Darin Schmidt is a financial advisor with Schmidt Wealth Management, L.L.C. in Lawrenceburg, IN, holding a Series 66 designation and 24 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Silver Oak Securities, Inc. and Ausdal Financial Partners, INC. Outside of investment advisory, he provides tax preparation and planning services, as well as insurance products including life, disability, long-term care, health, and fixed annuities. Schmidt Wealth Management, L.L.C. offers portfolio management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and certain corporate and retirement-plan clients. The firm employs a combination of fundamental, quantitative, and technical analyses, managing accounts on a discretionary basis with investment strategies ranging from long-term asset allocation to alternative investments such as private placements and venture capital funds.

About the Firm Balance Life Planning was created to help mid-career individuals and families find balance between the financial and lifestyle needs of today, tomorrow, and legacy. Our approach combines the core tenets of financial planning: Investment Strategy Tax Planning Cash Flow/ Retirement Planning Insurance Analysis Estate Planning Furthermore, we offer planning catered to families that have more complex compensation such as stock options, RSUs, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP), etc. We utilize the latest technology available to deliver a seamless client experience that includes a planning portal, secure vault for planning documents, tax planning tools, and more. About Me I was born and raised in Canton, OH and relocated to the Cincinnati area to attend Xavier University. During that time, I met my wife Erica, and we settled in Villa Hills, KY. We have three beautiful daughters: Molly, Taylor, and Charlotte. We enjoy traveling, various sports, and dogs (we have three dogs Rev, Louis, and Teller). I started in the Financial Services industry at a large investment firm in 2011. During my nearly 10 years there, I worked my way from customer service, through various trading positions, to a book of clients of over 900 high-net worth households that I assisted with planning and investing. In February 2015, I earned my CFP® marks (CERTFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™). In September 2020, I decided it was time for a change that offered a better life balance and client experience. I joined a smaller firm in Blue Ash, OH, as a Senior Advisor. During that time, I gained valuable experience working through complex planning scenarios with high-net worth clients, managing day to day operations of the firm, and was closely connected to a first-class CPA firm. Of the thousands of clients I've had the privilege to serve, several carried ranging degrees of regret around their financial planning path. Most of which sounded like: "if I knew then what I knew now, I would have...". I have designed Balanced Life Planning to meet clients and families where they are earlier in life to create better financial outcomes.

Michael Scheel is a financial advisor with Profolio Investments, Inc. in Union, KY, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 20 years of industry experience. He has been with Profolio Investments since 2014. Profolio Investments, Inc. is an independent registered investment adviser serving individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, and plan sponsors. The firm offers fee-based discretionary portfolio management, written financial planning, and retirement plan services, focusing on strategic asset allocation and customized portfolios that may include exchange-listed securities, fixed income, ETFs, and select alternative investments.

Jerome Knochelmann is a financial advisor at Kwma with six years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Fidelity Investments and Fidelity Brokerage Services before founding Knochelmann Wealth Management & Advisor (KWMA) LLC. He is also the owner and registered agent of Atriox Capital LLC, which is currently not operating. KWMA provides investment advice and planning to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities, offering services including ongoing wealth management, comprehensive financial and retirement plans, and hourly consulting. The firm employs a disciplined, active, and diversified investment approach using firm-created model portfolios and various analytical methods, with certain higher-risk strategies applied only with client consent.

Brian Mann is a financial advisor at Fortress Financial Partners, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses with four years of industry experience. He previously worked at The Palomino Group LLC and FTJ FundChoice, LLC. Outside of the advisory business, Mr. Mann serves as Church Administrator for Florence Methodist Church, where he manages finance, administration, and operations. Fortress Financial Partners is an independent firm serving individuals, families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporations with investment management and fee-based financial planning. The firm employs a long-term, buy-and-hold strategy tailored to client goals, managing portfolios that include equities, fixed income, and various other investment instruments.

