Stephen Gayton

Martha Spence serves as a Senior Financial Advisor with over 20 years of industry experience, specializing in providing tailored financial solutions for business owners as they grow and transition their companies. Holding the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designation, she applies advanced Exit Planning methodologies along with comprehensive strategies to address the evolving needs of business owners at every stage of ownership. Martha collaborates closely with clients to understand their businesses and personal financial goals, utilizing resources from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Bank of America to design customized exit strategies, tax-efficient transitions, partner buyouts, and more. Martha maintains securities registrations including Series 7, Series 66, Series 63, and SIE with FINRA, as well as a Georgia Life, Accident and Sickness Insurance Agent License. She completed a non-accredited certificate program at the University of North Georgia. Her client services focus encompasses college education planning, executive compensation, family wealth management, retirement income, portfolio management, and employee financial health. She also serves as an active member of the North Georgia Trust & Estate Planning Council, the Rotary Club of Gainesville, and the North Georgia Community Foundation Board. In 2023, Martha was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary Foundation International. Martha resides in historic Hall County, Georgia, with her teenage son. Outside of her professional activities, she enjoys engaging with her family, following Formula 1 racing, and visiting relatives in Topsail Beach, North Carolina.

Matthew Thorne is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving clients through Merrill Financial Solutions. He works closely with individuals and families to understand their priorities and develop strategies to pursue financial goals across short-, mid-, and long-term horizons. His approach includes ongoing advice and guidance, adapting strategies as clients' needs evolve. Additionally, he facilitates access to specialists for banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions through Bank of America. Matthew’s areas of focus include family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, and personal retirement planning. He draws on his background as a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) to help clients navigate complex financial decisions and competing demands such as retirement planning, funding education, and healthcare preparedness. Matthew holds a bachelor's degree from the United States Air Force Academy and is an Air Force veteran. Outside of his professional role, Matthew is a husband and father with personal interests that include baseball, football, golfing, reading, and spending time with his family.