Carl W Middleton IV

Benjamin Smith, CFP®, is the founder and owner of Briarwood Financial, a comprehensive financial services firm providing wealth management, tax preparation, accounting, and business consulting for individuals and business owners nationwide. Benjamin enjoys working directly with clients to help them navigate the complexities that wealth inevitably brings. His approach combines financial planning, tax strategy, and business advisory services—ensuring that every piece of a client’s financial picture works together efficiently and intentionally. Before launching Briarwood, Benjamin served as a Financial Advisor at Cetera Investment Services, an independent broker-dealer. There, he specialized in developing customized investment portfolios guided by long-term strategic planning. His drive to offer clients more holistic, tax-integrated advice led him to expand his practice beyond traditional advising and establish Briarwood Financial as a full-service firm. Benjamin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics from Seattle Pacific University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable experience in sales, operations, and management within the telecommunications industry—skills that helped shape his practical, results-oriented approach to leadership and client service. At the heart of his philosophy are integrity, honesty, and competence. He believes true financial planning is built on trust, clarity, and a genuine commitment to helping clients make informed, confident decisions that align with their values and long-term goals.

Alvin Wolcott is a CFP® with 11 years of industry experience, currently serving as the sole advisor at APEX Tax & Financial Planning in Kent, WA. He previously worked at Pacific Portfolio Consulting, LLC and Synergy Asset Management LLC. Alvin is also the owner of a CPA firm, Apex Tax & Financial Solutions, which he manages alongside his advisory work. APEX Tax & Financial Planning provides personalized financial planning and investment advisory services to individuals, business owners, and trusts. The firm employs a written Investment Policy Statement, combining active and passive strategies with a tax-aware planning process, and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary management options.

Jimmie Mendoza is a financial advisor at Cornerstone Asset Management, LLC with 25 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with Cornerstone Asset Management since 2000. Outside of his advisory role, Mendoza is also employed as a benefits specialist. Cornerstone Asset Management provides personalized investment management and comprehensive financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm employs a strategic asset allocation approach with a core-and-satellite portfolio structure, focusing on globally diversified investments and individualized client reviews.

Janet Pack is a financial advisor with Advisors Asset Management, Inc. in Tacoma, WA, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 14 years of industry experience. She has worked with the firm since 2017 and also owns Senior Care Alliance, where she sells insurance products, dedicating approximately 70% of her time to this business. Advisors Asset Management, Inc. provides advisory services mainly to individual clients, focusing on financial planning and consulting while referring clients to third-party money managers. The firm does not manage portfolios directly but facilitates account setup and service, offering financial planning on an hourly basis and assisting with insurance product arrangements.

Lewis Mc Murran is a financial advisor with A&M Advisory LLC in Puyallup, WA, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses with one year of industry experience. His prior roles include work at The Leaders Group Inc and Black Pearl Advanced LLC, as well as service with the State of Washington. Outside of advisory work, he has been involved with McMurran Enterprises. A&M Advisory LLC is an independent, sole-member advisory firm that provides financial planning and investment research services to individuals, couples, families, and accredited or sophisticated investors. The firm focuses on tailored financial plans and specific investment recommendations, emphasizing client education and personalized plans based on client data, goals, and risk tolerance, and employs both fundamental and technical analysis in its investment research.

Jesse Dungan is a financial advisor at Fangorn Wealth Management with Series 65 and Series 66 licenses and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining the firm, he spent 10 years at Amazon Corporate LLC. Outside of advising, he works as a compensated soccer referee in Kent, WA. Fangorn Wealth Management serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, small businesses, and charitable foundations with financial planning and portfolio management. The firm utilizes diversified, tax-aware investment strategies and applies Modern Portfolio Theory, scenario analysis, and stress testing to manage risk, while also providing estate and charitable-planning guidance and educational seminars.