Michael Carrier is the sole advisor at Michael S. Carrier & Associates, Inc., an independent firm based in Highlands, NC. He holds a Series 65 designation and has 27 years of industry experience, having led his firm since 1997. Michael S. Carrier & Associates provides investment advice and portfolio management primarily to individuals, trusts, and small businesses. The firm tailors portfolios based on client profiles and conducts ongoing reviews, managing accounts on a discretionary basis without imposing a firm-wide minimum account size.

Donald Mcclellan is a financial advisor with Covenant Investment Solutions LLC in Highlands, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 25 years of industry experience. Prior to founding Covenant Investment Solutions in 2018, he worked at Pruco Securities LLC for three years. He serves as a board member and president of the Highlands Historical Society and is a member of the Rotary Club of Highlands. Covenant Investment Solutions LLC provides discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management and investment advice to individuals, high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm employs tailored strategies based on clients’ objectives and risk tolerance, utilizing proprietary model portfolios and a combination of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis.

David Tice is a financial advisor at Moran Tice Capital Management LLC with 20 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Ranger Alternative Management, LP since 2020. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Tice Capital, LLC, where he provides consulting services on macro themes to investment firms and professionals. Moran Tice Capital Management LLC offers discretionary investment management to high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and institutional investors through private pooled investment vehicles and separately managed accounts. The firm employs an absolute-return, low-correlation investment approach with a focus on precious-metals equity exposure and uses derivatives and margin as part of its portfolio strategy.

Michael Denti is a financial advisor at Summit Financial, LLC with 40 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Merrill from 1983 to 2021 and Bank of America from 2009 to 2021. In addition to his advisory role, he is licensed to offer insurance products through various companies, including sales conducted via an affiliated firm. Summit Financial, LLC provides investment advisory and financial planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, corporations, pension plans, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a combination of discretionary managed portfolios and advisor-directed programs, serving approximately $15 billion in client assets as of December 2024.

Michael Wiercinski is a financial advisor with Kestra Advisory, holding a Series 66 designation and bringing 18 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Kestra Advisory in 2019, he worked at Wells Fargo Advisors and Wells Fargo Clearing from 2010 to 2019. He serves as president of Mountain Rock Wealth Management and is a member of the Parish Finance Council at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Kestra Advisory Services provides investment advisory and retirement-plan consulting to plan sponsors, institutional, and individual clients, offering a range of services including fiduciary consulting, plan design, and investment advice with access to multiple management platforms and third-party solutions.

Jeffrey Schnee is a financial advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott with 42 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with Janney Montgomery Scott since 2003. Prior to that, he worked at Alphasights. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer managing approximately $100.8 billion in client assets and serving over 235,000 clients. The firm offers a wide range of services including portfolio management, financial planning, retirement plan advisory, and brokerage for individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, charities, and institutional accounts.

Stephen Cameron is a financial advisor with Valic Financial Advisors in Franklin, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and over 35 years of industry experience. He has been with Valic Financial Advisors since 1998. Outside of his advisory role, he leads kayak tours as a 1099 employee. Valic Financial Advisors primarily serves U.S.-domiciled individual investors, including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, as well as corporate and retirement-plan participants. The firm offers discretionary managed-account programs, wrap programs, financial planning, and brokerage services, utilizing Envestnet-developed UMA models for portfolio construction.

Katherine Gordon is a financial advisor with PNC Wealth Management in Franklin, NC, holding a Series 66 license and 10 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC from 2014 to 2017 before joining PNC Investments, where she has been since 2017. PNC Wealth Management provides retail brokerage and advisory services through model-based programs, including an invitation-only digital offering that uses algorithmic questionnaires to recommend investment strategies. The firm employs third-party managers for portfolio implementation and offers services primarily to employees through this pilot program.

