The Picture You’re Painting: It’s about what YOU want

Seek first to understand, then to be understood is a great quote from author Stephen Covey. However, many in the financial world have it backwards. Too often advisors seek first to be understood (sell their product). This “sale” becomes the focus and the goal. As a result, they often fail to take the time to understand who you are, your retirement goals, dreams and concerns about current or future economic conditions. As a result, then may not allow you the time to “Paint Your Picture”. Some seem to forget that retirement is one of the biggest transitional times in your life and therefore the development of a solid plan should not be rushed into. It should take time to develop over several meetings.

Bryan Rich has been serving clients for over 30 years. He strives to teach a balanced approach to retirement while highlighting both the positives and negatives of options available. He began his financial services career in North Carolina in 1992 upon graduating with honors with a Business Finance degree from Liberty University. After working for over a decade for a national financial planning company he decided to pursue his own career. As part of that decision, in 2005, he assisted experienced insurance and investment professionals from the Roanoke, VA and established Secure Financial Group, Inc. Later opening a office in Cary, NC. Since its founding Mr. Rich became the face of Secure Financial after speaking to thousands of “50 and Uppers” throughout Virginia & North Carolina in presentations and educational workshops. Now, as President of SFG since 2008, he has continued to develop strategic relationships with attorneys, CPA’s and other experienced professionals in order to provide a holistic approach to financial and estate planning. These NETWORK Partners share in SFG’s desire to fully inform and educate each and every prospective client.

Bryan is proudly an independent advisor when it comes to meeting the insurance and lifetime income needs of his clients. In 2007 Bryan passed his Series 65 Exam and is currently an Investment Advisor Representative for Brookstone Capital Management www.brookstonecm.com. When dealing with the risk portion of your portfolio, along with BCM Bryan provides fiduciary advice. This helps promote a balanced approach to retirement…it is not one-size fits all. Risk based options provide more upside potential, while protected options offer peace of mind. Your best interest is always the primary objective…matching your goals with the math.

PEOPLE FIRST, MONEY SECOND is not just a motto; it is the way SFG chooses to do business by taking the time to get to know you and the “Picture You’re Painting” for this stage of life before we ever start talking about the “products”. The “products” are important, but they are simply the tools. How do we know what tools to use until we know what you want to build?

Let’s dream a little first. Then, once your goals for retirement are understood we help you implement the ABC PLANNING PROCESS. This process is designed for the Conservative & Moderate Investor who doesn’t want to simply leave retirement to “I HOPE IT WORKS” -- or “IT SHOULD WORK” – well, as long as the stock market does what I want it to do. Risk investments certainly have their place and are a major part of the ABC PLANNING PROCESS. But, first we must ensure our Liquidity and Income needs, then chase risk for greater return potential. So, the key question is not, “What kind of returns might I get?” Nor is the question, “Can I afford to retire now?” No, the key question should be: “Am I in a position to retire and most importantly…STAY RETIRED?” All with a level of risk that if the market has a major decline you can step back and say, “I’m still okay”.

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Secure Financial Group are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.

Jake joined Infinity Wealth Management in 2022, relocating to Asheville from Savannah, GA. He has five years of experience in the financial services industry, and he has a sincere passion for this kind of work. He currently holds his Certified Financial Fiduciary designation, Series 6, 63,65, and his NC life/health licenses. He graduated from Guilford College with a double major in Business and Accounting. 

Before coming to Infinity, Jake worked with an advisory firm based out of Raleigh, NC where he oversaw the investment operations. He enjoys digging deep into clients’ financial situations and recommending solutions in a comprehensive and responsible way.

When he’s out of the office, Jake spends time with his girlfriend, Bazhena. He has two cats, Jack and Loki, and a sweet old dog, Lady. He gets very involved in all his hobbies and considers himself “The Jake of all trades”. He likes to stay active by playing pickleball, golfing, disc golfing and one wheeling.

