After serving for more than 20 years as a Naval Aviator flying the aircraft carrier-based EA-6B Prowler in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and other missions, Mike retired as a Navy Commander in 2019.




That same year, Mike joined Merrill and hit the ground running – attracting hardworking families led by successful business owners, engineers, farmers, attorneys, professors, physicians, and a treasured circle of current and former military personnel. 




“My previous career as a Naval Officer and Military Operational Planner instilled in me the discipline, focus, and strategic mindset necessary to navigate complex challenges with agility and patience,” Mike says.  “I strive to bring these same characteristics to bear in my role as a wealth advisor.” 




Mike reminds clients that money is a tool to help satisfy their visions and values.  He works with them to analyze and project their net worth and potential future cash flow.  He then helps to construct portfolios that align with each their risk tolerance, liquidity needs, investment timeline and objectives.  Mike enjoys leveraging technology to facilitate working with clients across the country.  He also offers access to Bank of America for personal and business banking as well as residential and securities-based lending.




For Mike, the opportunity to bring knowledge and know-how to veterans and their families adds particular inspiration to his efforts. Having walked/flown/floated in their shoes, he recognizes the critical importance of helping them transition their wealth and talents to civilian life – whether they’d like to purchase land, send children to college, spend more time with family, put their skills to work, or travel abroad.  With each client relationship, he strives to offer advice and to facilitate access to a network of connections in order to help expedite and enhance meaningful outcomes.




A lifetime learner, Mike finds enjoys pursuing opportunities for advanced industry education and certification which helps him to provide clients with an extra measure of knowledge and know-how. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® CFP® certification as well as the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® CPFA® designation. Mike is a qualified Senior Portfolio Advisor who can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis, custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. He is also a Retirement Accredited Financial Adviser who can provide Fiduciary Advisory Services, Education and Plan Services for Workplace Benefits.




Mike’s formal education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.  He also completed an Executive Program in Financial Planning at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.




Mike is passionate about his faith, family, and serving his community. He is Trailmaster for Trail Life USA, a volunteer leader for American Heritage Girls, a finance committee and safety team member at his church, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee, the Gideons, Vet 2 Vet Support Group, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tailhook Association (Naval Aviators who’ve landed on ships), and the Prowler-Growler Association.




Mike and his wife are raising their four homeschooled children (and a lot more) on their family farm – raising livestock, chickens and pets and growing timber, peanuts and peaches, etc.