John Ballon

My why in life...I exist to encourage and inspire the lives of others through the Art of Generosity. As a Financial Advisor at Sentara Capital, I partner with affluent families, business owners, professionals, and retirees to navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. My focus is helping clients make the transition from accumulation to distribution — and then moving intentionally toward maximizing their legacy and generosity. What sets our approach apart is the combination of active portfolio management using individual stocks and ETFs, paired with proactive tax planning strategies that keep more of what you've built working for you. After 17+ years in financial services — including roles at Wells Fargo, Truist, and Regions Bank — I made the move to the independent RIA space to operate as a true fiduciary. No quotas. No activity metrics. Just quality relationships and creative solutions built around what matters most to you. I graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Business Finance. Beyond client work, I'm passionate about the adoption community. My wife Christina and I live in Woodstock, Georgia with our 11 children. When I'm not in the office, you'll find me running, watching football, or trying not to pull a hammy playing Ultimate Frisbee with F3. (Any guesses why my F3 nickname is Myrtle? 🐢) Sentara Capital serves individual clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, and other business clients by providing comprehensive financial planning, investment consultation, and portfolio management. The firm utilizes six primary investment models combining core allocations with tactical and quantitative strategies, and it regularly offers educational workshops on financial topics.

Matthew Greene is a financial advisor at Stirlingshire Investments with 26 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at several firms including Allstate Insurance Co., Ameriprise Financial Services, and Banc of America Investment Services. He is also the owner of Greene Financial Services LLC, which focuses on life insurance and fixed annuity sales. Stirlingshire Investments serves individuals, trusts, and other entities with discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and IRA rollover advice, offering a wide range of investment options tailored to client profiles. The firm employs multiple analytical methods to construct and manage portfolios and operates with a broker-dealer affiliation that requires clients to use designated custodial services.

Charles Steele is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license, with 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He has worked at Kestra Advisory, Kestra Investment Services, and Cambridge Investment Research prior to founding Steele Advisory LLC. Steele is also a licensed insurance agent, spending a limited amount of time on insurance sales and implementation. Steele Financial Studios provides discretionary investment management, comprehensive financial planning, and retirement plan advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, businesses, and plan sponsors. The firm emphasizes fundamental analysis and a long-term investment approach, incorporating low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities, and unaffiliated independent managers, with a notable focus on pension and retirement plan consulting.

James Stanhouse is the sole advisor at Stanhouse Financial Planning and Management, LLC in Duluth, GA. He holds a Series 65 designation and has 16 years of industry experience. Since 2009, he has been preparing to start Oakworth, a separate business activity. Stanhouse Financial Planning and Management, LLC provides fee-only financial planning, investment advisory, and asset management services to individuals, families, small businesses, and trusts. The firm follows a long-term, buy-and-hold investment philosophy based on Modern Portfolio Theory and emphasizes low-cost, tax-efficient investment options.

William Parsons III is a financial advisor with Vickery Creek Capital Management in Roswell, GA, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and possessing 21 years of industry experience. He has worked at Merrill Lynch since 2000. Parsons is also active as an independent insurance agent, collaborating with an outside consultant to offer nonproprietary insurance products. Vickery Creek Capital Management serves individual and family clients with significant investable assets, providing investment management and comprehensive financial planning services. The firm employs a top-down, macroeconomic investment approach focused on retirement income objectives, using diversified portfolios with bonds, equities, mutual funds, and ETFs, while emphasizing client education and regular portfolio reviews.

Research indicates money is one of the top issues that couples argue about and over 60% of adults identify as a significant source of stress. At Lifewater, I share financial know-how and create personalized plans to help people avoid financial mistakes and stress so they can achieve financial freedom and live with security and peace of mind. Since 2000, I have worked with families and individuals regarding personal finances and investment matters. I am a licensed CPA in the states of Georgia and Alabama and FINRA Series 65 licensed. My experience includes over 15 years in corporate financial planning, budgeting, analysis and management, and 3 years with the public accounting firm Deloitte. Proudest Accomplishments: - Marrying my lovely wife, Laurie, 23 years ago - Being a fun and loving father to my sons - Giving to global missions and ministries that are impacting the world with love and resources for people who need them most - Launching my second financial planning firm, LIFEWATER Wealth Management Interests: - All things Family - College Football – Superfan - All things Personal Finance - Movies & Local Foodie - Travel - Jazz Music Skills: - Listening - Creating Simplicity & Clarity - Finance & Analysis - Strategy & Planning - Producing Results - Problem Solving Read Fredrick's blog here: https://getlifewater.com/blog