Beth Deal is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Hickory, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 33 years of industry experience. She has been with Ameriprise and its predecessor since 1992. Outside of her advisory role, she manages BRM Management Group, a business established to support her practice operations. Ameriprise offers a retirement-income planning service targeting individuals approaching or in retirement with substantial investable assets, combining research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to provide written recommendations. The firm serves a broad client base through advisory, brokerage, and insurance solutions typical of large institutional firms.

David Balok is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Denver, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and having 34 years of industry experience. He has been with Linsco/Private Ledger Corp. since 2006, totaling 20 years at that firm. He also operates a wealth management business under the name David R. Balok Wealth Management. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals—including both high-net-worth and non-HNW clients—retirement plans, banks, credit unions, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, financial planning, and brokerage services, providing both discretionary and non-discretionary management supported by research from multiple sources.

Thomas Druckenbrod is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who specializes in retirement income and wealth management planning. With over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, he focuses on helping individuals set realistic financial goals and develop outcome-oriented strategies using Merrill's customized advice and Bank of America Global Research. Thomas holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and has earned multiple professional designations, including Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). His client focus areas include college education planning, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, special needs planning strategies, women and wealth, and retirement income. In addition to his professional work, Thomas is involved in his community as a church volunteer. Outside of work, his personal interests include adventure sports, chess, fishing, ice skating, table tennis, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Kirk Messick is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has worked since 2012. He began his career in the financial services industry in 2006 with Wachovia Securities. Kirk holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He earned his high school diploma from West Iredell High School. With over sixteen years of experience, Kirk focuses on goal setting and retirement planning, specializing in consolidation and distribution of retirement and pension plans. He employs Goals Based Wealth Management, creating personalized strategies to help clients pursue their financial goals through a structured process of defining objectives and implementing solutions. His approach emphasizes putting the client's interests first and building trust through integrity and hard work. Outside of his professional role, Kirk participates in community activities such as coaching the All Pro Dads Odell Elementary Chapter and serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. His personal interests include hiking, spending time with his family, and watching movies.

Mark Kuznitz is a financial advisor at Ameriprise with 33 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and previously worked at Bank of America and Merrill from 2009 to 2023. Kuznitz is based in Denver, NC. Ameriprise offers a retirement-income planning service targeted at individuals approaching or in retirement with substantial investable assets. The firm combines research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to provide customized, non-discretionary recommendations supported by a centralized consulting team.

Thomas Francomano is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he partners with individuals, families, and business owners to accumulate and preserve wealth tailored to their short and long-term goals. He joined The Lake Norman Group of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2018 as a Financial Advisor in Boulder, CO, and returned to the Charlotte, NC area in 2020. Thomas works closely with clients to develop customized and comprehensive wealth management strategies that consider their risk tolerance and the dynamics of changing markets. He provides regular reviews and periodic contact to track progress towards goals and make appropriate recommendations. His expertise includes areas such as college education planning, corporate benefits, divorce transition planning, and retirement planning. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Colorado State University and has earned the designations of CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Thomas is involved in the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and participates in community activities, including coaching youth lacrosse and volunteering with the Big Brother Big Sister program.

Eileen Stoner is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 29 years of industry experience. She has worked at Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A. and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC since 2021, following a decade at UBS Financial Services. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both individual and institutional clients with a range of advisory programs, including tailored financial planning. The firm manages approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets and emphasizes a structured financial planning process supported by firm-approved tools and scenario modeling.

Toni Clarke is a financial advisor with Merrill in Huntersville, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 12 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Michelle Heide & Associates and Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Clarke is involved as a part-time, nonpaying member of the Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County, a charitable organization focused on cultural and community support. 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, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutions.

Caleb Cheyney is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works closely with clients to develop personalized financial plans that align with their unique goals and priorities, focusing on areas such as retirement planning, portfolio management, tax minimization, and special needs planning strategies. Caleb leverages the resources of Merrill and Bank of America to assist federal employees, medical professionals, and business leaders in preparing for well-structured retirements. Caleb holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Carolina System and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) as well as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His approach emphasizes understanding clients' individual circumstances and providing clear, disciplined guidance to help them manage their financial futures confidently. Outside of his professional work, Caleb enjoys basketball, football, music, pickleball, and spending time with his family. He is also involved in the community through his participation with Niner United at UNC Charlotte.

