Steven Hoak is a financial advisor with ARIS Capital Strategies, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 11 years of industry experience. He has worked at several firms, including Lifetime Financial Inc and Brokers Service Marketing Group. Hoak is also President of Agent Value Proposition, LLC, an independent insurance agency through which he occasionally offers commissionable insurance products. ARIS Capital Strategies, LLC serves individual and high-net-worth clients with portfolio management and financial planning, employing a long-term, non-discretionary investment approach that combines various analytical methods and emphasizes client-approved trading decisions. The firm integrates insurance product sales and advisor coaching services alongside its advisory offerings.

Paul Spurlock is a financial advisor with ARIS Capital Strategies, LLC, holding a Series 65 credential and bringing 12 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at National Annuity Educators, LLC, J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc., and multiple other firms. He is also the owner and president of Advisor Training System, LLC, a sales training consultancy for financial advisors. ARIS Capital Strategies, LLC serves individual and high-net-worth clients by providing portfolio management and financial planning with individualized investment policies and regular portfolio reviews. The firm employs a range of analytical methods and operates on a non-discretionary basis, with clients retaining final trade authorization.

Jacob Stewart is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with five years of industry experience. He is currently with Wealth More Enterprise, Inc., where he has worked since 2024, and also has ongoing experience at Brightside since 2022. His previous roles include positions at Garrett Investment Advisors, Zeiders Enterprises, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Outside of his advisory work, Stewart is involved with Brightside as a financial assistant. Wealth More Enterprise provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individual U.S. investors through a primarily digital platform. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management via a wrap-fee program that integrates proprietary algorithms with human advisor consultations and serves clients through tiered plans and app-based access.

Stephen Barden is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and 11 years of industry experience. He has been affiliated with Members Trust Company since 2016 and has worked with multiple entities related to State Employees’ Credit Union since 2004. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management and retirement planning with a focus on low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs. The firm’s investment adviser representatives are salaried employees of the parent credit union, and clients retain full decision-making authority over their accounts.

Roy Thrower, Jr. is a financial advisor at Virtue Capital Management, LLC with 17 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and has worked at Virtue Capital Management since 2017. Prior to that, he was with Brookstone Capital Management LLC for five years and has been president of Thrower Financial Concepts, Inc., an insurance sales business focusing on fixed annuities and life insurance, since 2005. Virtue Capital Management, LLC is an SEC-registered enterprise investment adviser managing approximately $1.2 billion in discretionary assets through 90 advisers for over 4,000 clients. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, third-party manager selection and monitoring, and retirement education, utilizing strategic, tactical, and dynamic strategies primarily through mutual funds and ETFs with a model-driven approach that incorporates economic data inputs.

Cody Nussbaum is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and seven years of industry experience. He has worked with Members Trust Company since 2019 and has been affiliated with State Employees' Credit Union and its related entities since 2016. His roles include providing financial advisory services and trust representation. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program focused on low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs. The firm’s advisors are salaried employees of the parent credit union, and clients retain full decision-making authority over their accounts.

Brandy Carlson is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 10 years of industry experience. She has worked at Members Trust Company since 2018 and has been self-employed as a wedding bartender and event assistant since 2017. Carlson also maintains a longstanding role with State Employees' Credit Union, where she provides financial advisory services. Credit Union Investment Services serves North Carolina residents, primarily individual investors and some trust clients, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm emphasizes low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs, fixed-income products, and a goals-based, long-term planning approach, with investment adviser representatives employed on a salaried basis.

Luke Taylor is a CFP® professional with five years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Credit Union Investment Services. He has held roles at Members Trust Company since 2019 and has been affiliated with State Employees' Credit Union and its related entities since 2013. Taylor also acts as a trust representative and life insurance agent in conjunction with his advisory duties. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm emphasizes a goals-based, long-term planning approach using low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs, with salaried advisors and client-directed implementation of recommendations.

William Barefoot is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 11 years of industry experience. He has served in various roles since 2012, including Financial Advisory Services District Manager at State Employees' Credit Union and Agent at SeCU Life Insurance Company. In addition to his financial advisory work, he operates a landscaping and lawn care business. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm emphasizes low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs, fixed-income products, and a goals-based, long-term planning approach, with salaried advisers who provide recommendations while clients retain decision-making authority.

Joshua Barwick is a CFP® with 13 years of industry experience, currently serving at Credit Union Investment Services. He has held roles at Members Trust Company, Secu Life Insurance Company, and State Employees' Credit Union, where he is Regional Vice President. His outside activities include acting as a trust representative and life insurance agent affiliated with related financial services entities. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily North Carolina residents, focusing on individual investors and some trust clients. The firm offers non-discretionary portfolio management and financial planning, emphasizing low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs within a goals-based, long-term planning framework.

