Matthew Fortenberry

David Whitaker is a CFP® and ChFC® with nine years of industry experience. He is the principal of Rooted Planning LLC in Mooresville, NC, and has prior experience at Northwestern Mutual and Financial Analysis Inc. In addition to his advisory work, he is involved in tax preparation and consulting through Rooted Finances LLC. Rooted Planning LLC is an independent, state-registered investment adviser serving individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as charitable organizations, corporations, trusts, and estates. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management and fee-based financial planning, focusing on customized, primarily long-term portfolios using low-cost mutual funds and ETFs, supplemented by individual securities when appropriate.

Leonard Marte is a CFP® with eight years of industry experience, currently serving as the sole advisor at Abundant Advisors, LLC. He previously worked at The Vanguard Group, Inc. for 11 years and at SmartPath, Inc. for two years. Abundant Advisors serves mass-affluent, high-net-worth, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, offering discretionary investment management and comprehensive financial planning. The firm employs investment strategies based on fundamental analysis and Modern Portfolio Theory, combining passive ETFs and active funds with attention to tax efficiency and regular portfolio reviews.

Michael Bookhardt is the managing member of Affluence Advisory LLC in Mount Holly, NC, with two years of industry experience. Prior to founding Affluence Advisory in 2023, he worked at The Vanguard Group from 2021 to 2022. He is also the managing member of SIB General Contractors LLC, a general business he has been involved with since 2006. Affluence Advisory LLC provides discretionary investment supervisory services to individuals, businesses, trusts, foundations, and other charitable entities. The firm builds individualized portfolios using low-cost, passively managed mutual funds and ETFs, applying asset-allocation strategies based on modern portfolio theory and a long-term equity orientation.

Phillip Gussman is the sole advisor at Bulldog Asset Management, Inc., an independent firm based in Huntersville, NC. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has 16 years of industry experience. Since 2006, Mr. Gussman has been self-employed and also spends the majority of his time working with non-profits through Gussman Consulting, assisting with fundraising, messaging, and web development. Bulldog Asset Management provides investment supervisory and portfolio management services to individuals, including high-net-worth clients, corporate pension and profit-sharing plans, and trusts. The firm manages approximately $61 million across 45 client accounts, focusing on diversified asset allocation tailored to each client’s financial situation, objectives, and risk tolerance, with ongoing discretionary management and regular portfolio reviews.

Joseph Leonard is a financial advisor with Leonard Wealth Management, LLC in Lincolnton, NC, holding a Series 63 license and 24 years of industry experience. He previously worked at AE Wealth Management, Foundation For Financial Education, Formula Folio Investments, and Retirement Wealth Advisors. Outside of advising, he provides trumpet lessons and performances through his Cain Leonard Trumpet Studio and offers adult education on retirement planning. Leonard Wealth Management, LLC is an independent registered investment adviser serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, charities, and pension and profit-sharing plans. The firm provides comprehensive financial planning, hourly consulting, estate-settlement assistance, and discretionary portfolio management, using a combination of model portfolios, third-party advisors, and various portfolio construction techniques.

Michael Fuhr, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Founder of Evergreen Wealth Services, a fee-only financial advisory firm located in Mooresville, North Carolina. Michael provides experienced financial planning and investment management services to individuals and families. His goal is to help clients make wise financial decisions to ensure a secure financial future. Michael believes that financial planning is the cornerstone of your financial success, starting with your unique goals and objectives. Ongoing services address the following core areas: retirement planning, investments, tax strategies, maximizing employee benefits (private and Federal), education funding, real estate financing, insurance review, estate and legacy planning and charitable giving strategies. As an independent, fee-only Financial Advisor, Michael does not receive commissions or other incentives. He acts in your best interests as your fiduciary advisor and his only loyalty is to you. He serves clients in the Lake Norman, Charlotte and surrounding areas. He also works with clients virtually across the country. Michael grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He and his family reside in Mooresville, North Carolina.