Firm Leadership and Support

"The MassMutual approach is to leave the success or failure to the local management. We have high expectations of ourselves and others. Success breeds success here."

	Scott A. Stillman President Scott began his career in the financial services industry in 1983. Since spending the first half of his career as a successful producer, Scott has spent over 15 years coaching and training advisors to grow successful practices. He currently serves as the president of Wealth Concepts and is responsible for driving the firm continually to the next level of success.
	Melissa J. Edelman Managing Director Melissa has been in the financial services industry since 1982. In her current role, she is responsible for training and coaching experienced advisors in their fee based financial planning practices. She has had a successful practice since 1994 and transitioned to a fee based practice model in 2003. Having made this transition successfully, Melissa is uniquely qualified to coach experienced advisors in all areas of transitioning their practice and moving up market to a higher net worth clientele.
	Scott E. Close Associate Managing Director After 15 years of success in executive level management with a Fortune 100 company, Scott acted on his strong desire to become an entrepreneur. He entered the financial services industry and quickly became one of his company’s leading producers. Scott coaches advisors to reach their potential using the detailed process at Wealth Concepts. Being a successful advisor himself enables Scott to identify the large and small issues that can make or break an advisor’s career and coach from that practical knowledge.
	Jeffrey M. Caron, LUTCF, CLTC Director of Selection and Development With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Jeff is responsible for training and coaching both new and experienced individuals with Wealth Concepts. Throughout his career, Jeff has mentored top industry advisors and has qualified for numerous awards based on his own production. Using his unique approach, Jeff’s concentration lies in assisting others build their own successful careers in the industry.

Wealth Concepts Specialists

	Dustin Voag, CFP® Director of Financial Planning Dustin oversees the financial planning department, including the creation of financial plans. Through this process, he coordinates with appropriate Wealth Concepts’ specialists to produce a customized client-ready plan for the advisor. Dustin consults with advisors and their coaches to provide assistance in fee-based financial planning, advanced life insurance plan design, and overall case design & illustration.
	Howard Schuster, MBA Director of Investments Howard works closely with the Financial Planning Department to integrate appropriate investment recommendations within the client-ready financial plan. Working side-by-side with Wealth Concepts associates, Howard lends his expertise to the analysis of our clients’ existing investment portfolios. In addition, after understanding client objectives, Howard works collaboratively with our associates and other specialists to ensure proper planning of future investment strategies.
	Jason Randall Director of Compliance Jason has been in the financial services industry since 1996. He serves as a Registered Principal, assisting the Registered Representatives and Corporate RIA affiliates to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations set by regulatory bodies such as FINRA and the SEC. Jason is the Registered Principal reviewing and signing off on new securities business at the local level. He also ensures the firm is in compliance with internal policies and procedures.
	John Odell, LUTCF Director of Employee Benefits John founded his Employee Benefits practice in 1982 and specializes in working with businesses in the areas of group health insurance* and company sponsored retirement plans. John serves as a resource to Wealth Concepts by helping our business owner clients address the challenge of designing comprehensive and cost effective strategies for their company’s benefit plans. *Not offered through MassMutual.
	Tyler Rainey Director of Brokerage Tyler began in the Financial Services industry in 1998. His role is to develop, manage and maintain all independent insurance brokerage relationships with the firm. Additionally, Tyler serves as a resource for Wealth Concepts associates on advanced life insurance training and case design.
	Marc Most, ChFC, CLU, LUTCF Long Term Care Insurance and Disability Income Specialist Marc began his career in the Financial Services industry in 1988. Successful in personal production, he has evolved to become a specialist in long term care insurance, annuities, and disability income insurance. Marc is proficient in educating and assisting our associates, both new and experienced, in increasing their knowledge and skill set.

Finance & Operations Team

	Joe Embree Director of Operations & Technology Joe began his career in the Financial Services industry in 2000. His concentration lies in devising and managing sophisticated technology applications and providing creative technology solutions to Wealth Concepts associates. He also manages the firm’s financial arrangements and serves as a resource for all compensation related issues for the firm.
	Joy Varga Director of Contracting and Licensing Joy has worked in contracting since 1987. Joy efficiently manages the contracting process and is essential in creating a smooth transition for those joining Wealth Concepts. Joy’s experience and attention to detail allow her to assist in moving through this often complicated process.
	David Simmons, MS, MPA Director of Marketing & Agency Supervisory Associate David began his career in financial services in 2006, joining the Wealth Concepts team in 2008. With a background in accounting and change management, David directs the firm’s overall marketing and strategic planning programs and communication efforts. David is responsible for advisors’ professional development through extensive research of marketing and client service programs. David also assists the new business and compliance departments in submission and review of insurance and investment-related applications.
	April Barnhill Director of New Business April began her career in the Financial Services industry in 1986 and brings significant experience to her role at Wealth Concepts. She has served in her current role since 2001 as the primary liaison between Wealth Concepts advisors and the MassMutual Home Office on new insurance business from application to issuance.
	Charla Beucke New Business Coordinator Charla is an integral part of the firm’s new business operations. After 7 years as a small business owner, Charla began her career in the high tech and financial services arenas in 1999. Her extensive experience lends to her role as a connection between the Wealth Concepts office and the MassMutual headquarters.
	Kathy Sexton Bookkeeper Kathy has worked in financial services since 2006 serving as an executive assistant to the general agent. Kathy moved into her current position in January 2007and is responsible for managing the overall finances for the agency.
	Teresa Phippen Client Services Coordinator Teresa has worked in Customer Service since 1992. She is responsible for welcoming clients to our firm and being an immediate source of information and assistance to our clients both in-house and over the telephone. She also assists the Wealth Concepts staff with New Business and Client Services.
	Lisa Bickerstaff Executive Assistant A third generation Coloradan, Lisa has business in her genes. After growing up in a thriving entrepreneurial family, Lisa and her husband started and successfully ran their own construction business. New to the financial services industry, Lisa excitedly embraces her role at Wealth Concepts. Working side-by-side with the firm’s president, Lisa’s commitment to open and efficient communication make her a definite asset.