Meet Your Team
We’re financial advisors who help you capitalize on your success so you can protect and maximize your wealth. We believe you need defensive safeguards as well as proactive accumulation strategies to create optimal results, and we help you develop a comprehensive plan that protects you from potential risks and prepares you for the future. As fiduciaries in the advisory capacity, your needs and goals will always come first, and our advice will reflect what serves you best, no matter what.
At the end of the day, you determine the direction of your life, and you have the autonomy to make decisions about how you plan. We know that when you own your financial plan, you’ll be more invested in the outcomes, and you’ll feel even greater satisfaction when you reach your goals. Our job is to point out your blind spots, show you opportunities, and give you sound advice so you can stay on course.
Professional
Tom has committed his career to becoming a trusted advisor for his clients, helping them prioritize their goals and developing personalized financial plans designed to help them achieve their visions for the future. “Each client receives a very specific plan to meet their unique, individual needs,” said Tom. “Nothing is boilerplate. Everything is, quite frankly, made from scratch.”
Tom says the critical component in developing a personalized financial plan is getting to know as much as possible about each client.
“We look at each person’s situation differently. Until we know our clients in-depth and understand their true needs and goals, we can’t make a recommendation. So, we spend the time required to fully grasp what our clients really want to do, and then use all of the resources at our disposal to create the optimal plan to help them achieve their goals.
“I’m most proud of the fact that we can provide world-class financial products and advice right here in Barboursville, Huntington and Charleston. Northwestern Mutual provides us with all of the tools, information and technology we need to provide our clients with the same, expert advice you will find in places like mid-town Manhattan, Chicago and Los Angeles. A lot of people think you have to go to those big cities to get an expert. You don’t. We have experts and expert advice right here.”
Background & Education
Tom joined Northwestern Mutual in January 1988 as a Financial Representative immediately following graduation from Marshall University, where he received his degree in finance. Tom has continued his education, earning his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations. He is a Founding Member of FORUM, representing the top segment of our industry’s leading field force.
Personal
Tom lives in Huntington, West Virginia, with his wife Beth, and together, they’re the parents of two adult children, a son and a daughter. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, community service and outdoor activities.
Fun Facts
What book has shaped your professional life the most?
- Good to Great, by Jim Collins
What do you do when you need to decompress?
- Have a cigar and a nice glass of wine
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
- Bon Jovi at the Meadowlands
Professional
Evan works with clients to develop financial and estate plans, as well as wealth management strategies to achieve their specific goals. And he loves what he does!
“Our team is dedicated to delivering the absolute best to our clients,” said Evan. “We have a true passion to help guide our clients to make well-informed decisions that put them in the best possible financial position, and become their trusted advisor.”
"Our firm’s goal is to build long-standing relationships, advise our clients and see the work we do have a positive impact on their lives, as well as the lives of those who mean the most to them. Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about."
Background & Education
Evan joined Northwestern Mutual in January of 2004, after graduating from Fairmont State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Evan has also earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designations from the American College.
Fun Facts
What do you do when you need to decompress?
- Get out in nature!
What is your favorite quote?
- “Developing real expertise, figuring out really hard problems, it all takes time?longer than most people imagine.... Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you're willing to stay loyal to it...it's doing what you love, but not just falling in love?staying in love." – Angela Duckworth, Grit: Passion, Perseverance, and the Science of Success
What is your favorite family tradition?
- Reading Christmas stories with our girls by the tree.
Professional
As a Wealth Management Advisor, Brandon works closely with clients to help them develop plans and strategies to create a lifetime of financial security.
“We care, and we work hard to stay on top of education, planning, and the latest ideas to make sure we’re always delivering the best to our clients,” said Brandon. “We’re committed to making sure our team delivers the best experience, the best advice, and the highest quality products.”
Brandon says the strength of Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors is its experience, its commitment to service, and its backing by Northwestern Mutual.
“I love partnering with our clients to help them achieve their goals, educating them on sometimes complex planning strategies, and seeing the relief on their faces when they know they have someone who always has their back.”
Background & Education
Brandon joined Northwestern Mutual in August of 2008 as a Financial Representative immediately after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Marshall University, where he earned a BBA degree in finance. Brandon has also earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designations from The American College.
Personal
Brandon lives in Ona, West Virginia, with his wife Megan and their son, Lincoln. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and spending time with his family.
Fun Facts
What is the #1 place on your vacation bucket list?
- Italy!
What is your all-time favorite movie?
- The James Bond films and Stepbrothers (sorry, can’t choose just one!)
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
- A financial advisor (no joke!)
Professional
As Director of Operations, Billie handles all insurance operations, office structure and management, new client onboarding, service, and client relations.
“Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors brings years of experience to help clients reach their goals and objectives with individualized financial plans that help them achieve the futures they want to have,” said Billie. “Not only do I love working with our group, but I love helping families grow, helping them plan for a strong retirement, and seeing them meet their other planning goals.”
Background & Education
In February of 2020, Billie will have been at Northwestern Mutual for 30 years! She started her career while attending Marshall University, where she graduated in 1992. She holds State Life and Health Insurances licenses for West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.
Personal
Billie resides in Proctorville, Ohio, with her husband, Todd. They have a son, Seth, who lives in nearby Chesapeake, and they all love traveling, reading, music, and spending time with each other.
Fun Facts
What three people would you include at your celebrity dinner party?
- Will Ferrell (I love comedy, and I’m an extreme SNL fan!), Jackie Kennedy (tell me about living life in the spotlight…), and Mo Rocca (he’s a humorist, journalist, and actor—what more could you want at a dinner party?).
What is your favorite quote?
- “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
- A pediatrician—I love all things that involve helping children! In the past, I also served at a domestic violence shelter for many years.
Gregory A Gillmeister , CLU®, ChFC®
Director of Wealth Management Services
Professional
As Director of Wealth Management Services at Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors, Greg supervises the investment and wealth management areas of the company. His responsibilities include creating and managing a wide range of investment accounts, and monitoring investment funds, advisory models and the markets.
“This position brings together all of the areas I enjoy working in, from technical research in the markets, to addressing client needs and goals directly,” said Greg. “At Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors, we provide first-class service and the utmost care and attention to all of our clients. That is always our top priority.”
Background & Education
Greg joined Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors in June of 2016. Before that, he gained 16 years of actuarial and benefit consulting experience at American Benefit Corporation and seven years of investment management experience with Smith Barney and Northwestern Mutual.
Personal
Greg and his wife Leigh have been married for 33 years and have an adult son, Ian, and an adult daughter, Leslie.
Fun Facts
What book has shaped your professional life the most?
- The Bible
What do you do when you need to decompress?
- Play guitar
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Lasagna!
Professional
In her position, Kate handles insurance services, client relations, new client onboarding and new employee training and management.
“We truly care about our clients’ needs, goals and futures,” said Kate. “I love interacting with our clients and knowing that I’m impacting their lives in a positive manner. And I also love being able to work with such a great team, which has become family to me.”
Background & Education
Kate joined Northwestern Mutual in June of 2016 after graduating with a BS degree in dietetics from Marshall University. She holds State Life and Health Insurance licenses for West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.
Personal
Born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia, Kate enjoys spending time with her friends, family and MU Delta Zeta alumni. She has a passion for health and fitness and is active in the Junior League of Huntington.
Fun Facts
What is the #1 place on your vacation bucket list?
- New Zealand or Austria—I love the gorgeous landscapes!
What do you do when you need to decompress?
- Take a glass of wine outside somewhere with a beautiful view or go for a walk/hike.
What is your favorite family tradition?
- A Christmas Eve party with my family and friends before church.
Professional
As the Investment Operations and Planning Manager, Brian’s responsibilities include building financial plans, creating and managing a wide range of investment accounts, and monitoring investment funds and the market.
“Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors provides top-class service and always makes sure they do the right thing for their clients,” said Brian. “Not only do I enjoy working with the rest of the team at WSC, but it’s nice to know the impact we have on our community and the financial security we provide.”
Background & Education
Brian joined Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors in January of 2020. Prior to joining the firm, he was an intern for Northwestern Mutual and worked as an advisor. Brian graduated from Marshall University and holds State Life and Health Insurances licenses for West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio along with his series 6 & 63.
Personal
Brian resides in Barboursville, West Virginia, with his wife, Anna. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and doing anything sports related.
Fun Facts
What do you do when you need to decompress?
- Exercise—run it out!
What is your favorite family tradition?
- Sunday dinner with the fam!
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Pizza—does another option exist?
Professional
As the Financial Planning Associate, Nathan handles the preparation of financial plans and investment proposals. In addition, he processes new accounts, asset transfers, and monitoring industry trends.
“At Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors, we do our best to ensure we are providing our clients with the best personalized financial guidance and care through every stage of life. Our team has the same mindset in prioritizing our clients’ financial goals.”
Background & Education
Nathan joined Wilmink Smith Cline Wealth Advisors in May 2021. He joined the firm after graduating from Marshall University with his MBA with a concentration in finance.
Personal
Nathan lives in Huntington, West Virginia. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, traveling to different MLB stadiums, and spending time with friends and family.
Fun Facts
What do you do when you need to decompress?
- Ride my bike around town
What is the #1 place on your vacation bucket list?
- Germany and Switzerland
What is your favorite Bible verse?
- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17