Dustin Poteat is a financial advisor at Gradient Advisors, LLC with a Series 65 designation and one year of industry experience. He has a background in manufacturing operations and analytics consulting at Crane Resistoflex and is also involved with Premier Insurance Services, Inc. outside of his advisory role. Gradient Advisors, LLC provides investment management, financial planning, and consulting services to a diverse client base including individuals, pension plans, trusts, and corporations. The firm supports a large network of advisors and employs a combination of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis to tailor investment strategies, typically delivering portfolio services on a non-discretionary basis.

Ryan West is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services and holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. He has seven years of industry experience, including roles at Members Trust Company and State Employees' Credit Union. Outside of his financial career, West serves as a financial assistant at East Marion Baptist Church, managing accounts payable, budgeting, and bank reconciliation. Credit Union Investment Services primarily serves individual investors in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm focuses on recommending low-cost, mostly index-based mutual funds and ETFs, fixed-income products, and supports a goals-based, long-term planning approach.

Cassandra Smith is a CFP® with 16 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Credit Union Investment Services. She has held roles with Members Trust Company, Secu Life Insurance Company, and State Employees’ Credit Union. In addition to her advisory work, she acts as a financial advisory services specialist with State Employees’ Credit Union. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management and financial planning with a focus on low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs. The firm operates as a subsidiary of State Employees’ Credit Union and manages over $3 billion in advisory assets.

Kelly Childs is a financial advisor at Credit Union Investment Services with three years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at several related financial institutions, including State Employees' Credit Union since 2009 and Members Trust Company since 2014. Outside of her advisory work, Childs owns a small business selling wildflower honey and operates a seasonal food concessions business at local festivals. 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.

Catherine Zieman is a CFP® with 38 years of industry experience, currently serving at Advisory Services Network since 2019. Her prior roles include positions at Field Point Private and Neuberger Berman LLC. Outside of her advisory work, she is the managing partner of High Pointe International Equestrian Tours, a travel agency she operates as a hobby. Advisory Services Network serves individuals, families, trusts, estates, corporations, charitable organizations, and employer retirement plans. The firm offers portfolio management, financial planning, investment and retirement-plan consulting, and third-party manager selection through a network of independent advisers.

Douglas Beam is a financial advisor at Creative Financial Designs, Inc. with 13 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and previously worked at LPL Financial, LLC from 2014 to 2017. Beam is also involved in independent insurance sales related to investments in Morganton, NC. Creative Financial Designs serves individual, charitable, corporate, and retirement plan clients through discretionary and non-discretionary investment management and financial planning. The firm employs asset-class model allocations informed by third-party research and offers a range of strategies including Biblical Responsible Investing, with various billing arrangements and specialized management programs.

Boyd Phillips II is a financial advisor with Eagle Strategies (New York Life) based in Marion, North Carolina. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has 23 years of industry experience. Phillips has been with Eagle Strategies since 2007 and concurrently associated with New York Life entities and Phillips Financial Group, LLC since 2006. Outside of his advisory work, he serves on several local boards including the McDowell County Schools and Mission Hospital McDowell, and is involved with the Marion Business Association. Eagle Strategies LLC provides financial planning, investment advisory, and retirement plan consulting services to individuals, employer-sponsored retirement plans, trusts, charitable organizations, and corporate clients. The firm emphasizes client-directed solutions through a network of over 2,000 advisors and utilizes third-party managers and model portfolios rather than firm-controlled discretionary mandates.

Daniel Collinson is a financial advisor with Truist Advisory Services, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. He has been with Truist Investment Services since 2022 and previously worked at Truist from 2004 to 2022. Outside of his advisory role, he manages a rental property in Charlotte, North Carolina. Truist Advisory Services is a large SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, corporations, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm offers both discretionary and non-discretionary investment solutions using model portfolios, third-party managers, and advisor-led asset allocation, supported by research shared across affiliated channels.

Ashley Gallion is a financial advisor with First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. in Morganton, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 19 years of industry experience. She has been with First Citizens Investor Services since 2010. First Citizens Investor Services, Inc. provides investment advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individuals, trusts, charitable organizations, pension plans, and businesses. The firm uses a client-centered approach combining risk- and outcomes-based asset allocation with discretionary and non-discretionary management, supported by fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis.

