Ricardo Cortes Avalos

Douglas Root is a financial advisor at Clarity Financial Advisors LLC with five years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., and Pruco Securities LLC. Outside of his advisory role, he has served as IT manager and administrator at Greenwood Mennonite School and has worked as a delivery driver for ChoiceBooks. Clarity Financial Advisors provides discretionary investment management, financial planning, and consulting services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, estates, and small businesses. The firm emphasizes customized, long-term portfolios supported by in-house analysis and utilizes third-party platforms and sub-advisers as needed.

Joseph Baker is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with 16 years of industry experience. He is currently with Ballast Financial Advisors, LLC, where he has worked since 2019 and serves as Managing Member and Chief Compliance Officer. His prior experience includes roles at Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, and Origin Financial. Baker is also the owner of a CPA firm, Ballast & Associates, LLC, which provides tax advisory services. Ballast Financial Advisors, LLC serves individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as trusts, pension/profit-sharing plans, and corporate clients. The firm offers asset management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, employing a range of analytical methods and occasionally third-party managers to implement individualized portfolios.

Mark May is a CFP® with two years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Ballast Financial Advisors, LLC. His prior experience includes roles at JP Morgan Chase & Co. and various positions outside finance. He serves on the board of directors for People's Place, a nonprofit addressing social and mental health needs in Delaware. Ballast Financial Advisors, LLC serves individual and high-net-worth clients as well as trusts, pension/profit-sharing plans, and corporate clients. The firm offers asset management, standalone financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, employing a mix of analytical methods and occasionally using third-party money managers to implement client strategies.

Joseph Bataille is a financial advisor with Principal Financial Services and holds a Series 66 designation. He has two years of industry experience, with prior roles at Bankers Life and its affiliated entities. Outside of his advisory work, he provides insurance products related to Medicare and other health coverage. Principal Securities offers brokerage and registered investment advisory services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plans, trusts, and active-duty military personnel. The firm’s advisory approach includes direct advisory programs, financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and access to third-party money manager solutions.

Linda Premo is a financial advisor at GWN Securities Inc. with 31 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at firms including Ameritas Investment Corp. and CCF Investments, Inc. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved as a writing agent and independent contractor with New Directions Financial Group, providing insurance services to clients with specific coverage needs. GWN Securities is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individual and business clients through discretionary managed accounts, financial planning, and access to third-party sub-advisers and model portfolios. The firm operates a large network of approximately 423 advisors and manages about $3.65 billion across over 37,000 client accounts.

Herley Gaston is a financial advisor with Thrivent Investment Management, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and having one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Thrivent, Gaston worked in various roles including positions at Crowe LLC and in education as a substitute teacher. He serves as a floating substitute within the Seaford School District. Thrivent Investment Management provides Dedicated Planning Services to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit clients through a network of financial advisors. The firm offers holistic, goal-based financial planning that can be combined with managed-account programs while keeping these services distinct.