Hi! Thanks for taking a minute or two to read my bio. I formed Equip Financial Partners after over a decade working in wealth management. I realized there is a common theme in the industry. Many advisors say they work with business owners, but what they really mean is that they're ready to swoop in during the last year or two before the owner is ready to sell so they can capture and manage the assets. I prefer to be along for the ride. Most advisors don't do this because there's "no money to manage." I've built my services to focus on the issues that are unique and important to business owners. I understand the business is "the investment." It's also going to have better returns than just about anything you'll find in the stock market. I help owners: • minimize taxes • create an exit strategy • know their "walk-away number" • focus on building transferable value • protect their business value • protect their family and their wealth However, there's a problem that is often faced that prevents owners from handling these matters--They don't understand their business's finances. They know what happened, but they can't look forward and predict what's coming up. Because of this, I've created Equip CFO which offers fractional CFO services. Between these two entities, we are able to handle just about any financial-related question or issue that arises for business owners. So, whether you're ready to sell, looking to grow, or just want to plan more efficiently, we're here to help. Thanks again for reading! I look forward to connecting.

J. Bailey Stitt is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in Fairhope, Alabama. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a member of the Harris, O’Neill, Stitt & Associates team. Bailey focuses on providing customized wealth strategies and integrated advice tailored to the individual financial goals and needs of her clients. Her approach involves a comprehensive understanding of clients’ priorities to develop clear, actionable roadmaps for achieving financial objectives. Her expertise encompasses family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, women and wealth, tax minimization, and retirement income. Bailey leads a multi-disciplinary process that incorporates investment management, retirement planning, tax strategies, trust and estate services, cash-flow analysis, education savings, and charitable giving. She emphasizes proactive communication, consistent service quality, and transparency in her client relationships. Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation alongside her CFP certification. She serves as a board member for Impact 100 of Baldwin County and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and is involved with Art for Heart. Outside of work, Bailey’s interests include boating, bowling, music, reading, skiing, table tennis, tennis, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Robyn Roberts is a Financial Solutions Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In her role, she works closely with clients to understand their personal financial priorities and develop strategies aimed at achieving their short-, mid-, and long-term goals. Robyn provides guidance on a range of financial topics, including investing, retirement planning, and preparing for unexpected expenses. Additionally, she facilitates access to Bank of America specialists for banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions. Robyn holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and completed her high school education at Pascagoula High School. Her approach centers on uncovering what matters most to clients and their families in order to create tailored financial strategies. She maintains ongoing communication with clients to address evolving needs and concerns.

Thomas Smith is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in Fairhope, Alabama. He has over 35 years of experience working with retirement plans and has been with Merrill Lynch since 2004. Thomas specializes in retirement planning strategies for both individuals and businesses, focusing on areas such as divorce transition planning, employee benefits planning, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, and institutional investment consulting. Thomas holds a Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University and has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification through the Investments & Wealth Institute™ in conjunction with the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. He also holds the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC) designations. His approach involves working closely with clients to create personalized financial strategies designed to help them pursue their goals. Outside of his professional role, Thomas lives in Fairhope, Alabama with his wife Anne and their three sons: Walker, Evans, and Tipton. His personal interests include boating, fishing, gardening, golfing, hiking, music, pottery, rock climbing, soccer, and tennis.

S Wesley Carpenter is the Senior Resident Director of the Fairhope, Alabama office of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He serves as a Wealth Management Advisor to a select group of professionals, business owners, and retirees. Wesley is the co-founder of THE HARTY CARPENTER GROUP, a wealth advisory team recognized in the Southeast. Over the last two decades, he has built a team that emphasizes upfront honest advice, in-depth customization, and committed service. Wesley has been recognized on several industry lists, including Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors" from 2021 through 2025 and Forbes' "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list for six consecutive years through 2025. He was also named to Financial Planning's "Top 40 Advisors Under 40" list in 2020 and 2021. His expertise includes college education planning, corporate benefits, divorce transition planning, education planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Wesley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Business Administration with a focus on Finance and a minor in Economics from The University of Alabama. He is active in the Eastern Shore community, serving as Chairman of the Board and Leadership Council member of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, and participating in organizations such as the Alabama Leadership Initiative, Leadership Baldwin County, Community Foundation of South Alabama, Business Council of Alabama, Coastal 150, and others. In his personal time, Wesley enjoys Alabama football, offshore fishing, golfing, and spending time with his wife and two sons.