.A.N. Insurance Group LLC is truly a team like no other to provide you with the best experience in Life and Annuities.

Scott Phillips

As the Founder of SDP Personalized Planning, Scott loves helping people live their dreams by putting together a plan, implementing and monitoring the plan, and seeing the plan come to fruition. In addition to his Financial Planning businesses, Scott served as a compliance officer doing due diligence for past Oil & Gas drilling programs and his been using Oil & Gas investment strategies for over 30 years. He enjoys using these experiences to find ways to use Oil & Gas opportunities to reduce his clients’ tax bills and provide his clients’ additional income.

Scott has also been a developer, owner, and operator of restaurants and convenience stores. He understands what it takes to operate successful businesses through many business cycles and changing market conditions. Throughout his career, Scott has worked nationally and internationally with individuals, executives, business owners and professional athletes.

Scott graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a composite minor in economics, accounting and statistics. He went on to complete executive money management training at Wharton School of Business. In addition, Scott has also earned the following designations: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Life Underwriter® and Chartered Financial Consultant®.