Thomas Robinson is a financial advisor with VOYA Financial Advisors, Inc., holding a Series 66 designation and seven years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Equitable Distributors, CUSO Financial Services, CUNA Brokerage Services, and Truliant Federal Credit Union. Outside of finance, he is a professional musician. VOYA Financial Advisors, Inc. offers investment advisory, brokerage, financial planning, and retirement plan services to a diverse client base, including individuals, charitable organizations, corporations, and plan sponsors. The firm employs a mix of model portfolios and manager-driven strategies, providing both discretionary and non-discretionary investment programs.

Catherine Morris Nink is a financial advisor with Eagle Strategies (NY Life) in Marion, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. Her prior roles include positions at Nylife Securities LLC, Phillips Financial Group LLC, and Pharo Management, Inc. Eagle Strategies LLC serves individuals, employer-sponsored retirement plans, trusts, charitable organizations, and corporate clients by providing financial planning, investment advisory, and retirement plan consulting services through a network of over 2,000 investment adviser representatives. The firm emphasizes client-directed solutions using third-party managers and model portfolios and reported approximately $25.4 billion in regulatory assets under management as of December 31, 2024.

Laura Chatham is a financial advisor at Truist Advisory Services with 25 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has worked at Truist and its predecessor firms since 2000. Outside of finance, she owns and operates a photography business specializing in family portraits and special events. Truist Advisory Services is a large SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, corporations, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a range of discretionary and non-discretionary investment solutions combining model portfolios, third-party managers, and advisor-led asset allocation and fund monitoring.

James Engelman Jr. is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with five years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has previously worked at Transamerica Life Insurance Company and American United Life. His experience also includes a background outside of finance at Quality Care Transmission & Auto. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies through a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors.

John Branstrom is a ChFC® credentialed financial advisor with 50 years of industry experience. He has worked at OSAIC since 2024 and previously spent 26 years with MassMutual Life Insurance Co. and MML Investors Services, Inc., as well as two years at Woodbury Financial Services. Outside of his advisory role, Branstrom is involved in life and health insurance services through his agency, J Branstrom and Associates. 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 offers a range of advisory and brokerage services, leveraging technology-driven asset allocation and portfolio optimization tools, and supports over 6,200 advisors with approximately $200 billion in assets under management.

William Haugen is a CFP® with 55 years of industry experience, currently with Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016. He previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC from 2009 to 2016. Haugen serves as a board member of the Downtown Development Association of Morganton, NC. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services. The firm’s advisory process is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, with a broad range of financial products including insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.

Rodney Kirkner is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 45 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and has previously worked at Grove Point Advisors LLC, Grove Point Investments, LLC, and Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation. In addition to his advisory work, he is involved in insurance sales related to non-variable insurance products. 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 broad network of investment adviser representatives.

Martin Sohovich is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Morganton, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and having 27 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. since 1998. 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 strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, managing approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management.

Adam Queler is a CFP® professional with 19 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with OSAIC since 2024. He has previously worked at Woodbury Financial Services and Raymond James Financial Services, among other firms. Outside of his advisory work, he is involved with the NC Saints Baseball Academy and the First United Methodist Church of Gastonia, NC. OSAIC is an SEC-registered investment adviser and FINRA member broker-dealer serving a diverse clientele including individual investors, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a comprehensive investment process incorporating risk tolerance assessments, asset allocation software, and portfolio optimization tools, and supports thousands of advisors with access to multiple custodial platforms and a range of investment products.

Chad Burel is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Morganton, NC, holding a Series 66 designation with 13 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2013. Outside of his advisory role, he is a shareholder in a boat rental company and owns rental property. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, managing approximately $1.01 trillion in assets. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, supported by a large national network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Marsha Carver is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Morganton, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 26 years of industry experience. She has worked at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and previously at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC from 2009 to 2016. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services grounded in modern portfolio theory and tailored to plan objectives and risk tolerances. The firm’s offerings include a broad range of investment options such as insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep programs.