Carly Wayne is a financial advisor at Wayne Financial LLC in North Bend, Ohio, holding a Series 65 designation with one year of experience at the firm. Prior to founding Wayne Financial, she worked six years at SocialCoaster Inc. d/b/a BVIRAL and held roles in the restaurant industry from 2015 to 2019. Wayne Financial LLC is an independent SEC-registered investment adviser managing approximately $16 million for a small client base. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management and financial planning, primarily recommending equities and ETFs using a variety of analytical methods within long-term strategies.

Michael Weber is a financial advisor with Research & Portfolio Management in Crescent Springs, KY, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 16 years of industry experience. He has worked at American Equity Investment Corp from 2013 to 2019 and has been with Research & Portfolio Management since 2011. Research & Portfolio Management provides discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management and pension consulting to individuals, retirement plans, trusts, estates, and business entities. The firm uses a suitability-driven, equity-focused investment approach that incorporates fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis alongside a mix of long- and short-term strategies.

Garrett Wayne is a financial advisor at Wayne Financial LLC with six years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and previously worked at The Randolph Company and the University of Cincinnati. Wayne Financial LLC provides discretionary portfolio management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a multi-method investment approach with a focus on long-term trading and offers client risk tolerance documentation, monthly account reviews, and custodial reporting through Schwab Institutional.

Luann Driscoll is a financial advisor at Research & Portfolio Management with 28 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at American Equity Investment Corp and Mcw Financial, Inc., the latter operating as Research & Portfolio Management. Research & Portfolio Management offers discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management and pension consulting services to individuals, retirement plans, trusts, estates, and business entities. The firm employs a suitability-driven, equity-focused investment approach combining fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, and utilizes Raymond James Asset Management Services for separately managed accounts.

Lucas Lloyd is a financial advisor with Lloyd Financial Group LLC, holding a Series 65 designation and five years of industry experience. Prior to joining Lloyd Financial Group in 2025, he worked at Strategic Wealth Partners, Ltd. for six years and was employed at Muskingham University for four years. He maintains an inactive insurance license but does not engage in insurance sales. Lloyd Financial Group provides discretionary investment management and financial planning services to individuals, high net worth clients, trusts, and estates. The firm’s investment approach is based on fundamental analysis and a long-term orientation, with portfolios customized to client objectives and monitored for rebalancing or tax considerations.

I started my career at Fidelity Investments before transitioning to Merrill Lynch to join a wealth management team managing $2.2 billion in assets. In January 2020, I broke away from Merrill Lynch to found Incline Wealth Advisors, an independent, fiduciary, wealth management firm. I had to persevere a very tough start when the Covid pandemic broke out in early 2020, but was able to make it through the tough times with my business. I have since grown tremendously since then and have brought on two employees. Through my business I work closely with business owners to provide advice on retirement planning, investment and risk management, cash flow and debt management, estate planning, tax strategies, business exits, acquisitions and succession planning. In 2022, I acquired a local business called GameMaster Athletic. In addition to being an owner in the business I sit on our Board of Directors and oversee some operations with our current CEO. I am married and have 5 children. Certifications: • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Community Work: • Elder High School Investment Committee • Western Economic Counsel: Board Member & Treasurer • Former: Make-A-Wish Foundation: Emerging Leader Advisory Board Member • Former: Thomas More Alumni Association: Board Member • Future Our Lady of Visitation Basketball Coordinator

Michael Weber is a financial advisor with Research & Portfolio Management, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 41 years of industry experience. His prior experience includes six years at American Equity Investment Corp. He has been with Research & Portfolio Management since 2011. Research & Portfolio Management offers discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management and pension consulting services to individuals, retirement plans, trusts, estates, and business entities. The firm uses a suitability-driven, equity-focused investment process that incorporates fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis along with a blend of long- and short-term strategies.