Joseph Eppy is a financial advisor with MassMutual Investors Services who holds a Series 63 designation and has 32 years of industry experience. He has been with MML Investors Services since 1994 and with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company since 1993. Outside of his advisory role, he is the founder and CEO of Stress-Free Parenting LLC and serves as a board member for Oakstone Academy, a special needs school for children with autism. MassMutual Investors Services, LLC is a broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that provides financial planning and asset management services to individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and employers. The firm offers collaborative, annual financial planning engagements that utilize firm-approved analytical tools and provides educational seminars alongside various investment programs.

Samuel Morse Jr is a financial advisor at Stifel with 30 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Stifel since 2009 and UBS Financial Services since 2000. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved in managing family real estate partnerships. Stifel serves a broad range of clients, including individuals, institutional investors, and charitable organizations, offering brokerage and investment advisory services supported by proprietary investment analysis and allocation methodologies.

Robert Vingi Jr. is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and over 30 years of industry experience. He has been with Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC. Outside of his advisory role, he hosts a personal podcast unrelated to his business activities. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services. The firm’s approach is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related products and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

Todd Holder is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Highlands, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and five years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2020 and previously was associated with Dan Gilbert Insurance Agency and operated a personal advisory practice from 2013 to 2020. Outside of his advisory work, he has involvement with churches, retirement centers, and individual students. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients with a broad range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and is noted for its extensive advisor and branch network as well as its range of affiliated services beyond traditional advisory offerings.

Wesley Thompson is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and has completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama System, after attending Southern Methodist University without receiving a diploma. Wesley contributes to the advisory services provided by The Thompson Group, which has been recognized as a Forbes "Best in State Wealth Management Team" for multiple years. The group focuses on investment direction, portfolio construction, and estate planning strategies. Additional personal interests or community involvement details for Wesley Thompson have not been provided.

Justin Souma is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with 21 years of industry experience. He is currently with LPL Financial and previously worked for Benjamin F Edwards & Co for nine years. Outside of his advisory role, he is a business owner of Seven Oaks Farm at Hickory Ridge, LLC. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a range of financial planning and asset management solutions supported by an in-house Research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Walker Gaultney is a financial advisor at OSAIC with 43 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has previously worked with Securities America Advisors, Inc. and Securities America, Inc. Gaultney also has experience in life insurance sales as an agent. OSAIC is an SEC-registered investment adviser and FINRA member broker-dealer serving a diverse client base including individual investors, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a comprehensive investment process that integrates risk-tolerance assessments, asset allocation software, and portfolio optimization tools, offering a range of investment options across multiple custodial platforms.

William De Wandeler is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with Edward Jones, based in Franklin, NC, with 19 years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2009. Outside of his advisory role, he is a co-owner of a used bookstore, A Novel Escape, in Franklin. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a range of advisory programs and investment solutions. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and has a nationwide network of over 23,700 financial advisors.

Keriann Mitchell is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Franklin, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 15 years of industry experience. She previously worked at FSC Securities Corporation before joining Ameriprise in various capacities since 2018. Outside of her advisory role, Mitchell is involved in local community activities as Treasurer and Secretary of the Cowee Woods Property Owners Association and owns a home repair business. Ameriprise offers a retirement-income planning service targeting individuals near or in retirement with substantial investable assets, providing tailored, non-discretionary recommendations that incorporate research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis. As a large institutional firm, Ameriprise delivers a broad range of advisory, brokerage, and insurance solutions through affiliated entities.

Carla Erikson is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and 43 years of industry experience. She worked at Merrill from 1982 to 2017 before joining Morgan Stanley and its Private Bank in 2017. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individual and institutional clients with comprehensive financial planning and advisory programs. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and employs a structured planning process supported by firm-approved tools and analysis.

David Gregg is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Sarasota, Florida. He has been with the firm since 1993 and works primarily with retired or soon-to-be retired clients, focusing on helping them identify and attain their financial and aspirational goals. With over 30 years of investment experience, David offers personalized attention and customized investment recommendations that include asset management, tax-efficient strategies, educational funding, and wealth preservation. He combines his expertise with insights from Merrill’s analysts and strategists, as well as the banking resources of Bank of America, to address the many aspects of his clients’ financial lives. David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Economics and Finance, from Bowling Green State University and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). David has been involved in community activities such as serving on the board of the YMCA and volunteering at Mote Marine Laboratories. He and his son are avid scuba divers who enjoy boating and travel. They also share an interest in ballet and opera, with his daughters participating in the Sarasota Ballet Conservatory and Sarasota Youth Opera.

