Carson Samuel Popp

I'm a fiduciary, fee-only financial planner and advisor who founded Fruit of the Vine Financial in 2023 after having worked at two other financial firms. I offer service in three main areas: - comprehensive financial planning to first help people better understand their current financial circumstances and second to provide them an optimal route to meet their financial needs and reach their financial goals, - investment management, providing a choice between general investing and Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), which is a way to invest in funds that more closely align with Christian principles, - help with setting up business retirement plans and/or serving as a fiduciary advisor to 401(k) plans. Because I'm always trying to improve how I can help my clients navigate their financial lives, I obtained several advanced certifications. I earned the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certification and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation following programs at The American College of Financial Services. And the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification followed from a program through the Yale School of Management. Outside of work, I enjoy kayaking, Bible study, playing my violin, and spending time with my three grown children and with friends. Not only do I have the financial education and professional experience, I also bring the knowledge gained from personal financial experience. From sorting all the finances after the death of a spouse, to helping kids through college, to riding the roller coaster of a major recession, and to starting and running a business, I understand the highs and lows that sometimes accompany the numbers. It helps to partner with a financial professional who's been there and can help you through the ups and downs of your life's journey.

Brian Ziarnick is the owner and president of Ziarnick Financial LLC, a state-registered investment adviser based in Wimberley, TX. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has 13 years of industry experience. In addition to his advisory role, he provides bookkeeping services for two small businesses. Ziarnick Financial LLC primarily operates as a solicitor for Austin Wealth Management and as a life insurance agency. The firm employs a top-down investment process using fundamental, quantitative, charting, and cyclical analysis but does not currently exercise investment discretion or hold client assets.

James Mahan is a financial advisor at South Texas Capital Advisors, LLC in New Braunfels, TX, with 15 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and previously worked at Raymond James Financial, J.P. Morgan Securities, and Merrill. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as managing member of NB Capital LLC and is involved in other business activities including managing a real estate development company in New Braunfels. South Texas Capital Advisors is an independent registered investment adviser providing discretionary asset management and portfolio services to individuals, high net worth clients, non-profits, and small businesses. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis, generally pursuing long-term purchase strategies alongside periodic rebalancing and reviews, managing approximately $167.2 million in client assets.

Jason Grohman is a financial advisor at PLW Financial in New Braunfels, TX, holding a Series 65 designation with eight years of industry experience. He has been with PLW Financial since 2017 and also serves as an active firefighter with the New Braunfels Fire Department. Prior to his advisory role, he was involved with Neighborly Lawn Care. PLW Financial provides financial planning, discretionary investment management, tax preparation, and ERISA plan advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and small businesses. The firm employs a primarily passive, long-term investment approach using low-cost, diversified index funds and ETFs, and it serves corporate and small-business clients alongside individual investors.

Benjamin Hooper is a CFP® and ChFC® with 17 years of experience in financial planning and investment management. He has worked at USAA in various roles from 2009 to 2020 before founding Comal Wealth Management in 2020. Outside of advisory services, he operates a separate financial software business. Comal Wealth Management provides financial planning, consulting, and discretionary investment management to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and families. The firm employs a primarily passive, long-term investment approach using mutual funds and ETFs, while customizing portfolios with individual securities or alternative assets as needed.

Erica Schnabel is a CFP® and CFA® with seven years of industry experience, currently serving as the sole advisor at Mountain Flower Investments & Planning, LLC. Her prior experience includes roles at Colorado Capital Management and First National Bank. She serves as an outside investment committee member for the Colorado State University Other Post Employment Benefits Trust. Mountain Flower Investments & Planning provides investment management and integrated financial planning primarily for individual and high-net-worth clients, combining passive index-based ETFs with selective active management to deliver personalized portfolio construction and continuous oversight.