Bryson Lee is a financial advisor at Credit Union Investment Services with a Series 66 designation and over one year of experience in the financial services industry. His background includes roles at SECU Brokerage Services, SECU Life Insurance Company, and State Employees' Credit Union. Outside of finance, he has been involved with Rose & Graham Funeral Home since 2021. Credit Union Investment Services serves individual investors and trust clients in North Carolina, providing non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm emphasizes low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs, fixed-income products, and a goals-based, long-term planning approach.

Jessica Lester is a financial advisor at Mercer Global Advisors Inc. with one year of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Merrill and Wells Fargo. Mercer Global Advisors provides investment advisory and planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, high-net-worth families, small business owners, and nonprofit organizations. The firm employs a Modern Portfolio Theory-based approach with globally diversified portfolios and offers a range of implementation options alongside financial planning and tax support services.

Joshua Tirado is a financial advisor with J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc., holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and possessing 25 years of industry experience. He has been with J.W. Cole Advisors and J.W. Cole Financial since 2012. Outside of his advisory role, he manages Healthy Wealthy & Wise, a company providing marketing for educational webinar services focused on client life improvement. J.W. Cole Advisors is an SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, charities, corporations, retirement plans, and other entities through a national network of more than 400 independent investment adviser representatives. The firm offers portfolio management, fee-based financial planning, access to third-party managers, and multiple managed account solutions.

David Owen is a financial advisor with First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. He holds a Series 66 designation and has 17 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at PNC Investments and PNC Bank. First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. offers investment advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, pension plans, and business entities. The firm combines risk- and outcomes-based asset allocation with discretionary and non-discretionary management, supported by fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis, and provides integrated banking resources as a subsidiary of a banking institution.

Lynne Mulligan is a financial advisor at Money Concepts Capital Corp with a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. She previously worked at Drenen Financial Services, Inc. from 2007 to 2025. Money Concepts Advisory Service provides portfolio management, financial planning, and consulting to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, charitable organizations, and corporations. The firm manages approximately $3.33 billion across about 14,700 clients, offering multiple managed programs with both discretionary and non-discretionary account structures.

Edgar Barbour is a financial advisor with Truist Advisory Services, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 24 years of industry experience. He has worked with Truist Advisory Services and its affiliated entities since 2011, including prior roles at Bb&T Securities and BBTIS. Truist Advisory Services is a large SEC-registered investment adviser with approximately 2,455 advisors and $67.7 billion in assets under management. The firm serves individuals, corporations, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations, offering discretionary and non-discretionary investment solutions through a combination of firm-level model portfolios, third-party managers, and advisor-led asset allocation.

Michael Mc Grady is a financial advisor with Transamerica Retirement Advisors, LLC, holding a Series 66 designation and 12 years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at LPL Financial and Ameriprise Financial in various capacities. Transamerica Retirement Advisors serves participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRA owners through managed advice programs and investment education services, relying on Morningstar Investment Management for portfolio construction and oversight. The firm operates at scale with a large client base and primarily manages non-discretionary assets.

Brian Jernigan is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a role he has held since 2024. He has been with Fidelity Investments since 2021, progressing through various positions including Investment Consultant, Relationship Manager, and Financial Representative. Prior to joining Fidelity, Brian worked at State Employees' Credit Union from 2013 to 2021, advancing from Financial Services Representative to Senior Financial Services Officer II. With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Brian is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER4 professional. He focuses on client collaboration and education to develop personalized financial plans tailored to individual goals. Outside of his professional career, Brian enjoys camping, outdoor adventures, parenthood, scuba diving, and traveling.

Christopher Key is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and 21 years of industry experience. He has been with LPL Financial since 2010. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, charities, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a range of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and delivers services through a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Tonya Maness is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with LPL Financial, based in Smithfield, NC, and has three years of industry experience. Her prior work includes roles at Liberty Home Care and Hospice, Laurels of Chatham, and the Chatham County Department of Social Services. She has also authored a published book outside of her investment activities. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, charities, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a variety of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Tyler Colmore is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he studied at East Carolina University for five years. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a wide range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, supported by a nationwide network of over 23,700 financial advisors.

Robbie Misplay is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 11 years of industry experience. He has held his current position since 2014 and holds a Series 66 designation. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients with an emphasis on both non-discretionary and discretionary investment strategies. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and maintains a nationwide network of more than 23,700 advisors and 15,000 branch offices.