Benjamin Rodriguez is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with five years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Entegra Bank from 2015 to 2020 before joining Edward Jones in 2020. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients, including both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a range of advisory strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Benjamin Lane is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors with 24 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked for UBS Financial Services Inc. for 10 years. Lane is also the principal owner of Lane Wealth Management, LLC, a full-time investment-related business. Wells Fargo Advisors provides investment and fee-based financial planning services to individuals, trusts, and institutional clients, offering a broad array of specialized planning options. Advisors at the firm develop tailored recommendations using proprietary research and planning tools, with implementation options available through various brokerage and advisory programs.

Mary Beth Brody is a financial advisor at Ameriprise with 28 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Edward Jones for nine years and has been with Ameriprise since 2022. Brody serves on a local board of directors in Highlands, North Carolina. Ameriprise offers retirement-income planning services primarily for clients with significant investable assets, combining research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to provide tailored, non-discretionary recommendations delivered through a centralized consulting team.

Andrew Norton III is a financial advisor at Thrivent Investment Management with three years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has worked previously at Stanberry Insurance Inc, Credit Union Investment Services, Secu Brokerage Services, Secu Life Insurance Company, and State Employees' Credit Union. Thrivent Investment Management provides Dedicated Planning Services to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit clients through a network of Financial Advisors. The firm offers detailed, goal-based planning across various financial topics and allows clients to integrate planning with managed account services under a consolidated billing option called WealthPlan.

Olivia Swift is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Franklin, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2025, she worked at First Citizens Investor Services and Equitable Advisors LLC. Outside of finance, she has experience in small business operations, including working at Renee's Cake Shoppe. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, including both non‑high‑net‑worth and high‑net‑worth households. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management and offers a wide range of advisory programs, investment strategies, and affiliated financial services through a nationwide network of more than 23,700 advisors.

Darcie Guerin is a financial advisor with Raymond James & Associates, holding Series 63, 65, and 66 credentials and bringing 39 years of industry experience. She has been with Raymond James & Associates since 2004. Outside of her advisory role, she is the owner of DPG Insights, a non-investment business. Raymond James & Associates provides financial planning and investment consulting to a diverse client base, including individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable entities, and government clients. The firm offers tailored financial plans and investment recommendations through a combination of non-discretionary advisory relationships and institutional consulting services.

John Watts is a financial advisor at Raymond James & Associates with 37 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Raymond James since 2017, following prior roles at Wells Fargo Clearing and Wells Fargo Advisors LLC. Outside of his advisory work, Watts serves as president of the nonprofit Pinnacle Ridge Association, Inc. Raymond James & Associates provides financial planning and investment consulting services to a diverse client base that includes individuals, employer-sponsored retirement plans, corporate and charitable entities, and government clients. The firm offers tailored financial plans and investment recommendations through its Wealth Advisory Services Program, along with institutional consulting and public finance capabilities.

William Murphy is a financial advisor at UBS Financial Services with 52 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with UBS since 2010. UBS Financial Services serves individual, corporate, and institutional clients through brokerage and investment advisory offerings, including financial planning and portfolio management. The firm combines institutional trading capabilities with wealth management services and provides a broad range of capital markets and research resources.

Mark Smith is a financial advisor at Stifel with 38 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and has been with Stifel Nicolaus since 2013. Outside of his advisory role, he is president of Mark A Smith Aircraft Sales, a business specializing in the sale of aircraft. Stifel serves a broad range of clients including individuals, institutional clients, and charitable organizations, offering brokerage and investment advisory services supported by proprietary investment analysis and allocation methodologies developed by its Investment Strategy Group.

