Meet Abdullah, a seasoned software engineer with five years of hands-on experience in crafting exceptional digital experiences. With a strong passion for web development, Abdullah has honed his skills in creating visually stunning and highly functional platforms. Throughout his career, he has successfully delivered projects across diverse industries, showcasing his expertise in front-end and back-end development.

Abdullah possesses a deep understanding of various programming languages and frameworks, including JavaScript, ROR, NextJS, ReactJS and NodeJS. His technical proficiency enables him to build responsive and user-friendly interfaces while ensuring seamless integration with robust backend systems. Abdullah’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with his creativity, allows him to design captivating software systems and user experiences that align with clients' brand identities and objectives.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Abdullah’s work ethic. He excels in working with cross-functional teams, fostering effective communication and translating complex technical concepts into layman's terms. Abdullah’s problem-solving skills and adaptability enable him to overcome challenges and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Previously, Abdullah has worked on projects such as Sephora, SaplingHR and Upcover which are all leading applications in their respective industries.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Andrew Schmutte holds a deep connection to his hometown. He attended the University of Cincinnati, where he was part of the Lindner Honors program in the Kolodzik Business Scholars. He further broadened his academic experience with a semester abroad at the University of Mannheim in Germany, where he undertook master’s-level coursework. Andrew graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Finance and International Business and aspires to pursue a master’s degree in finance or analytics in the future.

Andrew’s Co-Op career has spanned project management, real estate accounting, data analysis, and financial modeling, equipping him with diverse expertise. He brings this wealth of experience to his role as a Financial Analyst at Stearns Financial, where his primary responsibilities include Supplemental Illustration creation. Andrew has found Stearns Financial to be the perfect fit for his growth and development as a recent college graduate.

Outside of work, Andrew is passionate about outdoor adventures, including camping, hiking, and kayaking, and enjoys net sports like pickleball, spikeball, and volleyball.

Ariana Rivera is a New York City native who holds a bachelor’s degree in Music and Elementary Education from Nyack College. With over 20 years of professional experience, Ariana has honed her skills in supporting C-level executives, managing daily operations, coordinating business initiatives, and leading company-wide events.

In May 2024, Ariana joined Stears Financial Group as an Executive Assistant. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys traveling, cooking, attending live music concerts, and salsa dancing. 

Billy Rogers, Chairman and CEO of TELECO, Inc., has been at the helm of the company since its founding in 1981. With over 40 years of experience in the technology industry, he has guided TELECO into becoming a leading provider of communication and IT solutions for businesses. Notably, during the first 10 years of his leadership, Rogers orchestrated an impressive 17 acquisitions, significantly expanding TELECO’s reach and capabilities. This aggressive yet calculated approach allowed the company to quickly adapt to industry shifts and build a comprehensive portfolio of services, catering to a diverse range of client needs.

Rogers’ career began at TELECO, where he has held the Chairman/CEO and owner positions since June 1981. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various technological fields, including telecommunications, cloud services, and managed IT solutions. Under his leadership, TELECO has grown significantly, establishing a reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable technology solutions tailored to individual business needs.

Beyond his role at TELECO, Rogers has actively participated in the broader technology industry. He served on the board of directors of Star2Star Communications, LLC from 2009 to 2021, demonstrating his commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry’s advancements. In April 2021, Star2Star merged with Sangoma Technologies Corporation a publicly held company based in Toronto, Canada. (NASDAQ: SANG; TSX: STC)

His continued leadership at TELECO for over four decades speaks volumes about his success in guiding the company’s growth and establishing its reputation in the industry. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, Rogers remains committed to positioning TELECO for continued success. He is likely focused on helping businesses navigate the ever-changing technological landscape and leverage the latest advancements to achieve their goals.

Billy Rogers is a highly experienced Chief Operating Officer with a proven track record of success in various operational roles. From 1994 to 1998, he worked full-time as the Operations Manager for TELECO South Florida in Deerfield Beach, FL. He then joined TELECO, Inc. as the Vice President of Operations, where he played a critical role in the company’s growth and success. Currently, Billy serves as the President & Chief Operating Officer at TELECO, Inc.

In addition, Billy serves as the Chief Operating Officer for New Era Asset Management, LLC, where he is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Partnership’s operations. He also participates in the formulation of the Partnership’s investment strategy, leveraging his extensive experience in business administration and operations management.

Billy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1994. His strong educational background and decades of experience in operations management make him a valuable asset to any organization.