Megan Stewart is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 16 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at firms including Merrill and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. Outside of her advisory role, she owns Stewart Farm and Land Management LLC, which provides landscaping services and raises goats and rabbits in Godwin, NC. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a range of investment strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and operates a nationwide network of over 23,700 financial advisors.

Melissa Scott is a CFP® with 17 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors. Her prior experience includes roles at First Bancorp, Infinex Investments, Inc., and First Citizens Investor Services. Outside of her advisory work, she is a board member of the Dunn Committee of 100 and owns East Coast Hemp, an agricultural business. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors serves a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plans, and charitable organizations through a large network of independent Financial Professionals. The firm offers financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement plan advisory services, employing a range of investment strategies and multiple account platforms.

Orvin Johnson is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors, holding a Series 66 designation and one year of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Equitable Advisors, he worked at Edward Jones and held several positions outside the financial sector, including a long tenure at the United States Postal Service. Equitable Advisors serves a diverse range of clients, including individuals, high-net-worth persons, retirement plans, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients, offering financial planning, broker-dealer services, insurance distribution, and access to third-party asset management programs. The firm operates as both an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, utilizing LPL-sponsored programs and various endorsed third-party money managers to deliver advisory and brokerage solutions.

Angela Brown is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 23 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has been with Edward Jones since 2003. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies, supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors.

Brian Diller is a Benefits & Planning Consultant in Executive Services at Fidelity Investments. He has been with Fidelity since 2021, initially working as an Investment Solutions Representative before assuming his current role in 2025. Prior to Fidelity, he gained experience as a Financial Planning Intern at Northwestern Mutual in 2021. He holds insurance licenses in Arkansas and California. Brian pursued a degree in finance, motivated by his early interest in understanding finances influenced by his family's small business background. In his role, he assists clients in looking ahead to their financial goals and identifying actionable steps to achieve them. Brian grew up in central Colorado. Outside of work, he and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors.

Eugene Freedman is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 47 years of industry experience. He has been with LPL Financial since 2008. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, charities, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a range of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Charles Bradshaw is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Dunn, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and 25 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2000. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment solutions supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Stanley Coats II is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has 26 years of industry experience. Coats has worked with Raymond James since 1999 and is currently associated with Security Credit since 2017. Outside of his advisory role, he and his wife own and breed horses, occasionally earning income from show winnings and sales. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. serves a diverse client base including individual investors, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, and institutions. The firm provides financial planning and non-discretionary investment consulting through various advisory and wrap fee programs, emphasizing customized financial plans developed through detailed client assessments and supported by extensive research and asset-allocation analysis.

Mark Harrell is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with five years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 credential and has worked at Edward Jones since 2020. Prior to that, he held positions at AC Hall Company, Southern Bank and Trust, and Wells Fargo and Company. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions, supported by a nationwide network of approximately 23,701 advisors and 15,121 branch offices.

Jeffrey Navarro is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with 16 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2009. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Michael Mullins is a CFP® professional with six years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Edward Jones since 2019. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he worked at Stericycle and Shred-It. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm that serves over four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment strategies supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Tracy Harrison is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with Edward Jones, based in Smithfield, North Carolina, and has eight years of industry experience. She has been with Edward Jones since 2016. Outside of her advisory role, she is the owner of a building management business in Clayton, North Carolina. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a wide range of investment solutions, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors.

Russell Galvan is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, holding a Series 66 designation and six years of industry experience. He worked at The HP Group, LLC for ten years before joining Edward Jones in 2024. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment solutions through a large network of advisors and branch offices.

Matthew Abold is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 16 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., and multiple capacities within Northwestern Mutual. LPL Financial serves a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, and institutions, offering a broad range of advisory and brokerage services supported by an in-house research team and a variety of investment delivery options.

Elizabeth Manning is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with Series 66 credentials and four years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, she worked at the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services for five years and the Down East Partnership for Children for four years. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Milford Quinn is a financial advisor at UBS Financial Services with 21 years of industry experience. He has worked at UBS since 2006 and holds the Series 63 and Series 65 designations. Quinn serves on the finance committee for Harnett Health System and is an advisory board member for Harnett County Economic Development. UBS Financial Services serves individual, corporate, and institutional clients through brokerage and investment advisory offerings, combining institutional trading capabilities with wealth management services. The firm uses proprietary research and model-based asset allocation to tailor financial plans to clients’ goals and risk tolerances.