Nicholas Murphy is a CFP® with 23 years of industry experience, currently serving as an advisor at Counterweight Private Wealth since 2023. His prior roles include positions at RBC Wealth Management and Waddell & Reed. He is also a member of the board of directors for Raleigh DreamCenter, a local outreach ministry. Counterweight Private Wealth is an SEC-registered investment adviser that serves individuals, trusts, small businesses, and retirement plans. The firm offers active asset management, financial planning, retirement-plan advisory services, and affiliated tax preparation, managing approximately $207 million on a discretionary basis with a focus on tailored portfolios and comprehensive planning.

Lynn Matheron is a financial advisor at Masonboro Advisors in Wilmington, NC, with three years of industry experience. She holds a Series 65 designation and has held positions at Capital Investment Advisory Services, Glasgow & Associates, and Coldwell Banker Sea Coast, among others. In addition to her advisory role, she is a licensed independent insurance agent. Masonboro Advisors is an SEC-registered firm managing approximately $206 million for individuals, trusts, corporations, and high-net-worth clients. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management, comprehensive financial planning, and sub-advisory services, using a tailored, asset-allocation approach that includes mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities, and structured notes through its Yield Enhancement Strategy.

I’ve always been fascinated by money, but I never planned on working in finance. Fresh out of college I moved to Columbus, Ohio to live with my wife while she finished up grad school. I needed a job, and I stumbled my way into a role at Morgan Stanley by responding to a sketchy Craigslist ad. I was about 70% certain it was a scam. Luckily it wasn’t, and I got the job! It was a great learning experience, and I got my feet wet while learning the industry fundamentals there. After a few years though my dad recruited me to return to my hometown in Charlotte, NC to help run the family business in the natural gas industry. I loved working with family, but ultimately decided my heart wasn’t in it. Discussing thread counts on screws and the viscosity of silicone didn’t get my intellectual juices flowing. Meanwhile I was spending countless hours of my free time researching personal finance and finally had the realization “why don’t I make a career out of this?” So I made the difficult decision (sorry, dad) to transition back into finance with a job at Vanguard. I was right. This was finally scratching that intellectual itch. But I wanted to make a more personal impact on people’s lives, and I couldn’t accomplish that as a tiny cog in a giant machine. So I took jobs at a few smaller firms where I was able to develop personal relationships with clients, get their finances on track, and help them accomplish their goals. Now this was my jam! During my time there I worked with clients in tech and realized how much complexity there was in managing their finances. Managing their company equity was complicated! Managing their stock options was extra complicated! But I loved the complexity, I loved the people, and I loved the look on their face when it all finally came together. Soon though, I began to get the entrepreneurial itch (thanks, dad) to start my own firm. I knew exactly who I wanted to work with – tech professionals. I saw first hand the impact I could have in their lives. That was my inspiration for founding Tech Financial Planning. Now I get to put it all together: intellectual fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and personal impact, all while working with awesome folk in tech solving their complex problems. Now that’s what I call a dream job! As for a bit about my personal life, in 2022 I celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary with my amazing wife, Allie. We met in high school and survived a 4-year long distance relationship during college while she attended school in Ohio and I attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. We have two amazing kids, Elliot and Reya, and an adorable, yet clingy Australian Shepherd named Cassie. I value experiences over things, so my wife and I love traveling domestically and internationally to explore new places and cultures. I’m also a firm believer that you don’t need to spend money to have fun, so I’m always exploring my current hometown, Nashville, for fun, free activities. I love board games, I’m an avid podcast listener, and I’m always on the lookout for a great show to binge.

Eric Cerrone is a financial advisor at Harborside Capital with six years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and has worked at Harborside Capital since 2019, following a prior tenure at Liberty Capital Inc from 2006 to 2022. Harborside Capital provides discretionary portfolio management and advisory services to individuals, including high-net-worth clients, as well as entities such as LLCs, corporations, and trusts. The firm combines medium- to long-term positions with selective short-term trading, employing a range of analytical methods and actively trading derivatives, futures, options, and digital assets within client accounts.

Douglas Isenberg is the sole advisor at Neuse River Capital, LLC, an independent firm based in Wilmington, NC. He holds a Series 66 designation and has 18 years of industry experience. Prior to founding Neuse River Capital in 2011, he developed a combined JD/MBA background. Outside of his advisory role, Isenberg maintains a separate practice in life coaching. Neuse River Capital provides discretionary portfolio management primarily for individual households, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations, with a focus on customizing asset allocations according to client-specific risk tolerance, income needs, and tax considerations. The firm employs both fundamental and technical analysis across various investment vehicles and offers paid analysis of held-away assets while relying on an institutional custodian for trade execution and operational support.

Darren Rock is the principal advisor at Rock Financial Planning, LLC in Wilmington, NC. He holds a Series 65 credential and has recently transitioned into the financial advisory field following a 21-year career in the United States Marine Corps and subsequent roles in consulting and technology. Rock Financial Planning, LLC provides fee-only, comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services primarily to individuals and families, employing a long-term, passive investment strategy focused on asset allocation, diversification, and low-cost, tax-efficient vehicles. The firm offers various engagement options, including ongoing advisory relationships and limited-scope consulting, and utilizes multiple billing structures rather than a single fee model.

Paige Grace is a financial advisor at Ronald R Geiger LLC in Wilmington, NC, holding a Series 65 designation with four years of industry experience. She has been with Ronald R Geiger LLC since 2016 and previously worked at Intracoastal Realty for ten years. Ronald R Geiger LLC serves individuals, including high-net-worth clients, charitable institutions, foundations, and endowments, providing financial planning through various services such as Wealth Achievement Plans, consultations, benefit plan consulting, seminars, and asset management. The firm uses client questionnaires to guide investment recommendations across bonds, stocks, closed-end funds, mutual funds, and ETFs, with accounts reviewed quarterly and managed predominantly on a non-discretionary basis.

David Doyle Sr. is a financial advisor with Coastal Capital Management, LLC in Wilmington, NC, holding Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses and 23 years of industry experience. He has been with Coastal Capital Management since 2014. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as a director of the Doyle Foundation, a family foundation, and is involved in teaching investment and option strategies through his website, On The Money Options. Coastal Capital Management provides portfolio management services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and business entities, using a combination of fundamental, technical, charting, and cyclical analysis. The firm employs long-term trading alongside options and margin strategies, offering discretionary management while operating under a fiduciary standard.

Mark Steven Rushwald is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with 47 years of industry experience, currently operating as the sole advisor at his independent firm in Wilmington, NC. He previously worked for Commonwealth Equity Services, Inc. for 21 years and has maintained his own practice since 1976. In addition to financial advising, he holds a license for insurance sales, which constitutes a small part of his overall practice. His firm provides discretionary asset management and financial advice primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, focusing on household portfolios. The investment approach is customized with tailored ETF allocations, including seasonal defensive strategies and stop-loss instructions, and the firm manages approximately $52 million in discretionary assets.

Peter Shammas is a CFP® professional with eight years of industry experience. He founded Shammas Financial Planning in 2023 after five years with Fidelity Personal and Workplace Advisors and prior roles at Fidelity Brokerage Services and Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company. The firm provides fee-only, project-based and ongoing financial planning services primarily to individuals and high-net-worth clients, emphasizing asset allocation with a combination of passive and active investment vehicles. Shammas Financial Planning does not offer investment management or discretionary trading but refers clients to third-party professionals when appropriate.

George Leamnson is the sole advisor at Leamnson Capital Advisory, LLC, an independent firm based in Leland, NC. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has 27 years of industry experience. Prior to founding his firm in 2011, he has been involved with The Money Mix since 2019, where he co-writes content for the online educational blog. Leamnson Capital Advisory provides personalized financial planning and discretionary investment management primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients. The firm manages portfolios directly, combining fundamental and technical analysis to construct diversified asset allocations, and maintains a small, closed client roster.

Brian Hilker is a financial advisor at Coastal Carolina Financial Partners LLC with five years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and previously worked at FBA Wealth Management, Realty One Group, and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Hilker is licensed to offer life insurance and annuities in North Carolina. Coastal Carolina Financial Partners primarily serves individual investors, including some high-net-worth clients, as well as a small number of business clients. The firm provides portfolio management and investment advisory services on a non-discretionary, consultative basis, focusing on fundamental security analysis and a generally conservative strategy using stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.