Christian completed his PhD in machine learning and optimization at Carnegie Mellon University. He holds a Master of Science from ETH Zurich and has an MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. He was previously an AI researcher for a Fortune 50 Company.

Christopher grew up on Long Island, New York, and obtained a BS degree in Accounting from Villanova University in Pennsylvania, followed by an MBA in Finance from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York. He began his career with Dime Savings Bank of New York, then went on to hold roles at Citigroup, Ally Bank and Sprout Mortgage in New York. Over the course of his career, Christopher has gained extensive experience in accounting, finance, and treasury, taking on numerous leadership positions.

In October 2023 Christopher joined Focus CFO in Cincinnati, Ohio as a Principal Chief Financial Officer where he worked with a number of small and medium-sized businesses with a mission to help them on their climb to sustainable, transferrable business value. In September 2024 Christopher transitioned to Stearns Financial Group as Vice President of Finance, where he manages the company’s accounting and finance functions.

Christopher currently resides in Port Jefferson, New York with his wife, Christine. He has two daughters, Kimberly, and Jessica. He enjoys walking and spending time with his family.

Cole Snell is the Founder and CEO of infineo, a forward-thinking technology company dedicated to digitizing the $3T+ Life Insurance industry through the strategic use of Blockchain and AI technologies.

Cole is an author & serial entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning multiple industries, from food to fintech. His most recent exit was in 2012, where he sold Provincial Fine Foods to Saputo International.

Donna was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, right on the shores of Lake Superior. At 18, she moved to Florida, living on the Gulf of Mexico, before settling in Cincinnati in the early '90s. She has raised three daughters: Amanda, Brooklyn, and Olivia. Her two grandsons, Chris and Ares, affectionately call her Oma.

With a background in the sales and service industry, elevating the overall experience has always been a priority for Donna. In 2020 and 2021, she obtained her insurance licenses and developed a passion for life insurance products that can also supplement retirement plans. She is thrilled to be part of the team at Stearns, where they make a beneficial impact in the nonprofit community.

Donna and her daughter have been actively involved in two worthwhile nonprofit organizations: The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and The National Alliance for Mental Illness. Over the years, they have found creative ways to raise awareness and funds for these causes.

She is relatively adventurous and enjoys kayaking, hiking, and ziplining. She also loves traveling, live music, and spending time with family and friends.

Eric grew up in rural Northwest Ohio with his extended farming family and claims to have started in the family’s financial services business while learning the alphabet by filing client folders. Since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Economics, Eric has been providing solutions to credit unions, healthcare institutions and non-profit clients for over 20 years. First licensed in the financial services industry in 1997 with Northwestern Mutual Life, then transitioning to a consulting career in hospital revenue cycle management and patient medical records, Eric has consistently delivered value added strategies to client organizations. Taking an opportunity to follow a passion, Eric became the president and general manager of a regional ski and snowboard resort. After working himself out of a job by turning the resort around into a sale of the business, Eric decided to pursue an MBA in Corporate Finance and Strategy at his alma mater The University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business. (Re)Joining the family business in 2009 in an analyst role, 2012 in a representative role, and as president and CEO starting in 2017, Eric has successfully moved Stearns Financial Group into a leader for custom retention and retirement solutions for high performing non-profit organizations. 

Eric now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with wife Portia, their sons Elliott and Griffin, and the company canine mascots Vinny and Mouse.

Jackson Blau is an esteemed professional focusing on economics, entrepreneurship, and new technology, boasting an impressive career trajectory. He began his career in various positions in real estate. His experience continued to grow as a Venture Fellow for Detroit Venture Partners, where his research surrounded the Tokenization of Commercial Real Estate. After becoming enthralled with secondary markets for alternative investments, Jackson worked as Community Manager at Security Token Market where he was instrumental in researching and analyzing the emerging world of security token. Jackson has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Entrepreneurship from the University of Michigan.

As VP Education, Jackson is responsible for engaging the community and overseeing strategic partnerships, public relations, social media, and more. He is committed to professional excellence and his unique ability to combine analytical skills, critical thinking, and innovative thought processes. His extensive background in various sectors reflects a dynamic and adaptable professional who continues positively impacting those around him.

James has built a career focused on disruptive start-ups and corporate turnarounds. A skilled operator, James' background in finance and corporate strategy has helped him scale multiple ventures in both the private and public markets.

