I'm Zach, founder and lead advisor of Mount Vernon Financial, an independent fee-only fiduciary RIA based in Mount Vernon, Ohio, serving clients across the state and beyond. I started this firm because too many people get advice that's built around a product or a sales quota instead of their actual life and I wanted to build something more personal. My desire is that all prospects and clients can see that I start from a place of genuine care. Trust is only built if care, integrity and honesty are evident. As an advisor, I lean on evidence-based investing and tax-efficient planning. I hold the CEP and CFP® designations. Before starting Mount Vernon Financial, I spent years with High-Net-worth clients helping with equity planning through corporate brokerage solutions at Morgan Stanley and advising clients directly at TD Ameritrade. I've seen how both big firms and everyday investors operate, and I built this practice to give you the best of both. Mount Vernon Financial is intentionally set up alongside a local CPA firm, so your tax picture and your financial plan aren't living in two separate silos. Whether you're starting off, nearing retirement, or somewhere in between, I would be honored to have a conversation to see where we can help.

Robert Chester is the principal of Chester Financial Services LLC, an independent advisory firm based in Fredericktown, Ohio. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has 19 years of industry experience. Since 2012, he has also worked as an independent insurance agent, providing insurance sales and service outside of his advisory role. Chester Financial Services offers fee-only investment portfolio advisory and financial planning to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, estates, corporations, and retirement plan sponsors. The firm provides customized portfolio management and ERISA retirement plan consulting, utilizing a combination of Modern Portfolio Theory and fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis in its investment approach.

Stephen Dennis is a financial advisor with Lincoln Douglas Investments, LLC in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He holds a Series 63 designation and has 24 years of industry experience. Dennis has been with Lincoln Douglas Investments since 2011, working as part of an eight-advisor team. Lincoln Douglas Investments provides portfolio management and financial planning services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, and small business entities. The firm uses a combination of technical charting, fundamental analysis, and cyclical approaches to build client portfolios across various asset classes.

Brandon Bullock is a financial advisor at Lincoln Douglas Investments, LLC with 21 years of industry experience. He has been with Lincoln Douglas Investments since 2010. In addition to his advisory role, he is a licensed property and casualty, life, and health insurance sales agent. Lincoln Douglas Investments provides portfolio management and financial planning services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, and small business entities. The firm employs a mix of technical charting, fundamental analysis, and cyclical approaches to build portfolios tailored to client risk profiles.

Terry Hill is a financial advisor at Lincoln Douglas Investments, LLC with 40 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with Lincoln Douglas since 2014. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved in selling life, medical, and Medicare supplemental insurance as an insurance agent. Lincoln Douglas Investments provides portfolio management and financial planning services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, and small businesses. The firm employs a variety of investment strategies based on client risk profiles, using technical charting, fundamental analysis, and cyclical approaches.

Kenneth Dennis is a financial advisor at Lincoln Douglas Investments, LLC with 31 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Lincoln Douglas Investments since 2010. Additionally, he is president and a stockholder of Dennis & Schisler, Inc., a CPA firm, where he has worked since 1980, focusing on tax return preparation and tax research. Lincoln Douglas Investments provides portfolio management and financial planning services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, and small businesses. The firm uses a combination of technical charting, fundamental analysis, and cyclical approaches to build client portfolios, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary account management.

Zachary Dennis is a financial advisor with Lincoln Douglas Investments, LLC, holding a Series 63 license and having 11 years of industry experience. He has worked at Lincoln Douglas Investments since 2013 and is also involved in fixed insurance and property & casualty insurance through Madison Collins Stevens Insurance. Additionally, he works as a driver for Lyft part-time outside of securities trading hours. Lincoln Douglas Investments, LLC is a team-based advisory firm serving primarily individual investors, as well as pension plans, trusts, and business entities. The firm manages portfolios using a range of strategies including equity positions, mutual funds, fixed income, and option strategies, with accounts reviewed at least annually.

Nick Burson is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with 15 years of industry experience. He has been with Lincoln Douglas Investments, LLC since 2011. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as the unpaid treasurer for the AM Spirit Chapter, a professional networking group. Lincoln Douglas Investments provides portfolio management and financial planning services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, and small businesses. The firm uses a combination of technical charting, fundamental analysis, and cyclical approaches to build and manage client portfolios.

Nathaniel Fowler is a financial advisor at Lincoln Douglas Investments, LLC with five years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Lincoln Douglas Investments since 2020. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved in cryptoeconomic research as an independent contractor and operates an online package and shipping retail business. Lincoln Douglas Investments provides portfolio management and financial planning services to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, and small businesses. The firm uses a combination of technical charting, fundamental analysis, and cyclical approaches to build diversified portfolios and offers programmatic management through an advisory program where it acts as broker-dealer.

Kevin Spearman is a financial advisor with ValMark Advisers, Inc. in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, holding a Series 63 designation and 29 years of industry experience. He has been with Valmark Securities, Inc. since 2005. Outside of his advisory role, he is president of Greenwave Racing, LLC, involved in standardbred horse ownership and racing. ValMark Advisers provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan advisory services to individuals, plan sponsors, and institutional clients through a network of approximately 280 advisors. The firm emphasizes diversified, goal-based model portfolios primarily using mutual funds, ETFs, and third-party managers, and offers a range of proprietary and third-party investment platforms.

Lauren Cooper is a financial advisor at CoreCap Advisors with 11 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 65 designation and has worked at CoreCap Advisors since 2014. In addition to her advisory role, Cooper is a partner at an elder law firm, COOPER, ADEL, VU, and ASSOCIATIES, LPA, where she manages a flexible schedule to accommodate her responsibilities at both entities. CoreCap Advisors offers discretionary investment and portfolio management as well as standalone financial planning to individuals, retirement accounts, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, and corporations. The firm uses a relationship-oriented approach with a long-term investment horizon, utilizing mutual funds, ETFs, individual equities, and fixed income, and employs sub-advisors and third-party asset managers to support its services.

Ryan Fischer is a financial advisor at CoreCap Advisors with two years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked in various roles including at FundThatFlip.com and Wayne Savings Bank prior to joining CoreCap. He is also active as a financial assistant at Cooper, Adel, Vu & Associates. CoreCap Advisors serves individuals, retirement plans, and institutional clients, offering discretionary investment management, financial planning, and access to third-party sub-advisors. The firm emphasizes long-term, relationship-oriented investment strategies with a focus on mutual funds, ETFs, equities, and bonds, along with oversight of affiliated asset managers.

Lance Spearman is a financial advisor with ValMark Advisers, Inc. in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, holding 29 years of industry experience. He has been with Valmark Securities, Inc. since 2005. Outside of his advisory role, he sells group health and life insurance contracts with carriers outside of ValMark’s insurance arrangements. ValMark Advisers serves individuals, including high-net-worth clients, plan sponsors, and institutional users through a network of approximately 280 investment advisory representatives. The firm offers diversified, goal-based model portfolios primarily using mutual funds, ETFs, and third-party managers, supported by proprietary platforms and comprehensive advisory and back-office services.

James Gundling is a financial advisor at CoreCap Advisors with one year of industry experience. He holds the Series 65 designation and previously worked with Cooper, Adel, Vu Financial and the Cleveland Cavaliers. His background includes roles in financial services and client account management. CoreCap Advisors serves individuals, including high-net-worth and accredited investors, retirement plans, and institutional clients. The firm offers discretionary investment management, financial planning, and access to third-party sub-advisors, with a relationship-oriented, long-term investment approach emphasizing mutual funds, ETFs, equities, and bonds.

Daniel Weingartner is a CFP® professional with 16 years of industry experience, currently serving at CoreCap Advisors since 2021. His prior experience includes roles at NYLIFE Securities, New York Life Insurance Co, Prudential Insurance Company of America, and TD Ameritrade. He is also an IRS Enrolled Agent and supports a tax team during tax season by reviewing clients' final tax returns and assisting with payment collection. CoreCap Advisors provides discretionary investment and portfolio management, as well as standalone financial planning, to individuals, retirement accounts, pension plans, trusts, estates, and corporations. The firm employs a relationship-oriented, individualized approach with a long-term investment horizon and utilizes mutual funds, ETFs, equities, fixed income, and options after client discussion.

Charles Powell is an investment advisor at Signature Equity Partners, LLC with nine years of industry experience. He previously worked at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. for eight years and has a background with Utility Pipeline Ltd. Powell is a minority owner of a local CPA firm where he assists with public relations and community events, and he occasionally works as a DJ for private gatherings. Signature Equity Partners provides investment advisory and planning services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and other entities. The firm operates under a multi-team structure and uses the Vision2020 Wealth Management Platform to deliver tailored portfolios with ongoing monitoring and options such as tax management and socially responsible investing.

Anish Rajgolikar is a financial advisor at CoreCap Advisors with one year of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at US Bank and Hexanika prior to joining CoreCap Advisors in 2023. He also provides back-office and financial operations support through Cooper, Adel, Vu Financial. CoreCap Advisors offers discretionary investment and portfolio management along with standalone financial planning to a range of clients including high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and corporations. The firm employs a relationship-oriented approach with a long-term investment horizon and utilizes mutual funds, ETFs, equities, fixed income, and, with client consent, options and short sales.

