Marcus Johnson is a financial advisor with Merrill in Charlotte, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 14 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at LPL Financial, SpreeSocial LLC, and TIAA-CREF. He is also the owner of Top Choice Group LLC, a for-profit holding company. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth families, and institutional investors.

Zackery Hawkins is a financial advisor with Vanguard Advisers in Charlotte, NC, holding the CFP® designation and Series 63 and 65 licenses. He has 10 years of industry experience and has been with The Vanguard Group, Inc. since 2015. Vanguard Advisers provides both automated and human-supported investment advice to retail investors and participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans. The firm employs a goal-based, algorithm-driven approach using proprietary methodologies to construct portfolios primarily from Vanguard funds and ETFs, offering a variety of customization and tax-aware features.

William Swink is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Charlotte, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and eight years of industry experience. He has been with Wells Fargo Clearing and Wells Fargo Bank since 2019, following roles at Ameriprise Financial Services, Service 1st Mortgage, and other firms. Wells Fargo Advisors is a national securities firm offering investment advisory services, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individual, corporate, and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $671 billion in assets and provides both brokerage and advisory solutions, utilizing research from Wells Fargo Investment Institute and third-party sources to support portfolio construction.

Patricia Moore is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and 23 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 1999. Outside of her advisory role, she holds power of attorney for a family trust. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and various institutional accounts.

Sean Ryan is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. He has been with Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC since 2021 and previously worked at Wells Fargo from 2017 to 2021, as well as Lowe's from 2015 to 2017. 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 grounded in modern portfolio theory, with investment options that include insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep programs.

Sean Olert is a financial advisor at Merrill in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 66 designation with 21 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill since 2009. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with model-based and discretionary investment strategies.

Mike Madrid is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with eight years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2017 and previously served in the United States Military from 2013 to 2017 and briefly worked at Newell Brands in 2017. Based in Charlotte, NC, Madrid provides financial advisory services through Edward Jones. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management, serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated investment products, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Maxwell Clauss is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Cornelius, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and beginning his advisory career in 2025. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he held roles at River Valley Co-op and various organizations including The Libby Museum of Natural History and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both individual and institutional clients by providing a range of advisory programs and tailored financial planning, managing approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets. Their approach includes structured discovery conversations and the use of firm-approved planning tools to model financial outcomes.

Jack Schulte is a financial advisor at Vanguard Advisers with five years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63 and Series 66 licenses. His career includes roles at various Vanguard entities since 2021, as well as previous positions outside the financial industry. Vanguard Advisers provides automated and human-supported investment advice to retail investors and participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans. The firm utilizes a goal-based, algorithm-driven investment approach with portfolios primarily composed of Vanguard funds and ETFs, delivering services at scale through a combination of digital platforms and a large advisory team.

James Clardy is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing with 28 years of industry experience. He holds Series 65 and Series 66 credentials and previously worked at Bank of America, NA for eight years before joining Wells Fargo in 2018. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as a trustee for a family trust and is a member of the Membership Committee for the Construction Financial Management Association in Charlotte, NC. 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 advisory process is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, with a notable inclusion of insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options among its investment offerings.

Rebeca Lacayo is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Charlotte, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and three years of industry experience. She has been with Wells Fargo Clearing since 2022 and owns Three Brothers Deals LLC, a door installation business, as well as operating an online retail shop and creating DIY videos on YouTube. Wells Fargo Advisors is a national securities firm serving individual, corporate, and institutional clients with investment advisory services, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, managing approximately $671 billion in assets through a large network of financial advisors.

Donald Irwin is a financial advisor with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, holding a Series 66 designation and 22 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Cambridge Investment Research Advisors in 2024, he worked at Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation for 16 years. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as a committee member for both Sanctuary Counseling Group and St. Francis United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors serves a diverse client base including individual and institutional investors such as pension and charitable organizations. The firm offers financial planning, investment management, retirement-plan advisory, and wrap-fee programs through multiple platforms, supporting both discretionary and non-discretionary management while maintaining proprietary model strategies under the Founders Gate Capital brand.

Christopher Zehetmaier is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 11 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Gladstone Wealth Partners, LPL Financial, and GWN Securities Inc. before joining Equitable Advisors. Equitable Advisors serves a diverse client base including individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations, providing financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and asset management programs through a network of Investment Adviser Representatives. The firm utilizes a variety of third-party advisory models and offers services covering mutual funds, ETFs, separately managed accounts, alternative investments, and ERISA fiduciary services.

Samuel Pennell Jr. is a Wealth Management Advisor and co-founder of the 282 Group of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his role, he partners with individuals, families, and institutions to develop strategies focused on helping clients pursue their long-term financial goals. He applies a comprehensive advisory approach that includes investment planning, risk management, and retirement readiness. Sam works with clients across the investment spectrum, providing guidance on portfolio construction, retirement income planning, liquidity solutions, and financial goal setting tailored to individual objectives. He holds the designations of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Sam earned his Bachelor's Degree from NC State University. Outside of his professional work, Sam spends time with his wife, Ashleigh, and their two children. They support the NC State Wolfpack, enjoy hiking, visit South Carolina's beaches, and he pursues his interest in music by attending live shows and record stores. He is also actively involved in the greater Charlotte community through his church and volunteer activities.

Christopher Hart is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing with a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. His background includes service in the United States Navy and entrepreneurial involvement with Verde Mexican Nuevo Latin Fusion in Charlotte, NC. He also has experience working at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Wells Fargo Advisors is a national securities firm serving individual, corporate, and institutional clients with investment advisory services, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting. The firm manages approximately $671 billion in assets and offers both brokerage and advisory solutions supported by research from Wells Fargo Investment Institute and third-party sources.

Aminata Toure is a financial advisor at Vanguard Advisers in Charlotte, NC, holding Series 65 and Series 63 licenses. She has been with Vanguard and its affiliated entities since 2026 and has no prior industry experience. Outside of her advisory role, she previously worked in other sectors, including a cleaning business. Vanguard Advisers provides automated and human-supported investment advice to retail investors and participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans. The firm employs a goal-based, algorithm-driven investment approach using proprietary methodologies to set personalized asset allocations, largely utilizing Vanguard funds and ETFs with various customization and tax-aware features.

Matthew Collins is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor at Edward Jones in Charlotte, NC, with five years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Ameriprise, SECU Brokerage Services, SECU Life Insurance Company, State Employees' Credit Union, and Wells Fargo. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds. The firm operates under a fiduciary standard and is notable for its extensive retail advisor and branch network, as well as its affiliated trust and securities-based lending services.

Justin Plante is a financial advisor at Fisher Investments with 19 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and previously worked at Hennion & Walsh, Inc. and Nuveen Securities LLC. Based in Charlotte, NC, he has been with Fisher Investments since 2026. Fisher Investments serves a global mix of institutional and private clients, offering discretionary portfolio management across equity, fixed-income, and blended mandates. The firm utilizes a centralized Investment Policy Committee and employs tax-aware strategies and risk management techniques, serving a diverse client base that includes pension plans, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

Lisa Premo is a financial advisor with Merrill in Charlotte, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 20 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2007 and has also worked at Bank of America, N.A. since 2011. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through model-based and discretionary strategies. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors, offering investment solutions designed and implemented by internal teams and third-party managers.

Maghan Kuehl is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing with eight years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Wells Fargo Clearing Services, Wells Fargo Bank, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, InnoSource, U.S. Bank, and U.S. Bancorp Investments. 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 a broad range of financial products, including insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.