Zachary Leonard is a financial planner with Wealth Management Strategies serving clients in the Morehead City Office. He is a graduate of NC State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Zachary holds the following licenses: Life, Health, Medicare Supplement, and Long Term Care Insurance license(s) in North Carolina. The Series 65 Securities License. The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Certificate of Completion. He holds certifications of National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) ®, Bucket Plan Certified (BPC) ®, and Certified Financial Fiduciary ® . Zachary is also Notary Public in the State of North Carolina.

When he is not serving clients, he enjoys spending time at the beach with his wife Megan and his children William and Grace.

Bertrand Fote, MD, MBA, CF2

Certified Financial Fiduciary® (CF2) | Emergency Physician | Financial Services Expert

With over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a background as an emergency physician, I bring a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to financial planning and fiduciary responsibility. As a Certified Financial Fiduciary® (CF2), I am dedicated to providing transparent, ethical, and client-centered financial advice. My approach is grounded in integrity, ensuring that every recommendation I make aligns with my clients' best interests and long-term financial goals.

My background as an MBA professional allows me to integrate business management principles with financial strategies, ensuring that clients receive holistic advice tailored to their financial objectives. I understand the complexities of both personal and business finance, and I work with clients to optimize their financial health, whether they are planning for retirement, managing investments, or seeking guidance for business-related financial decisions.

Having worked in the high-pressure field of emergency medicine, I understand the importance of making well-thought-out decisions under pressure. This expertise is applied to financial planning, where I assess risk carefully and provide strategies that are aligned with my clients' goals, values, and risk tolerance. Whether it’s retirement planning, estate planning, or investment strategy, I am committed to empowering clients with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently navigate their financial journey.

As a fiduciary, I uphold the highest standards of care and loyalty, ensuring that all financial decisions are made with the client’s best interests at heart. I specialize in personalized wealth management, business financial planning, and financial education, helping clients achieve long-term stability and security.

With my MBA, medical background, and fiduciary expertise, I provide a unique, comprehensive approach to financial planning that reflects both business acumen and personal care. Whether you're managing your personal wealth, planning for your family’s future, or navigating the financial needs of your business, I am here to guide you with clarity and confidence.

Contact me today to begin your financial journey and ensure that your future is protected, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Email: bfote@yahoo.com 

Brad Rhodes is the founder and president of Brad Rhodes Financial, LLC. He specializes in helping retirees and pre-retirees avoid the most common financial pitfalls that threaten their happy retirements.

Brad loves his work and his clients. He truly enjoys presenting opportunities and strategies that help individuals and couples retire with a guaranteed income for life.
Back in 1992, Brad had the very good fortune of being trained by one of the best retirement educators in the country - his dad.

 
And from his father, he learned early on that you need two things to succeed in a career in financial advice. First, you need to concentrate on the needs of others before yourself; second, it’s important to treat folks the way you would want people to treat your mom.

Brad lives in Lexington, North Carolina, with his wife, Jackie. He is the proud father of two daughters and two grandchildren.

Anthony Engrassia is an Investment Advisor Representative with Wealth Management Strategies, Inc., where he has been serving clients since 2017 after graduating from North Carolina State University. In his role, Anthony provides tailored financial guidance, conducts in-depth risk analysis, and helps clients implement strategies that align with both short-term goals and long-term financial security. He also prepares productivity and compliance reports to support ongoing business development and performance optimization.

Anthony holds the Series 65 license and is a member of the National Association of Certified Financial Fiduciaries® (CF2) a credential that reflects his commitment to always act in his clients’ best interests. He is also affiliated with the National Association of Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Producers, Inc. (NAMSMAP) and is licensed in life, health, and LTC/Medicare insurance. Currently, Anthony is further expanding his expertise by working toward his CFP® designation.

Outside of work, Anthony enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathryn, and their two dogs, Zoey and Piper. He’s passionate about sports whether its watching a game or coaching Little League. Anthony also serves as a Rotaract Chair, where he helps build and strengthen Rotaract clubs, support sustainable service projects, and foster strong ties between Rotaract and Rotary organizations throughout the district.