Michael Scott Esbenshade

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 II is a CFP® with 12 years of experience in financial advisory roles. He is the owner of Apex Tax & Financial Planning in Kent, WA, where he has worked since 2020. Alvin also owns Apex Tax & Financial Solutions, a CPA firm providing tax preparation and planning services. His prior experience includes roles at Synergy Asset Management, Pacific Portfolio Consulting, Moser Wealth Advisors, and Waddell & Reed. Apex Tax & Financial Planning offers personalized financial planning and wealth management to individuals, high-net-worth clients, business owners, trusts, and other financial professionals. The firm uses tax-aware planning and a total-return investment framework incorporating both active and passive strategies, with a focus on written Investment Policy Statements and comprehensive portfolio reviews.

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.

Lewis Mc Murran is a financial advisor at A&M Advisory LLC with Series 65 and Series 63 credentials and one year of industry experience. His prior roles include work at The Leaders Group Inc, Black Pearl Advanced LLC, and the State of Washington. He has also been involved with McMurran Enterprises. A&M Advisory LLC provides financial planning and investment research services to individuals, couples, families, and accredited investors, focusing on tailored plans and specific investment recommendations without portfolio management or custody services. The firm emphasizes client education and personalized planning based on client data, goals, and risk tolerance, utilizing both fundamental and technical analysis.

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.

Troy Sapp is a CFP® professional with 15 years of experience in financial planning and wealth management. He has been with Commencement Financial Planning LLC since 2010 and is based in Lakewood, WA. Commencement Financial Planning LLC provides fee-only comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services primarily to individuals and families. The firm emphasizes a collaborative, consultative process and manages client accounts on a non-discretionary basis, focusing on low-cost passive mutual funds and ETFs, periodic rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting.