Background and experience

Raised in the heartland, Brian embraces the strong Midwestern values that underscore the importance of family and hard work.

A proud graduate of Washburn University with a B.B.A. in marketing, He further expanded his horizons by studying global economics and marketing at the University of Örebro in Sweden. During his academic journey, he delved into entrepreneurship as a self-employed general contractor, as well as owning and managing rental homes. This entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive his passion for assisting families, individuals, and businesses in their journey to success.

His commitment to continuous learning has earned him several prestigious designations, including the Certified Investment Management Analyst® with coursework completed at the Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania, the Certified Private Wealth Adviser® with courses held at the Booth School of Business in Chicago, and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist® with courses through the College for Financial Planning.

Away from the office

Beyond the numbers and financial intricacies, Brian finds joy in the pursuits of tennis, golf, and chess. He has a passion for travel and being outdoors that includes the thrill of discovering hidden gems domestically as well as finding adventures internationally. The moments he holds most dear involve cherished time with friends and family. He firmly believes that a well-rounded life not only enhances personal experiences but also fortifies his ability to effectively serve clients

Background and experience

Mercedes is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. Originally from Mexico, she relocated to Topeka, KS, in 2001, infusing her profile with a multicultural perspective that enhances her ability to connect with a diverse range of clients.

In her pivotal role, Mercedes ensures that clients' administrative and operational needs are not only met promptly but also with precision. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including managing day-to-day logistics, handling financial transactions, facilitating new account openings, overseeing address and contact changes, and addressing general client inquiries.

Beyond her client-facing duties, Mercedes holds the crucial responsibility of controlling the operations of our office. This underscores her exceptional ability to oversee and manage internal processes, contributing to the seamless functioning of our team.

Mercedes holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Washburn University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.  Additionally, she earned Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel and Textiles from Kansas State University, showcasing her diverse interests and educational background. This dual degree combination reflects a well-rounded skill set that spans both financial services and broader areas of expertise.

Away from the office

In addition to her professional pursuits, Mercedes enjoys various interests outside of work. Her hobbies include going for walks, watching documentaries, solving Sudoku puzzles, and indulging in travel. These personal pursuits reveal Mercedes as a well-rounded individual with a balanced approach to life, contributing to her ability to bring a unique perspective to her role on our team.

Background and experience

Amy's professional path began under the influential mentorship of her mother, Sharon Johnson, who served as her business partner until retirement. Sharon played a pivotal role in instilling a service-oriented approach that became foundational to Amy's career philosophy. Her dedication is evident in her proactive engagement with clients, where she strives to understand their priorities and navigate them through their financial journeys.

Amy firmly believes that the core of their business is the care for the clients. Contrary to the misconception that their role revolves solely around money, Amy emphasizes the importance of building relationships. She advocates for a trusted advisor-client relationship that goes beyond financial matters, providing reliable advice and serving the full spectrum of investment needs.

In 2017, Amy further fortified her expertise by earning the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation (RICP), showcasing her specialized education in retirement income planning. Holding FINRA series 7 and series 66 securities registrations, as well as series 24 General Securities Principal, Amy is equipped with the necessary qualifications to navigate any complex financial landscape.

Away from the office

A lifelong resident of Kansas, Amy currently resides in Silver Lake with her husband, Dan, a dedicated firefighter, and their daughter, Bailey. Beyond her professional pursuits, Amy derives joy from various activities, including walking, leisurely swaying on the back porch swing, watching sports, reading, and cherishing quality time with family and friends.