He has been a blockchain enthusiast since 2016 having co-founded and exited one of Canada’s largest publicly traded digital asset companies at the time. He also co-led the restructure and rebrand of one of the world's most recognized online dating platforms, and helped guide an e-sports innovator, through a successful acquisition by a Canadian entertainment giant.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica as the son of Missionaries, Jay shortly thereafter moved to the States where he grew up between Boston, Massachusetts and Greenville, South Carolina. Jay attended Emmanuel College and Boston College where he received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Theology. Upon his graduation in 2010, Jay became a Financial Advisor with a focus on estate planning and investment advising. Jay has been with Stearns Financial Group since 2015 and enjoys working with executives, committees and boards to create customized solutions that drive retention, attraction and yield.

Jay lives in Boston with his wife Alex, their daughters Caroline and Raegan, son James, and their dog Dabo.

Jeff is a former Systems Engineer for NASA, with his primary project now generating power on the Perseverance Mars rover that landed in February 2021. He is now an entrepreneurial executive with extensive finance and operations experience working with dozens of venture-backed startups from pre-launch through exit.

He started by working on behalf of private investors to evaluate and execute startup deals, and later transitioned to working with venture backed companies to guide them through funding, forecasting and managing cash flow, and M&A.

Jesse was born and raised in central Massachusetts. He moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University and earned a bachelor’s degree with a dual concentration in Finance and Management Information Systems. Upon his graduation in 2010, Jesse joined Wellington Management Company, a large private Investment Management firm in Boston, to work closely with portfolio managers and traders to oversee the compliance of their Institutional Portfolios. In 2015, Jesse became an Investment Advisory Representative and joined Vaucluse Partners, a Massachusetts based Hedge Fund, as the Senior Vice President of Operations. Jesse managed the launch of the Hedge Fund and utilized his strong background in data analytics to design customized solutions for each client. Jesse joined Stearns Financial in 2021 to support the current Stearns portfolio as well as the planned expansion into the CCRC space.

Jesse and his wife, Jenna, live south of Boston with their son Carson and daughter Mikenna.

John is a financial services pioneer and entrepreneur, having co-founded and led multiple firms and been deeply involved with numerous Family Enterprises. He is a certified member of the UK-based Society of Trust,; Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global organization of over 20,000 trust, estate planning, insurance, banking, and wealth management professionals. He previously served as Deputy Chairman of STEP Worldwide and was the recipient of the STEP Worldwide Founders Award in 2018.

In 2010, John was hailed as the “Executive of The Year” at the Bahamas Financial Services Industry Excellence Awards, recognizing his “Outstanding Contribution to The Bahamas Financial Services Industry” and in 2023, he was recognized by the STEP Bahamas Chapter with the naming of the “John Lawrence Trailblazer Award” in his honor. The award recognizes individuals who have played a pivotal and sustained role in the development of the multi-faceted international financial services sector. John has served on the board of

directors of various international banks, trust companies, companies owned by family offices and a leading insurance company.

Joe founded Stearns Financial Group in 1971 along with his wife, Brenda, and brings 50+ years in life insurance and financial planning to the table. Joe was heavily involved in developing the first programmatic 457(f) and Split Dollar Plans in the 1990s, and has spent 25+ years serving credit unions and creating supplemental compensation benefits for key executives.

Joe currently enjoys the benefits of semi-retirement, but is still actively engaged in the business and with existing and potential clients. He is an avid skier, enjoys woodworking, spending time with his grandchildren, and he and Brenda spend a lot of time tending to their immaculate yard and gardens.

Joseph, a Cincinnati native, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University. With over 25 years of experience in client management, he has contributed his expertise to Citi Bank, GE, and various small financial firms. His portfolio includes managing relationships with prominent corporations like Ford Motor Company, The Goodyear Tire Company, and Sam’s Club, as well as numerous small businesses across different sectors. Joseph’s direct collaboration with C-level executives and business owners has been pivotal in helping them reach their financial aspirations.

His professional accreditations include 6-Sigma Greenbelt, Wealth Management Specialist, and Conflict Resolution certifications. At GE and Citi, Joseph not only managed client relationships but also improved processes and programs, driving enhanced performance outcomes.

In April 2024, Joseph embarked on a new journey with Stearns Financial Group as a Business Analyst. His role is crucial in fostering communication between SFG clients and internal team members, and he is instrumental in refining internal processes to boost efficiency and productivity.

Joseph’s career journey included a stint in Baltimore, Maryland, during his tenure at GE and Citi Bank. He has since returned to Ohio, settling in West Chester. Outside of work, Joseph is an outdoor enthusiast, tending to his garden, taking strolls with his two Weimaraners, and enjoying quality time with loved ones. He also enjoys participating in the local Elks Lodge, where he can connect with fellow members and engage in various activities to support his community.