Metin Kurkcu is a financial advisor at Fidelity with 21 years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation. His prior experience includes roles at Bank of America, Merrill, Raymond James Financial Services, and the International Franchise Professionals Group. Fidelity's Strategic Advisers LLC, where Kurkcu is based, provides investment management and advisory services to retail and institutional clients, employing a blend of fundamental research, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic portfolio construction to manage diversified portfolios and fund advisory services.

Robert Carrington II is a financial advisor at Primerica Advisors with four years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Primerica Advisors since 2020. Prior to this, he was employed at Medi Weightloss and ECPI University, among other roles. Outside of advising, he is involved in sales of loan products and home-related services through affiliated companies. Primerica Advisors provides discretionary asset management through its Lifetime Investment Program, serving individual and high-net-worth clients with model-delivery strategies and a limited selection of separately managed accounts. The firm uses third-party asset managers and offers a tiered wrap-fee structure, focusing on curated investment models rather than institutional portfolio management.

Karen Anderson is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She joined Merrill in 2004, bringing over 20 years of executive sales, marketing, and business development experience from her previous roles at a major consumer products company and a start-up. Karen works closely with a select group of clients, often including multiple generations of the same family, to coordinate all aspects of their financial lives. She focuses on preparing clients for future uncertainties as well as financial opportunities, offering services ranging from income planning strategies to transferring wealth and financial education for the next generations. Karen's expertise encompasses executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, small business strategies, women and wealth, tax minimization, and retirement income. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan and has earned professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Karen is also affiliated with professional organizations such as NextUp and Procter & Gamble Alumni. Outside of her professional duties, Karen is involved in community organizations including The First Tee of Greater Charlotte, the University of Michigan Alumni Association - Charlotte, and the Women's Impact Fund in Charlotte. She lives in Lake Norman with her husband and two daughters, and her personal interests include golf, health and wellness, and community service.

Michael Bird is a financial advisor with Merrill in Cornelius, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and 25 years of industry experience. He has worked at Merrill and Bank of America since 2014. Outside of his advisory role, he maintains a rental property where he manages tenant relations. 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, offering model-based and discretionary strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

Benjamin Ritchie is a financial advisor at Thrivent Investment Management with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at 84 Lumber, Ritchies Pressure, Jem Clean INC., and Kool Park Pool. Thrivent Investment Management provides Dedicated Planning Services to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit clients, offering goal-based financial planning without discretionary portfolio management, and allows clients to combine planning with managed accounts under a consolidated billing option called “WealthPlan.”

Nicole Mccoy is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 28 years of industry experience. Her career includes nearly two decades at Wachovia Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Clearing. She works with Pinnacle Asset Management in a non-investment capacity, referring clients and collaborating with partners. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. provides financial planning and investment consulting to a diverse clientele, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors. The firm uses analytical tools and tailored advisory programs, with notable offerings in municipal finance and SIMPLE IRA employer advisory services.

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.

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.

Charles Utz is the Senior Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch, leading the Lake Norman office since 2006. He has more than 20 years of experience in financial services and wealth management, having started his career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2000 after two years with The Hartford. Charles and his team of six professionals focus on delivering tailored financial advice and comprehensive service to high-net-worth individuals and business owners. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Charles emphasizes understanding his clients’ financial priorities by listening closely to their current situations, future objectives, and concerns, then designing customized portfolio strategies. His approach is based on disciplined wealth management principles that are adaptable to changing economic conditions, enabling clients to focus on their priorities throughout different stages of life. Residing in the Lake Norman area with his wife and three children, Charles enjoys an active lifestyle that includes triathlons, golf, running, tennis, and lake activities.

Alexander Bishop is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Davidson, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and 25 years of industry experience. He has been with Ameriprise and its affiliated entities since 2005. Ameriprise offers a retirement-income planning service targeting clients with significant investable assets, combining research, modeling, and tax-efficiency analysis to provide non-discretionary, written recommendations. The firm serves individuals approaching or in retirement and provides a broad range of advisory, brokerage, and insurance solutions through affiliated companies.

Henry Wepner is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors with nine years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked within various Wells Fargo entities since 2016. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as Treasurer for the Newton Depot Authority in Newton, NC, where he participates in meetings, reviews financial reports, and volunteers for community projects. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network provides investment and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, and institutions, offering a broad range of planning services including cash-flow, retirement, education, and specialized planning areas. The firm uses proprietary research and tools to develop tailored recommendations, with clients able to implement advice through brokerage or advisory programs as they choose.