James Boles is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Marion, NC, holding the CFP® designation and Series 66 license. He has seven years of industry experience, including five years at Enterprise Holdings before joining Edward Jones in 2018. Outside of his advisory role, he volunteers with WMIT Blue Ridge Broadcasting, assisting with event setup and engaging with attendees. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including various types of households and organizations. The firm manages over $1 trillion in assets across a nationwide network of more than 23,000 financial advisors and offers a range of advisory programs with discretionary and non-discretionary strategies.

Thomas Perkins Jr. is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Spruce Pine, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and seven years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2018 and previously worked at Verizon Wireless from 2015 to 2018. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management and offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions through a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Teresa Redman is a CFP® professional affiliated with LPL Financial, with seven years of industry experience. Her prior roles include positions at Modera Wealth Management, Parsec Financial Management, and Smith Miller & Buff, CPA, PA. She is based in Morganton, North Carolina. 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 investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Brenda White is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Morganton, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 29 years of industry experience. She has been with Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and previously worked at Wells Fargo Advisors LLC for seven years. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as vice president, secretary, and bookkeeper for an automobile dealership, Waynes Auto Sales Inc. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both non-discretionary and discretionary services. The firm’s advisory process is IPS-driven and includes a range of investment options, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.

Rachel Gilley is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Morganton, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. She previously worked at Bank of America for nine years before joining Edward Jones. Gilley serves as the finance chair and a board member of Thrive (formerly Caldwell Senior Center) in Lenoir, NC, where she helps organize events, manage sponsorships, and oversee financial operations. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth households and charitable organizations. The firm manages over $1 trillion in assets under management and offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies under a fiduciary standard.

Brooke Smith is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Edward Jones in Morganton, NC, where she has worked since 2022. She has three years of industry experience and previously worked at OneH2, Inc. and Western Piedmont Community College. Outside of her advisory role, she occasionally assists with event support at Morganton Community House. 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 supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Thomas Blackwell Sr. is a financial advisor with Mass Mutual Investors Services, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 28 years of industry experience. He has worked with Mass Mutual entities since 2014. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved as a business partner in a real estate venture. Mass Mutual Investors Services operates as a broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and employers. The firm provides financial planning, asset management, and educational seminars, structuring engagements as collaborative, annual relationships using firm-approved analytical tools.

Rondal Mulwee is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 22 years of industry experience, including 23 years at Edward Jones. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 credentials. Mulwee serves as Chairman of the Board for the Burke County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Western Piedmont Board of Trustees in Morganton, NC. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with over $1 trillion in assets under management. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions, supported by a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Michael Daye is a financial advisor at Raymond James Financial with 18 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. since 2009. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as operations manager and financial advisor at Joe Davis Financial Associates, LLC. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. provides financial planning and investment consulting to a diverse client base including individual investors, pension plans, charitable organizations, and municipal entities. The firm emphasizes non-discretionary advisory services supported by extensive research and a broad affiliate network.

Robert Brockland is a financial advisor with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors in Morganton, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 28 years of industry experience. He has been affiliated with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors since 2013 and with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. since 2006. Brockland is also a board member of the Western Piedmont Home Builders Association. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors serves a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and pension/profit-sharing plans through a large network of independent financial professionals. The firm offers financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement plan advisory services with a range of investment approaches, including model portfolios and third-party strategists.

John Black Jr. is a ChFC® credentialed financial advisor with 39 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with LPL Financial since 2004. He is based in Morganton, NC, and holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved in managing fixed insurance products. LPL Financial serves a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, charities, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a broad range of advisory and brokerage services supported by an in-house research team and a variety of investment solutions tailored to client needs.

Joseph Anderson is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with seven years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has previously worked at NC Farm Bureau and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. Anderson is based in Morganton, NC. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and provides a range of advisory programs and investment options through a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Allison Weaver is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Morganton, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL Financial, she held various roles in education and childcare, including positions at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and as a nanny. Outside of her advisory work, she is involved in childcare services. 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 wide range of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and combines large-scale advisory operations with non-advisory product activities such as insurance and credit services.