John Wernke is a financial advisor with Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. He holds a Series 63 designation and has seven years of industry experience. Prior to joining Berthel Fisher in 2020, he worked at Primerica Advisors and Primerica Financial Services from 2017 to 2020, and he has extensive experience from his work at Wernkesteel from 1987 to 2020. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as Treasurer for the Harrison Kiwanis, a nonprofit focused on raising funds and awareness for children. Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. provides investment advisory and financial planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, corporations, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of asset management platforms and portfolio construction options through approximately 100 independent investment adviser representatives.

Philip Scott is a financial advisor at Souders Financial Advisors, LLC with 34 years of industry experience. He has previously worked at Advantage Investment Management LLC and LPL Financial LLC. Outside of his advisory role, he owns and operates B3 Academy LLC, a sports training and coaching academy for select baseball and basketball athletes. Souders Financial Advisors provides wealth management and investment advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, corporate retirement and ERISA plans, and foundations. The firm employs a financial-plan driven approach featuring model portfolios, strategic asset allocation, and diversification across asset classes.

Daniel Rinck is a financial advisor at HCM Wealth Advisors in Cincinnati, OH, with eight years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Northwestern Mutual and several independent advisory practices prior to joining HCM Wealth Advisors in 2017. HCM Wealth Advisors serves individual clients, trusts, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and businesses with discretionary portfolio management based on model-driven asset allocation and third-party manager selection. The firm utilizes a combination of fundamental, technical, quantitative, and qualitative analysis along with options strategies and separately managed accounts, managing over $1.23 billion in client assets.

Marcus Rose is a financial advisor at Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth & Tax Management with 18 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has previously worked at Fidelity Personal and Workplace Advisors and Strategic Advisers LLC. Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth & Tax Management serves individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, and business clients, offering asset management, financial planning, ERISA 3(21) plan advisory, and tax preparation services. The firm employs a goal-focused investment approach centered on diversified, multi-asset portfolios with strategic allocation and regular rebalancing, alongside a Schwab Institutional Intelligent Portfolios “Liftoff” program for select clients.

Michael Treft is a financial advisor at Souders Financial Advisors, LLC in Cincinnati, OH, holding a Series 65 designation with five years of industry experience. He previously worked at Great American Insurance Company and TPC Rivers Bend. Souders Financial Advisors, LLC provides wealth management and investment advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, corporate retirement and ERISA plans, and foundations. The firm employs a financial-plan driven approach featuring model portfolios, strategic asset allocation, and diversification across asset classes.

Brian Giesting is a financial advisor at Souders Financial Advisors, LLC in Cincinnati, OH, with 22 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and has previously worked at Private Client Services, Lpl Financial LLC, and Advantage Investment Management, LLC. Outside of advising, he is involved in insurance sales. Souders Financial Advisors provides wealth management and investment advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, corporate retirement and ERISA plans, and foundations. The firm employs a financial-plan driven approach utilizing model portfolios and strategic asset allocation, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services.

Jake Butcher is a CFP® professional at HCM Wealth Advisors in Cincinnati, OH, with 11 years of industry experience. He has worked at Hengehold Capital Management LLC since 2011. HCM Wealth Advisors serves individual clients, trusts, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and businesses, offering discretionary portfolio management centered on model-based asset allocation, financial planning, and third-party manager oversight. The firm integrates long-term core holdings with tactical positions and employs a range of analytical approaches, including options strategies and separately managed accounts, managing over $1.23 billion in assets with a nine-advisor team.

Ryan Bonaventura is a financial advisor at Souders Financial Advisors, LLC in Cincinnati, Ohio, with 20 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and has previously worked at LPL Financial LLC and Advantage Investment Management, LLC. Bonaventura is also involved with Bonaventura Wealth Advisors, focusing on financial planning and advisory services. Souders Financial Advisors provides wealth management and investment advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, corporate retirement and ERISA plans, and foundations. The firm employs a financial-plan driven approach with personalized portfolio management, strategic asset allocation, and diversification across asset classes, offering services on both discretionary and non-discretionary bases.