Adrian Karas is a CFP® with 18 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at CoreCap Advisors. His prior experience includes roles at Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade. Outside of finance, he is involved in music production, performance, and promotion through Get Huge Entertainment, LLC. CoreCap Advisors provides discretionary investment and portfolio management as well as standalone financial planning to individuals, retirement accounts, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, and corporations. The firm employs a relationship-oriented, individualized approach with a long-term investment horizon, utilizing a range of investment vehicles and third-party asset managers.

Joshua Strouse is an investment advisor representative with Signature Equity Partners, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 20 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, LPL Financial, and Chase Investment Services. He is a minority owner of an accounting firm, Wilging, Roush & Parsons CPAs, and serves as a notary public. Signature Equity Partners provides investment advisory and planning services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and other entities. The firm operates a multi-team structure of 34 advisors and utilizes the Vision2020 Wealth Management Platform to offer tailored portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement-plan consulting.

Kenton Mickley is a financial advisor with ValMark Advisers, Inc. He holds the Series 66 designation and has five years of industry experience. Prior to joining ValMark Advisers and ValMark Securities in 2020, he worked at First Knox National Bank and People's Bank of Gambier. Outside of his advisory role, Mickley serves on the Knox County Career Center Advisory Board and volunteers with local business networking and his church’s finance committee. ValMark Advisers provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan advisory services through a network of approximately 280 representatives. The firm offers diversified, goal-based portfolios primarily implemented with mutual funds, ETFs, and third-party managers, supported by proprietary platforms and third-party programs.

Aaron Ward is a financial advisor at Secure Asset Management, L.L.C. in Utica, Ohio, holding a Series 65 designation with over 20 years of combined experience in law enforcement and financial services. Prior to joining Secure Asset Management, he served with the City of Columbus Ohio Police Department for 22 years and has operated AWard And Associates Company since 2016. Secure Asset Management primarily serves individual clients, including both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth households, providing personalized financial planning, discretionary investment management, and pension consulting for retirement plans. The firm employs a variety of analytical approaches and utilizes third-party managers and platforms to manage client portfolios.

Derrick Edwards is a financial advisor at CoreCap Advisors with three years of industry experience. He holds Series 65 and Series 63 licenses and previously worked at W & S Brokerage Services and Western & Southern Life. Edwards is also affiliated with Cooper Adel Vu Financial, where he provides financial services including insurance and annuity sales. CoreCap Advisors serves individuals, retirement plans, and institutional clients, offering discretionary investment and portfolio management along with financial planning. The firm employs a relationship-oriented, long-term investment approach focused on mutual funds, ETFs, equities, and bonds, and manages third-party sub-advisors across multiple custodial platforms.

Olivia Groves is a CFP® with five years of industry experience currently affiliated with ValMark Advisers, Inc. She has worked at Valmark Securities, Inc. and Spearman Financial Services since 2021. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved in Mary Kay cosmetics as a consultant hosting makeup parties. ValMark Advisers provides investment advisory and financial planning services to a broad client base, including individual and high-net-worth investors, retirement plan sponsors, and institutional entities. The firm employs diversified, goal-based model portfolios and asset allocation strategies, utilizing mutual funds, ETFs, and separate-account managers with ongoing monitoring and rebalancing by investment advisory representatives.

J. Howard is a financial advisor with AE Wealth Management, LLC, holding a Series 66 designation and 23 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at LifePro Asset Management, Kestra Financial Services, Goldberg, Clouse & Edgell, and Merit Advisors, LLC, where he is also an owner involved in financial strategy and insurance sales. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as a board member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Whole in One Ministry, participating in monthly meetings and fundraiser planning. AE Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser serving a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, trusts, charitable organizations, and businesses. The firm offers a broad platform of services such as model portfolio solutions, discretionary asset management, financial planning, ERISA plan services, and self-directed brokerage support.

David Kuhn is a Series 66-registered financial advisor at The Huntington Investment Company with 15 years of industry experience. He has been with Huntington since 2012 and recently held a position at Ameriprise from 2026 to 2027. The Huntington Investment Company serves individuals—including high-net-worth clients—as well as charitable organizations, corporations, and other business entities through advisory and brokerage services. The firm offers multiple wrap-fee programs using an open-architecture model that combines third-party and proprietary investment strategies.

Morgan Zolman is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor at The Huntington Investment Company with two years of industry experience. Prior to joining the firm, he held positions at The Huntington National Bank, JBH-R/W, LLC, Bad Apple Pub, and Panera Bread. The Huntington Investment Company serves individuals, charitable organizations, corporations, and other business entities with a range of advisory and brokerage services. The firm utilizes an open-architecture investment model combining third-party and affiliate strategies, offering multiple wrap-fee programs through the Envestnet MAS platform.