Kaitlyn hails from a charming village in midwestern Illinois with a population of just 1,300. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from the University of Illinois at Springfield, graduating Magna Cum Laude in just three years.

After relocating to the Cincinnati area, Kaitlyn began her career as an analyst at Fund Evaluation Group, where she provided in-depth research for high-net-worth clients. In January 2019, she joined Stearns Financial Group, leveraging her expertise in Financial Management and Statistics to deliver comprehensive analyses for our clients.

Kaitlyn finds great fulfillment in her role at SFG, particularly in her work with non-profit organizations. She was promoted to Director of Analytics in May 2024, reflecting her commitment and expertise. Kaitlyn values the diverse range of projects she undertakes, which enhances her financial knowledge, analytical skills, and managerial skills. Additionally, she has cultivated strong relationships with her colleagues, contributing to a collaborative work environment.

Currently residing in Champaign, Illinois, with her partner Austin and their three cats—Eve, Crookshanks, and Kahlua—Kaitlyn is also a certified Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA).

Kirsten grew up in Columbus, Ohio and then migrated to Southwest Ohio to attend the University of Cincinnati. She obtained a degree in Communications and has since occupied various roles in account management, client service, and office administration to support small organizations with day-to-day operations.

Kirsten joined Stearns Financial Group in January of 2020 to coordinate marketing efforts and compliance initiatives, as well as handle general office administration. She enjoys working for an innovative organization that serves an industry filled with community focused people.

Kirsten has also lived in Kentucky, Arizona and North Carolina, but is currently settled in the East side of Cincinnati with her 2 sons. In her free time she enjoys yoga, tennis, pickleball, and spending time with friends and family.

Lori has more than 25 years of progressive Human Resources experience. She is a goal-oriented Human Resources professional with a demonstrated track record of developing and implementing HR Programs and initiatives to support business strategy.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brock University. She is also an active member of the Human Resources Professionals of Ontario (HRPA) and has achieved the prestigious Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. Lori is a licensed Life Insurance Professional and she is currently in the process of completing her Certificate in Global Remuneration through World at Work.

Lori is an accomplished HR professional with extensive experience in start-ups and established organizations. She has a proven track record of success in supporting the growth and development of high-potential companies and is known for her ability to easily navigate complex HR issues. With her in-depth knowledge of best practices in HR and her strong interpersonal skills, Lori is well-equipped to lead HR initiatives and drive organizational success in any setting.

She has designed and implemented programs for a broad range of industries and has provided muti-jurisdictional HR support for organizations with offices across Canada, the United States, Central America, Europe, and the United Kingdom.

A graduate of Lambuth College, Jackson, Tennessee where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting. He also completed Stage II of the ACCA certification in accounting at Sheffield City Polytechnic, Sheffield, England.

Michael’s experience includes fifteen years at the National Insurance Board of The Bahamas, where he also served two years as Deputy Chairman, in addition to nine years at Imperial Life Insurance, where he worked his way up from a Sales Representative to Sales Supervisor/Manager then on to Branch Manager.

At Imperial Life, he also received numerous awards as a Sales Manager as well as a Branch Manager and led his team to become the company’s first branch to attain over $750,000 in Life Sales Commissions.

He further served as Head of Sales and Marketing at Colina and Family Guardian Life Insurance Companies, Nassau, Bahamas, responsible for the management of the entire sales thrust and establishing the company’s presence in the financial market segments.

Michael recently retired as Vice-President of Family Guardian’s Financial Services Division, and in his final year at Family Guardian he had 40% of his Sales Team attained the distinguished MDRT Qualification, four of which qualifying as Court of the Table Members. He is a Past President of GAMA Bahamas and was given the honour of successfully chairing the inaugural LAMP Caribbean Conference in 2021, and the Conference again in 2022.

He enjoys reading, travelling, knowledge sharing with others, and spending spare time assisting in various charitable fund-raising events.

Natalie is a proud Cincinnati native and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, where she earned a bachelor's degree in finance with a minor in law. Her professional experience includes financial analyst internships at GE Aerospace in Cincinnati and Amazon in Seattle.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants with friends, staying active with Pilates, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. A passionate traveler, she treasures her visit to Croatia, her favorite destination so far. Soccer has been a central part of her life, as she played throughout her childhood and at the collegiate level.

