Robert Birgen is a CFP® and PFS™ with 39 years of experience in financial advising. He currently works at Merit Financial Advisors and previously held roles at LPL Financial, Stanislawski & Harrison Wealth Management, Abridge Partners, and operated Birgen Asset Management. Outside of his financial career, he owns and produces a Christian Catholic podcast called BobtheLector. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with 264 advisors serving over 20,000 clients across 66 offices. The firm offers coordinated wealth-management services, including asset management, financial planning, and retirement plan advice, using a long-term, diversified investment approach supported by an internal Investment Management team and customizable portfolio models.

Nicole Smith is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with five years of industry experience. She is currently with Merit Financial Advisors and has previously worked at firms including Commonwealth Financial Network and OneAmerica Securities. Outside of financial advising, she serves as a board member for United Against Human Trafficking, where she advises on strategic planning and participates in organizational oversight. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion and serving a diverse client base that includes individuals, businesses, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach through customizable model portfolios and offers specialized services such as independent fiduciary and ESOP trustee work.

Mitchell Schill is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors in Sheboygan Falls, WI, holding a Series 66 designation. He has been with Merit Financial Advisors since 2024 and has also worked at Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. Outside of his advisory roles, he has experience working in various other positions including lawn care services and retail. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with 264 advisors serving over 20,000 clients across 66 offices and managing approximately $23.9 billion in client assets. The firm offers coordinated wealth-management services with an investment approach focused on long-term, diversified portfolios managed through centrally overseen models and customizable strategies.

Marcus Anderson is a Series 66-credentialed financial advisor with 22 years of industry experience. He has worked at Merit Financial Advisors since 2016 and previously at Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and LPL Financial, LLC. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with over 260 advisors serving approximately 20,000 clients across 66 offices. The firm offers coordinated wealth management services and employs a long-term, diversified investment approach overseen by an internal committee, allowing advisors to customize portfolios using fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis methods.

Andrew Cortez is a Series 65 licensed financial advisor with Merit Financial Advisors in Pocatello, ID, bringing two years of industry experience. He previously worked at Sanctuary Wealth Management and Westmark Credit Union. Merit Financial Group, LLC manages approximately $10.6 billion for a diverse client base including individuals, businesses, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach using model portfolios and customizable strategies overseen by a central Investment Management team and Investment Committee.

John Baxley is a CFP® with 26 years of industry experience, currently serving at Merit Financial Advisors in Knoxville, TN. His career includes roles at firms such as Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, MFG Securities, LPL Financial, and Ladenburg Thalmann. He holds multiple compliance officer roles across affiliated firms and is also licensed to sell life, health, disability, long-term care insurance, and fixed annuities. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion with 144 advisors serving a diverse client base including individuals, businesses, retirement plans, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach with customizable model portfolios and offers a range of financial planning and advisory services.

Brian Lang is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with 18 years of industry experience. He is currently with Merit Financial Advisors and previously worked at Wealthcare Advisory Partners, Avantax Advisory Services, and 1st Global Capital Corp. In addition to his advisory role, Lang serves as treasurer and audit committee member for the Topeka Community Foundation. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with over 260 advisors serving approximately 20,000 clients across 66 offices. The firm offers coordinated wealth-management services and employs a long-term, diversified investment approach using centrally managed portfolios overseen by an internal Investment Management team.

Steven Pollock is a Certified Financial Planner® with 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He currently works at Merit Financial Advisors and has held prior roles at PKS Investments, LPL Financial, and Reason Financial, Inc. In addition to his advisory work, he is co-treasurer of the Friends of Kate Sessions Elementary Parent Teacher Organization in San Diego. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with over 260 advisors serving more than 20,000 clients across 66 offices. The firm offers coordinated wealth-management services with an investment approach focused on long-term, diversified portfolios managed through centrally controlled models and overseen by an internal investment committee.

Justin Eccleston is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors with 10 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has worked previously at Stone Creek Capital Management, LLC and Biltmore Capital Advisors. He has been with Merit Financial Group since 2021. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion and serving a diverse client base, including individuals, businesses, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach using model portfolios and customizable sleeves, overseen by a central Investment Management team and Investment Committee.

Christian Kalnins is a CFP® with nine years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors. He previously worked at Safeguard Wealth Management, MML Investors Services, MassMutual Life Insurance Co., and Robert W. Baird & Co. His background includes roles at both large firms and smaller advisory practices. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion for a diverse client base, including individuals, corporate clients, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach using model portfolios and customizable strategies overseen by a central Investment Management team.