Jacob Bresnahan is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with eight years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2017. Prior to his financial advisory career, he worked at Longhorn Steakhouse for three years. 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 and offers a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds.

Daniel Wehner is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding a Series 63 designation and bringing 28 years of industry experience. He has worked at LPL Financial since 2018 and has concurrent experience with INVEST Financial Corp. and Putnam Senior Care, where he serves as a non-variable insurance agent. Outside of his advisory roles, Wehner is involved in a shrimp farming business and is a commissioned Notary Public. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning and model portfolio programs, supported by research and technology tools for investment representatives.

Megan Gentille is a financial advisor with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and seven years of industry experience. She has been with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors since 2019 and worked previously at Mosaic Financial Group. Megan operates under multiple trade names in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors serves a diverse client base including individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations, and trusts by providing financial planning, investment management, and retirement plan advisory services. The firm employs a range of portfolio management solutions and offers both proprietary and third-party strategies, with investment implementations tailored to client objectives through various custody and platform arrangements.

Allen Jacobson is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with Series 66 credentials and two years of industry experience. His work background includes roles in various service and cleaning companies, as well as employment at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of investment strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee programs, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Nicki Pifer is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Mt Vernon, OH, holding a Series 66 designation with two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, she was involved with A Place For Me LLC for ten years. Outside of her advisory work, she has participated in teaching meditation classes in Fredericktown, OH. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving a diverse client base including individual and institutional investors. The firm manages over $1 trillion in assets and provides a wide range of discretionary and non-discretionary investment services supported by a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Susan Sukys is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with 21 years of industry experience. She has worked at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors since 2018, following 13 years at Money Concepts Capital Corp. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as a leadership council member and chair of the Knox County Area Activity Council for the National Federation of Independent Business. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors is a large SEC-registered firm that serves a diverse client base, including individuals, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and trusts. The firm offers a range of financial planning and investment management services through independent professionals, utilizing various portfolio management platforms and both proprietary and third-party strategies.

Joshua Lambert is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 22 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and previously worked at Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. for 14 years before joining LPL Financial in 2019. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions. The firm provides a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, model portfolios, and institutional platforms, supported by various investment strategies and advisor tools.

Sara Mankins is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Mt Vernon, OH, holding a Series 66 designation with 14 years of industry experience, all with Edward Jones since 2012. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved as a distributor for a vitamins and health supplements business. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients with a broad range of investment advisory programs and affiliated services, supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Alexander Bullock is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with Edward Jones in Mt Vernon, OH, bringing eight years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2017, with prior experience at Washington University in St. Louis and Postmates. 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 backed by a large network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Jason Spray is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Mount Vernon, Ohio, holding the Series 66 designation and bringing four years of industry experience. Prior to his advisory role, he served 17 years with the United States Navy and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a broad range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, model portfolios, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms.

Jennifer Hamilton is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with LPL Financial, based in Utica, Ohio, and has three years of industry experience. Prior to joining LPL Financial in 2025, she worked at Grove Point Investments LLC and has been involved with Legend Financial Services since 2022. Additionally, she holds a concurrent role at Nationwide Children's Hospital. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions. The firm provides a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, model portfolio programs, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms.

Lewis Cropper is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with a Series 66 designation and less than one year of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Charles Schwab and Edward Jones, as well as various positions outside the financial industry, including engagements with Kenyon College, the Aberdeen Ironbirds, and the Jewish Community Center. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million 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 operates under a fiduciary standard and has a large national network of advisors and branches.

Brian Van Winkle is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Mt Vernon, OH, holding a Series 66 designation and 17 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2008. Outside of his advisory role, he owns and manages several commercial rental properties in the Mount Vernon and Bladensburg areas. 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 nationwide network of more than 23,700 financial advisors.

Cade Leach is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Mount Vernon, OH. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has one year of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at W&S Brokerage Services, Western & Southern Life, and West Point Financial Group. 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 solutions supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Gregory Coffing is a CFP® professional with 27 years of experience in the financial services industry, all with Edward Jones. He holds a Series 63 license and is based in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Outside of his advisory role, he serves on the board of Kokosing Gap Trail, contributing to the maintenance and development of the local bike trail. 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 services including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

David Winand is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Mount Gilead, OH, holding a Series 66 designation with six years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2020, he worked at NetJets Inc. for 15 years. 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 options, managing approximately $1.01 trillion in assets through a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.