Erik Selness is a CFP® with 18 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. since 2015. He is also a member of the finance and investment committee at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, where he assists with managing church endowments. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. serves a diverse client base including individual investors, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, and municipal entities. The firm offers financial planning and non-discretionary investment consulting, emphasizing tailored strategies developed through client collaboration and supported by extensive research and institutional resources.

Gary Hobbs Jr. is a financial advisor with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and four years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Moore Insurance and several insurance and brokerage firms dating back to 2000. He is also an independent insurance agent with C.E. Insurances, LLC. 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 with a range of account platforms and investment strategies.

William Barr is a CFP® professional with 37 years of experience in financial advising, currently serving at Edward Jones since 1988. He holds the Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and is based in Franklin, NC. 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 large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

James Hatcher is a financial advisor at Cetera with 29 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Atlantic Asset Management since 2003. Prior to joining Cetera in 2025, he was associated with Avantax Insurance Agency and Avantax Investment Services for over two decades. Cetera Investment Advisers serves a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, institutions, and retirement plans through a large network of independent advisors. The firm offers a range of portfolio management, financial planning, and fiduciary services, utilizing a combination of advisor-managed accounts, firm-sponsored model portfolios, and third-party managed solutions.

Russell Hawkins II is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license, serving as a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Franklin, NC. He has 14 years of industry experience and has been with Edward Jones since 2011. Outside of his advisory role, he owns and manages a residential rental property. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with comprehensive investment advisory programs and a broad national presence. The firm offers a range of managed solutions, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds under a fiduciary standard.

Clay Rucker is a financial advisor at Raymond James & Associates with 40 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James since 1997 and holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Outside of his advisory role, he serves on the advisory boards of the Church of the Incarnation and the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, providing financial oversight and support. Raymond James & Associates offers financial planning and investment consulting to a diverse client base including individuals, employer-sponsored retirement plans, corporate and charitable entities, and government clients. The firm provides tailored financial plans and asset-allocation analyses, supporting clients through both non-discretionary advisory relationships and institutional consulting services.

Edward Krakovsky is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding the ChFC® designation and Series 63 license, and has 29 years of industry experience. He has worked at Cetera Advisors LLC since 2013 and currently serves as a consultant at Grace Hayden MacNaught, assisting with the transition of client book of business. Cetera Investment Advisers serves a diverse client base including individual, high-net-worth, institutional, and retirement-plan clients through a large network of independent advisors. The firm offers a range of portfolio management, financial planning, and fiduciary services, utilizing advisor-managed accounts, model portfolios, and third-party solutions.

Charles Strickland Sr. is a financial advisor at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors with the ChFC® designation and over 40 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation, Invest Financial Corporation, and Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company. Outside of advising, he serves on the boards of Nantahala Bank & Trust Company and Provision Financial Resources of NC Baptists, and volunteers as a committee member at Truet Baptist Church. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors serves a diverse client base that includes individual investors, retirement plans, and charitable organizations, offering financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement plan advisory through a network of independent Financial Professionals. The firm employs a range of investment strategies, including model portfolios and third-party sub-advisers, with discretionary and non-discretionary account options.

Sonda Frattini is a financial advisor at Mass Mutual Investors Services with 22 years of industry experience. She holds the ChFC® designation as well as Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Prior to joining Mass Mutual in 2025, she worked for Ameritas Advisory Services and Ameritas Investment Corp. Frattini also holds an insurance broker role at Park South Group, where she provides life, disability, long-term care, and fixed annuities insurance. Mass Mutual Investors Services, LLC is a broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that serves individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and employers. The firm offers financial planning, asset management, and various investment programs, emphasizing collaborative, goal-based planning with optional implementation through brokerage or insurance arrangements.

Gary Brown is a financial advisor at Merrill with 43 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been associated with Merrill since 1982, concurrently working with Bank of America, N.A. since 2017. Merrill serves a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutional clients, providing managed account programs, discretionary portfolio management, and brokerage services. The firm emphasizes tax-efficient investment strategies and leverages its affiliation with Bank of America to support comprehensive trading, lending, and capital-markets activities.