For 20 years, I built a career in banking — 17 of those at Eastman Credit Union in East Tennessee, where I helped families with lending, banking, and their first steps toward investing. In 2018, I discovered Financial Independence, and it changed everything. I restructured our finances, optimized our tax strategy, and built toward FI while still working full time. When we got there, I left banking to build the advisory firm I wish I'd had along the way. I earned my CFP® and became an IRS Enrolled Agent because I wanted to bring financial planning and tax expertise together under one roof. I built OptimalPath Advisors as a fee-only, flat-fee firm because I believe your advisor's cost should reflect the work — not the size of your portfolio. My approach is advice-first and fiduciary. Every client starts with a comprehensive financial plan that includes a Financial Independence Score — a single, clear number (inspired by pension-style funded ratios) that tells you exactly how on track you are. No abstract Monte Carlo probabilities. Just a real number you can act on. From there, you choose the level of ongoing support that fits. Navigator clients get year-round planning, quarterly check-ins, and tax preparation included — while keeping control of their own investments. Summit clients get everything in Navigator plus hands-on investment management, rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting. Both tiers include tax prep at no extra cost. I work best with FI-minded professionals — DIY investors, early retirees, equity comp recipients, and busy families who want clear direction without product sales, commissions, or percentage-of-assets fees. I live in East Tennessee with my wife, Amanda, and our two dogs, Molly and Peach. We spend as much time as possible outdoors — in the mountains, on trails, and visiting National Parks across the country. Whether you're building toward FI, navigating an early retirement transition, or figuring out what comes next after hitting your number, I'm here to help you move forward — intentionally and in control.

Jan Wise is a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding CFP® and ChFC® designations and over 31 years of industry experience. He has been with Commonwealth Financial Network since 2004, with a brief transition in 2024, and is also president and co-owner of Wise Wealth, LLC, which operates in securities, advisory, and insurance services. Commonwealth Financial Network serves a national network of approximately 2,950 advisors, providing advisory programs and back-office support including operations, trading, technology, investment management, and compliance. The firm offers a variety of investment solutions and model portfolios, supporting advisors who deliver personalized financial advice under Commonwealth’s supervision.

Darla Leblanc is a financial advisor with OSAIC Institutions, Inc., holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and having 23 years of industry experience. She has worked at Infinex Investments, Inc. and First Community Bank of East TN since 2010, and previously at U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. and Uvest Financial Services Group, Inc. Leblanc also assists with customer service at First Community Bank of East TN on a part-time basis. OSAIC Institutions, Inc. is an SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plans, trusts, estates, and corporate clients through a network of adviser representatives. The firm offers customized advisory services, financial planning, ERISA plan services, and access to alternative investments, operating a hybrid adviser/broker-dealer model with a focus on client choice in account management.

Ronald Berard is a financial advisor with Valic Financial Advisors holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has three years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Empower Advisory Group, LLC, Empower Financial Services, Inc., and Griffin Fowlers Farmers Insurance Agency. He also has a background with Patriot Home Inspection and spent 15 years involved with Tri-State Baptist Church. Valic Financial Advisors, Inc. is an SEC-registered investment adviser and FINRA-member broker-dealer serving U.S. individuals, including high net worth clients, as well as employer-sponsored retirement participants. The firm offers portfolio management, financial planning, and discretionary unified managed accounts through a large network of advisors.

Marty Dobbins is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Rogersville, TN, with 18 years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation. He has been with Edward Jones since 2007. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as President of the Rogersville-Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a broad range of investment advisory programs and maintains a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.