Michael Anthony Ferrara

Michael Russell is the principal of Russell Advisory Group, Inc., an independent registered investment adviser based in New Braunfels, TX. He holds the Series 66 designation and has nine years of industry experience. In addition to his advisory role, Russell is president of Dynavision, Inc., a contact lens export business, and provides private music education in singing, piano, and saxophone, including teaching music courses as an adjunct faculty member at Dallas College. Russell Advisory Group, Inc. serves individuals, families, private business owners, trusts, and corporate clients by offering financial advisory and business consulting services, including discretionary portfolio management. The firm employs an investment approach centered on individual security selection supported by fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis and utilizes investment policy statements to align allocations with clients’ risk tolerances and time horizons.

I have a passion and talent for translating concepts of personal finance and investing into everyday common English that even my children understand. I have been fortunate to live out that passion for the last 12 years, but now I'm looking to combine it with a personal, concierge level of service. I just began my my own practice at the beginning of 2020, By limiting the number of clients I serve, I can deliver world-class financial advice and still have time remaining to spend with my wife, three children, mother, and three pets. I hold both the CFP® and AIF® designations along with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

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.

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.

Elden Charles is an advisor at Vestted Wealth Advisors with Series 63 and Series 65 designations. He has experience with Vestted, LLC since 2025 and has been involved with Lionchase Holdings and Lionchase North America since 2015. Vestted, LLC is a Texas-based independent investment adviser serving high-net-worth individuals, trusts, charitable organizations, corporations, and retirement plans. The firm provides comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management, emphasizing fundamental analysis, asset allocation, and long-term investing, while supporting institutional and sponsor-focused needs through specialized advisory services.

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.