Lauren Lewis is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors with 21 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has previously worked at firms including Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Oppenheimer, Morgan Stanley, and E*TRADE. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with over 260 advisors serving more than 20,000 clients across 66 offices. The firm offers coordinated wealth-management services and employs a long-term, diversified investment approach supported by an internal Investment Management team and Investment Committee.

Joseph Cilley is a CFP® with 25 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors. His prior roles include positions at Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, LPL Financial, Triad Investment Management, and U.S. Bancorp Investments. He serves as a board member of the Graham Hill Mutual Water Company, a charitable nonprofit organization. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion and serving a diverse client base, including individuals, businesses, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach using model portfolios and modular sleeves, overseen by a central investment team and committee, with advisors able to customize portfolios on various platforms.

Lloyd Mennenga is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors with 26 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at firms including Harbour Investments, Woodbury Financial Services, and Avantax Advisory Services. Outside of advisory work, he provides tax preparation and tax planning services through Merit Tax Advisors. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with over 260 advisors serving more than 20,000 clients across 66 offices. The firm offers coordinated wealth management services with a focus on long-term, diversified portfolios managed through both discretionary and non-discretionary approaches.

Liam Pearson Gamble is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors in Spokane, WA, holding Series 65 and Series 63 registrations with seven years of industry experience. He previously worked at Northern Capital Retirement Services, Inc. and Northern Capital Management, Inc. for five years and spent two years at TD Ameritrade. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with over 260 advisors serving more than 20,000 clients across 66 offices, managing approximately $23.9 billion in assets. The firm focuses on long-term, diversified portfolios using a combination of centrally managed sleeves and customizable models, providing a range of wealth management services including financial planning, retirement plan advice, and employee financial-wellness programs.

Francis Bautz Jr. is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors with 26 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and has worked previously at LPL Financial, Stratos Wealth Partners, and Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. Bautz also provides insurance advice tailored to client needs. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion with 144 advisors serving a diverse client base, including individuals, businesses, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach through customizable model portfolios and offers a range of services such as asset management, financial planning, and employee financial wellness programs.

Chad Stevens is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with Merit Financial Advisors, bringing six years of industry experience. He has previously worked at Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and LPL Financial, LLC. Stevens is based in Greenwood Village, CO. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion and serving a diverse client base including individuals, businesses, and institutions. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach with customizable model portfolios and offers specialized services such as independent fiduciary and ESOP trustee work.

Patrick Carroll is a CFP® and ChFC® with 43 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is currently with Merit Financial Advisors and has previously worked at firms including Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Triad Advisors, ACI Partners, National Planning Corporation, and Wealth Strategies Group. Carroll is the author of the book *Tame Your Money Elephants* and serves on the board of the National Capital Trolley Museum, a nonprofit organization. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with 264 advisors serving over 20,000 clients across 66 offices and managing approximately $23.9 billion in assets. The firm offers coordinated wealth-management services with a focus on long-term, diversified portfolios overseen by an internal Investment Management team and Investment Committee, allowing for customizable investment strategies and a range of advisory services.

Patrick Sturm is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors with 26 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has previously worked at Pillar Wealth Management Co., Russell Investments, Allspring Funds Management, and Strong Capital Management. He continues to be involved in the transition of Pillar Wealth Management, which was integrated into Merit Financial Advisors. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser with over 260 advisors serving more than 20,000 clients across 66 offices. The firm provides a range of wealth-management services and employs a long-term, diversified investment approach using centrally managed portfolios overseen by an internal committee.

Gabriela Cossio is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors with two years of industry experience. She previously worked at JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, and JPMorgan Securities LLC. Merit Financial Advisors is a multi-team registered investment adviser serving over 20,000 clients from 66 offices. The firm manages approximately $23.9 billion in assets and offers wealth management, financial planning, retirement plan advice, and educational workshops. Their investment approach uses long-term, diversified portfolios overseen by an internal team, allowing advisors to customize models and manage accounts with both discretionary and non-discretionary authority.

Patrick Beale is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors with 20 years of industry experience and holds a Series 66 designation. His prior experience includes roles at Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Commonwealth Financial Network, Global Wealth Advisors, and LPL. Outside of his advisory work, he is co-owner of Pearland Elite Training Center, LLC, a teaching and coaching business operated by his wife. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion with 144 advisors serving individuals, businesses, retirement plan sponsors, and institutions. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach utilizing model portfolios and modular sleeves, overseen by a central Investment Management team and committee, while allowing advisors flexibility in portfolio management.