SMITH GILLIS
FINANCIAL

Steve has extensive experience in several businesses spanning four decades. His experience provides a solid foundation for optimizing strategies and, in 2008, he committed to focusing on individuals who need to make business decisions regarding their personal lives. To that end, he has furthered his education in retirement strategies and Medicare options that help his clients meet their objectives just as efficiently as any business might. Steve has helped hundreds of clients find solutions to meet their financial objectives, especially where it concerns decisions with claiming strategies for Social Security, Medicare, and Retirement Strategies. As a Certified Financial Fiduciary, Steve’s goal is to help his clients without consideration to any companies, products, services, or purchases. “Success is when the client makes the right decision for them”. A major focus has been on complex retirement strategies. He has been educating people in that field for COFE (Council of Financial Educators) pro bono in numerous settings, including libraries where the focus is on providing a general understanding of Social Security. To that end he has committed to continuous education in both areas so others may understand their options and help optimize their benefit from the options they choose. Steve and his wife, Lynn have been married for more than 40 years, lived in Wallingford, CT, most of that time, raised three children and are now grandparents.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Tyler has been a Connecticut resident for more than 10 years now, after moving out East with his wife. Tyler has worked in Finance since graduating from the University of Arizona in 2012. After completing college, Tyler began his financial career at Wells Fargo Bank as a personal banker. At Wells Fargo, Tyler helped high-net-worth clients achieve their individual financial goals through the bank’s credit lending and financial advising programs. After the bank, Tyler joined an alternative investment firm, Griffin Capital Company, where he completed his FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. Tyler and his partner were directly responsible for raising over $50 million in investor capital across various real estate strategies and investment structures in the state of Florida. Tyler and his wife live in Guilford with their two young boys. In his spare time, Tyler can be found playing pretty much any type of sport, watching the stock market, or coaching his sons’ activities. Investment advisory services offered by Tyler Bruns, through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Smith Gillis Financial 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.

Samantha’s extensive experience in customer service management positions her exceptionally well to lead the daily operations of a dynamic financial practice. With a passion for assisting individuals in navigating various challenges, she now focuses on addressing their financial concerns and aspirations. For more than a decade, she has effectively managed the office’s daily operations and coordinated scheduling for live in-person events and workshops. A lifelong resident of central Connecticut, Samantha currently resides in Southington, CT.

Originally from Southington, CT, Carter is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in business operations, finance, and management. A graduate of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, Carter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business while also excelling as a college football player, and serving as team captain for the Division 2 program. Carter has gained valuable experience across various fields. His career began as an Accounts Payable Specialist at TLD Corp., where he demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and financial acumen. Following this, Carter served as a Conference and Events Specialist at Saint Anselm College, showcasing his ability to manage large-scale events and deliver exceptional service. Subsequently, At Smith Gillis Financial, Carter leverages his comprehensive business background to deliver tailored solutions and drive client success. With a passion for continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence, Carter brings a wealth of experience and a results-oriented mindset to every project. Carter currently resides in Berlin, CT, where in his free time he lives to exercise, watch sports with friends and family, play guitar, and golf.

Rick has always had an intrinsic interest in financial and retirement strategies, having opened his very first retirement account before graduating college. After college, Rick enlisted in the Army National Guard as a combat medic, shortly thereafter being recommended for Officer training. All the while, Rick maintained his interest in the financial world. So much so, that during his deployment to the Middle East as a Field Artillery Officer, his platoon gave him the call sign “Wall Street.” As a platoon leader, Rick mentored his soldiers and encouraged them all to make smart money decisions and to prepare for their future. Rick has always had an interest in customer service and helping customers. His military training and combat experience has given him the ability to formulate strong strategies based on calculated decisions in complex environments. This experience has prepared him to navigate through the needs of his clients in order to formulate a solid strategy with a strong foundation. Rick thoroughly enjoys meeting with clients and evaluating and creating strategies for their Social Security, Medicare, and Retirement Strategies. Rick also stresses retirement education and conducts pro bono training for COFE (Council of Financial Educators) to increase community awareness of the options for retirement and to help customers make informed benefit decisions. After over 20 years of service, Rick has retired from the Army National Guard as a Major. He, his wife Abby, daughter Zoe, son Carter, and dog, Lucy, live in Wallingford. Investment advisory services offered by Richard Claxton, through Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC (BWA), a registered investment advisor and an affiliate of Brookstone Capital Management, LLC. BWA and Smith Gillis Financial are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BWA but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.

Jeanne attended college in the late ’80s, was on the dean’s list and graduated in 1991 with a degree in CADD/Manufacturing. She has worked for decades in a corporate environment, holding several highly detailed positions/responsibilities, many of which entailed global interaction and responsibilities, including Logistics, Warehouse Management, Supply Chain, Inventory Levels, Billing, Global Operations and Data Synchronization. She was born and raised in Connecticut. Married in 1976, she has two children, Ivy and Travis, along with two grandchildren, Hannah and Cody. She resides in Meriden with her husband Perry, son Travis, and their two dogs, Charley and Poco.