Ricky Gonzales

Michael Russell is the principal of Russell Advisory Group, Inc., an independent registered investment adviser based in New Braunfels, TX. He holds a Series 66 designation and has eight years of industry experience. In addition to his advisory role, Russell serves as an adjunct faculty member at Dallas College and provides private music instruction in singing, piano, and saxophone. He is also president of Dynavision, Inc., a contact lens export business. Russell Advisory Group, Inc. serves individuals, families, private business owners, trusts, and corporate clients, offering financial advisory and business consulting services. The firm emphasizes individualized security selection supported by fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, with portfolios constructed from equities, ETFs, and government securities, and employs strategies such as covered options and short sales where appropriate. The firm operates a discretionary wrap fee program and focuses on tax-efficient multigenerational planning while managing a small client base.

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 with South Texas Capital Advisors, LLC in New Braunfels, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and possessing 14 years of industry experience. Prior to joining South Texas Capital Advisors, he worked at Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Mahan is also the managing member of NB Capital LLC and serves as manager of Solms Landing Development LLC, a non-investment real estate business. South Texas Capital Advisors, LLC provides portfolio and asset management services to high-net-worth individuals, non-profits, and small businesses. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis along with third-party research to create customized asset allocations and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management.

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.

Benjamin Hooper is a CFP® and ChFC® credentialed financial advisor with 16 years of industry experience. He is the principal advisor at Comal Wealth Management, an independent firm he has led since 2020. Prior to founding Comal Wealth Management, Hooper worked with USAA in various roles related to investment management and financial planning. Comal Wealth Management provides financial planning, consulting, and discretionary portfolio management to individuals, families, and high-net-worth clients. The firm primarily uses a passive, long-term investment approach with mutual funds and ETFs, while offering customization through individual stocks, ADRs, alternative assets, and digital assets, and maintains a distinct practice of executing trades individually rather than in aggregate.