Phil was born in Cincinnati and grew up in Northern Kentucky. He attended Northern Kentucky University and earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 2004. After a short stint working at the Cincinnati Bengals in the public relations department, Phil joined Fidelity Investments where his primary focus was 401(k) plan sales. In 2017, Phil joined BB&T as Vice President, Business Development Officer in their Retirement and Institutional Services group where he advised small businesses regarding their 401k and investment advisory service needs. Phil has obtained his Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) professional certification. He joined Stearns Financial in 2021 to lead their qualified plan advisory group.

Phil and his wife, Rachel, now live on the northern side of Cincinnati with their two kids, Luke and Mae.

Dr. Robert P. Murphy is a leading American economist in the tradition of the Austrian School, who holds his PhD in economics from New York University. He has taught at Hillsdale College and Texas Tech. Dr. Murphy has authored several economics books for the layperson, while his technical papers concentrate on money, banking, capital, and interest theory.

In addition, Dr. Murphy is an expert in the economics of Whole Life insurance, and helped design a training program for financial professionals on the proper way to use such policies for cash flow management.

Dr. Murphy has also interviewed with notable public figures, such as Jordan Peterson and others, across a variety of realms including financial philosophy and economics. His all-rounded invaluable experience and wisdom ensures that Infineo's execution is as carefully crafted as it is sound.

Sable is originally from the Park Hills suburb of Denver, Colorado and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio when she was fairly young. With her love of knowledge and a passion for helping others, she pursued her Bachelors degree in Biopsychology at the University of Cincinnati, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She went on to attain her Associates Degree in Finance Technology from Cincinnati State, after honing in on her love for math, numbers and just calculation altogether.

Sable started her finance career with Fidelity Investments, where she studied to get her Series 7 and 63. She was then recruited by a division of Western and Southern, Columbus Life Insurance Company, where she managed rapport with agents and clients alike. She developed and trained a team of associates, while collaborating with all service/support teams to manage Life and Annuity products from applications to claims. Sable joined Stearns Financial in October of 2023 and hit the ground running with the Service Team as a Delivery Analyst.

Sable currently resides in Cincinnati with her pup Archer. She enjoys roller-skating, binge-watching Law and Order, being a foodie and shopping!

Steve grew up in Old Town, Maine, and obtained a BBA degree from Husson College in Bangor, Maine. Out of college, Steve worked for a short time in Cash Control at Disney World in Florida, then as a Computer Systems Analyst at Pepsi-Cola. He shifted into workers compensation insurance and ran the largest claims TPA in Bangor, then became an Account Manager for CUNA Mutual Group for several years.

Steve then went on to serve as the President / CEO for Penobscot County Federal Credit Union for 19 years, where he drove their healthy growth from a small to mid-sized Credit Union and was awarded the Maine Credit Union CEO of the Year in 2019. He retired as President and CEO in 2020 and “retirement” has included consulting, management, and operational roles.

Steve joined Stearns Financial in 2023 as an Executive Benefits Consultant to help clients understand the newly reinvented opportunities with SERP retirement plans, both old and new. He then opted to take on the Chief Operations Officer role in 2024 to help steer the rapid growth of the organization.

Steve currently resides in Otis, Maine with his wife, Stephanie. He enjoys reading a good science fiction book, but prefers outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, and hiking. He also enjoys spending winter months as a snowbird with daily walks on Manasota Key Beach in Florida.

Tammy Brown holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Human Resource Management, from American InterContinental University Weston Florida, has completed substantial coursework towards her Master’s Degree in Leadership at Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale Florida and is also a Justice of The Peace within The Bahamas.

Tammy brings 15 years of experience in client services and management across industries having previously managed her own client portfolio developing client relationships and curating new business, office administration, managing staff, ensuring compliance with Government regulators, serving as a liaison between companies and clients ensuring excellent client service and providing support to staff and management teams.

Tammy has previously held the Positions of Insurance Financial Services Representative of Family Guardian Insurance Company, Client Relationship Administrator of Metropolitan Bank (Bahamas) Limited, Assistant Manager of PSL (Shipping), Administrative Assistant of St. James Bank & Trust Company Ltd., and Client Relationship Manager of Lions Gate Management Ltd.

Tony is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience in technology and security. His diverse roles have ranged from consultant and strategist to CISO in the US defense industry, working with notable organizations such as Deloitte, Microsoft, British Telecom, Toyota, and Mr. Cooper Group. Tony holds numerous top industry certifications—CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CCSK, ITIL—and a master’s in cybersecurity and information assurance. A published author and respected speaker at events like Gartner and RSA conferences, Tony advocates for leveraging security as a strategic business advantage.