Melody Kristine Zerbe

Christy Hawthorne is a CFP® with nine years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc. Prior to joining J.W. Cole in 2023, she worked at Edward Jones for six years and has a background in education, having taught humanities courses online as an adjunct professor at San Joaquin Delta College. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved in creative digital and media content production and fiction publishing. J.W. Cole Advisors operates through a large network of independent Investment Adviser Representatives, providing fee-based portfolio management, financial planning, retirement plan services, and access to multiple investment platforms for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutions. The firm employs a variety of investment strategies and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary account management.

Jared Slagle is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Custer, SD, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and six years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2024, he worked at Marcus Technologies and has been self-employed as a rodeo announcer since 2010. He also assists with management duties at a family farm and ranch in Nebraska. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment solutions supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors.

Jason Hince is a financial advisor with RBC Capital Markets and holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. He has 26 years of industry experience, including four years at City National Bank. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as an adjunct professor of finance and as a board member on the advisory board to the dean at Creighton University Graduate School. Additionally, he owns and operates livestock-related businesses and is a partner in a private use aircraft venture. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, serves individual and institutional clients with a range of advisory programs offering discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, custody, and brokerage services. The firm customizes investment strategies based on client risk profiles and integrates both in-house and third-party managers, with access to alternative investments and capital markets capabilities.

Jeffrey Rich is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Custer, SD, holding a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he worked at Terillium, LLC for four years and RE/MAX, LLC for 15 years. Outside of his advisory role, he owns FortKnight Financial, LLC, a business involved in rental property management. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth households and charitable organizations. The firm manages over $1 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory services, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Mark Koch is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 18 years of industry experience. He holds the ChFC®, Series 63, and Series 66 designations and has been with Edward Jones since 2013. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million clients, including individual and institutional investors. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies, supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

James Meyer is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding a Series 66 license and 16 years of industry experience. His prior experience includes roles at Raymond James Financial Services and Edward Jones. Outside of his advisory work, Meyer is involved in managing a small rental real estate portfolio. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions. The firm offers a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning and access to third-party asset management, utilizing various portfolio strategies supported by advanced operational and research tools.