Myron Stephens is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Morganton, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and six years of industry experience. He worked at Blue Ridge HealthCare from 2007 to 2019 before joining Edward Jones. Outside of his advisory role, Stephens is the owner of M & K Collectibles, a business focused on buying and selling sports memorabilia and trading cards, and serves a six-year term as a trustee at First Baptist Church of Morganton. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a range of discretionary and non-discretionary investment strategies, supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors and over 15,000 branch offices.

Travis Mull is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Morganton, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and 12 years of industry experience. He has worked at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and previously at Bank of America. Mull serves as treasurer for the Morganton Downtown Development Association, a community leadership role. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services. The firm’s IPS-driven advisory process incorporates modern portfolio theory and includes a broad range of investment options, including insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep programs.

Harry Crosby III is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Spruce Pine, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 22 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2003. Outside of his advisory role, Crosby serves as an assistant cross country coach for Avery County Schools during the fall season. 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 through a nationwide network of over 23,700 advisors, offering a range of discretionary and non-discretionary investment strategies, affiliated mutual funds, and tax-efficient services under a fiduciary standard.

Scott Brooks is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, holding a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Prudential Insurance, LoyaltyEdge LLC, and American Express. Outside of his advisory work, he is a co-owner of rental properties in Morganton, NC. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving a broad range of individual and institutional clients. The firm manages over $1 trillion in assets and offers a variety of investment strategies and affiliated services through a large network of advisors and branch offices.

Samuel Dyer is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Bank of America, Linville Ridge Country Club, Appalachian State University, and Chick-fil-A Restaurants. Merrill serves a diverse client base, including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutional clients, offering managed account programs, discretionary portfolio management, and brokerage services. The firm emphasizes manager selection and monitoring through multiple investment program strategies and benefits from integration with Bank of America affiliates and capital-markets platforms.

Tyler Barnhardt is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Morganton, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and six years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2019 and previously had a role at Quest Capital Strategies in 2019. Outside of his advisory role, Barnhardt serves as president of the Mountain View Bobcats Athletics booster club and is involved with the Rotary Club of Morganton. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and operates a large national network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Daniel Steinberg is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley with 29 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association since 2015 and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney since 2009. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs including tailored financial planning through its Financial Advisors and Estate Planning Strategies Group. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and uses a structured planning process that incorporates firm-approved tools and modeling techniques.

Joseph Davis III is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial in Wilmington, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 36 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James Financial and its affiliate since 2006. Outside of his advisory role, Davis owns and operates a storage and moving business. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. serves a diverse client base including individual investors, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, charitable organizations, and institutional entities. The firm offers financial planning and non-discretionary investment consulting through Wealth Advisory Services and institutional solutions, emphasizing client collaboration and tailored investment strategies.

Rachel Weiland is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with Edward Jones in Morganton, NC, and has six years of industry experience. She has worked at Edward Jones since 2019 and has held various positions outside finance, including roles in hospitality, photography, and athletic performance. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, including high-net-worth households and corporate entities. The firm offers a range of investment advisory programs and maintains a large network of financial advisors and branch offices across the country.

Jordan Greene is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Morganton, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 10 years of industry experience. He has been with LPL Financial since 2015. 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.

Juan Suarez is a financial advisor at Edelman Financial Engines with 24 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has previously worked at firms including Rocket Mortgage, LPL Financial, and AXA Advisors. Outside of his advisory role, he owns a mattress sales business in Marion, NC. Edelman Financial Engines provides technology-enabled investment advisory services for workplace retirement accounts, IRAs, taxable accounts, and institutional clients. The firm manages both model-based and customized portfolios, serving a large client base through advisor-led and online offerings.

William Cannon Jr. is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 21 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has been with LPL Financial since 2011. 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.

Kimberly Chmielewski is a CFP® professional with five years of industry experience, currently with Prime Capital Financial. Her prior roles include positions at United Capital Financial Advisers, Davidson Capital, Fidelity Brokerage Services, Raymond James Financial Services, and Gulf Coast Advisory Group. Outside of financial advising, she is also licensed as a real estate agent with Tidal Realty Group. Prime Capital Financial is an enterprise firm with 255 advisors, serving clients through a comprehensive investment approach.