Megan Kopka is passionate about helping women—especially caregivers and widows—find financial security and the freedom to live fulfilling lives through intentional life planning and investing. Drawing from her diverse experiences as a former math teacher, wife, mom, widow, solo parent, caregiver, medical advocate, business owner, and feminist, Megan offers unique insights on integrating money with life values. Megan is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and a Registered Life Planner (RLP®), blending her personal, professional, and altruistic missions to serve clients meaningfully. She specializes in working with widows and caregivers, providing holistic financial guidance to help them navigate life transitions confidently. About Kopka Financial, LLC. Kopka Financial, LLC is a fiduciary-focused financial planning and investment management firm dedicated to meeting each client’s unique needs with integrity and transparency. As a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, Kopka Financial operates with your best interests as the top priority, ensuring every decision aligns with your goals, values, and financial well-being. Our mission is to guide you to your financial aspirations while easing your peace of mind. We simplify complex processes by assisting you with cumbersome paperwork and educating you in a way that eliminates industry jargon. The nuances, rules, and account types are explained based on how they fit your specific needs, risk tolerance, tax structure, and earning capabilities. At Kopka Financial, we strive to allocate your resources efficiently so you can confidently pursue your dreams. Working with Kopka Financial begins with a comprehensive financial plan. This plan serves as the foundation for understanding your goals, savings, and spending habits. We aim to ensure your money provides a lifestyle that fulfills you and aligns with what matters most to you. Planning gives us a framework for ongoing investment management, allowing us to adapt as your life and market conditions evolve. Kopka Financial takes a holistic approach to financial planning, helping you confidently navigate life’s transitions. By integrating personalized strategies into every plan, we work to grow and preserve your resources while advising you on using your cash flow to achieve your life goals. Our commitment to personalized service helps ensure clients feel empowered, informed, and secure in their financial future.

Steven Goodman is a financial advisor at Dominion Wealth Management, LLC in Wilmington, NC, holding a Series 66 designation with six years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at CoreCap Advisors, Dempsey Lord Smith, and Alphastar Capital Management, among others. Dominion Wealth Management is a supported advisory firm managing approximately $60 million for around 144 clients through three advisors. The firm provides discretionary investment management on a wrap-fee basis, utilizing quantitative methods and third-party research to guide portfolio construction and ongoing monitoring.

Randy Long is a CFP® credentialed financial advisor with 29 years of industry experience, currently serving at Long Family Office. He has managed Long Family Office since 1997 and also leads Long Business Advisors, a consulting firm focused on exit planning for business owners. Outside of advisory work, he is a director of Electronic Lab Logs, Inc., a software company for laboratory maintenance and quality control documentation. Long Family Office provides investment advisory services to individuals, trusts, corporations, and retirement plans, managing both discretionary and nondiscretionary accounts with approximately $51 million in assets under management. The firm employs a combination of modern portfolio theory, fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis to deliver personalized portfolio management, including insurance product offerings uncommon among firms of its size.

Webster Burrier IV is a financial advisor with MKT and Associates LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and possessing seven years of industry experience. Prior to joining MKT and Associates in 2025, he worked at Dominion Wealth Management, Avantax Insurance Agency, and several other firms. Outside the financial industry, he is involved as a partner in Electric Enclave LLC, a music events promotion business. MKT and Associates serves individual and high-net-worth clients as well as trusts, corporations, and retirement and profit-sharing plans, providing discretionary portfolio management and advice on retirement arrangements. The firm employs a mix of third-party money managers, model portfolios with tax-managed variants, and a range of investment vehicles, managing approximately $379 million across three advisors.

Steven Swierkowski is a CFP® with five years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at Counterweight Private Wealth. His prior roles include positions at Guardian Life Insurance Company and Park Avenue Securities. Outside of finance, he works as a lacrosse referee for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Counterweight Private Wealth is an SEC-registered adviser that provides discretionary asset management and financial planning to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, small businesses, and retirement plans. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis alongside Modern Portfolio Theory to construct targeted asset-allocation models, managing approximately $168 million for about 80 clients.

David Halling is a financial advisor at NICH Capital Partners, Inc. in Wilmington, NC, with 10 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and previously worked at Alaska Trust Company. Outside of his advisory role, he co-founded and manages an eCommerce business, Mackie Scientific LLC, and serves as Vice President of Sales for Quinte Financial Technologies. NICH Capital Partners provides discretionary asset management primarily for high-net-worth individuals, managing approximately $148 million in assets across 69 client relationships. The firm offers tailored portfolio management using a combination of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, with individualized portfolios and regular monitoring.

Ronald Copley is a CFA® charterholder with 14 years of industry experience. He has been with Copley Investment Management, LLC since 1985. He also provides business valuation and expert witness services on a limited basis. Copley Investment Management primarily serves individuals and families, as well as small businesses and qualified retirement plans. The firm uses a top-down, diversified investment approach focused on client-specific risk tolerance and employs ETFs to minimize fees.

Khalid Al Abid is a financial advisor at Symphony One Capital Management, LLC with two years of industry experience. He holds Series 65, Series 66, and Series 63 licenses. Prior to joining Symphony One, Khalid worked at Equitable Advisors and Wells Fargo. He also served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. Symphony One Capital Management is a state-registered advisory firm that serves individual, high-net-worth, institutional, and financial advisory clients. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management, proprietary quantitative strategies across multiple asset classes, private pooled investment vehicles, and model portfolios with performance-based compensation structures.