Founder/Managing Partner

Steven G. Smith

Steve has extensive experience in several businesses spanning four decades. His experience provides a solid foundation for optimizing strategies and, in 2008, he committed to focusing on individuals who need to make business decisions regarding their personal lives. To that end, he has furthered his education in retirement strategies and Medicare options that help his clients meet their objectives just as efficiently as any business might.

Steve has helped hundreds of clients find solutions to meet their financial objectives, especially where it concerns decisions with claiming strategies for Social Security, Medicare, and Retirement Strategies. As a Certified Financial Fiduciary, Steve’s goal is to help his clients without consideration to any companies, products, services, or purchases. “Success is when the client makes the right decision for them”.

A major focus has been on complex retirement strategies. He has been educating people in that field for COFE (Council of Financial Educators) pro bono in numerous settings, including libraries where the focus is on providing a general understanding of Social Security. To that end he has committed to continuous education in both areas so others may understand their options and help optimize their benefit from the options they choose.

Steve and his wife, Lynn have been married for more than 40 years, lived in Wallingford, CT, most of that time, raised three children and are now grandparents.

Partner/Office Manager

Samantha Smith

Samantha’s extensive experience in customer service management positions her exceptionally well to lead the daily operations of a dynamic financial practice. With a passion for assisting individuals in navigating various challenges, she now focuses on addressing their financial concerns and aspirations. For more than a decade, she has effectively managed the office’s daily operations and coordinated scheduling for live in-person events and workshops. A lifelong resident of central Connecticut, Samantha currently resides in Southington, CT.

Licensed Insurance Broker

Rick Claxton

Rick also stresses retirement education and conducts pro bono training for COFE (Council of Financial Educators) to increase community awareness of the options for retirement and to help customers make informed benefit decisions.

Rick currently serves as a Major in the Army National Guard. He, his wife Abby, daughter Zoe, son Carter, and dog, Sadie, live in Wallingford.

Investment advisory services offered by Richard Claxton, through Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC (BWA), a registered investment advisor and an affiliate of Brookstone Capital Management, LLC. BWA and Smith Gillis Financial are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BWA but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.

Licensed Insurance Broker

Tyler Bruns

Tyler and his wife live in Guilford with their two young boys. In his spare time, Tyler can be found playing pretty much any type of sport, watching the stock market, or coaching his sons’ activities.

Investment advisory services offered by Tyler Bruns, through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Smith Gillis Financial are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.

Licensed Insurance Broker

David Tetley

David has been in the Financial Services Industry for more than 3 decades, specializing in Insurance, Retirement Plans and Guaranteed Investment contracts. He holds the Series 65 license as well as Life, Health & Long-Term Care licenses. He truly enjoys assisting new and existing retirees’ preserve, protect, and design income strategies to last their lifetime. He has a great deal of experience in assisting his clients with making prudent, well-informed financial decisions.

David enjoys spending time with his wife Kathleen, three grown children, and their boxer, Brandy. In addition, he can be found enjoying music, golfing, and boating when the opportunity presents itself.

Service Agent/ Licensed Insurance Broker

Carter Uhlman

Originally from Southington, CT, Carter is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in business operations, finance, and management. A graduate of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, Carter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business while also excelling as a college football player, and serving as team captain for the Division 2 program.

Carter has gained valuable experience across various fields. His career began as an Accounts Payable Specialist at TLD Corp., where he demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and financial acumen. Following this, Carter served as a Conference and Events Specialist at Saint Anselm College, showcasing his ability to manage large-scale events and deliver exceptional service.

Subsequently, At Smith Gillis Financial, Carter leverages his comprehensive business background to deliver tailored solutions and drive client success. With a passion for continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence, Carter brings a wealth of experience and a results-oriented mindset to every project.

Carter currently resides in Berlin, CT, where in his free time he lives to exercise, watch sports with friends and family, play guitar, and golf.

Administrative Coordinator/Service Agent

Jeanne Mason

Jeanne attended college in the late ’80s, was on the dean’s list and graduated in 1991 with a degree in CADD/Manufacturing. She has worked for decades in a corporate environment, holding several highly detailed positions/responsibilities, many of which entailed global interaction and responsibilities, including Logistics, Warehouse Management, Supply Chain, Inventory Levels, Billing, Global Operations and Data Synchronization.

She was born and raised in Connecticut. Married in 1976, she has two children, Ivy and Travis, along with two grandchildren, Hannah and Cody. She resides in Meriden with her husband Perry, son Travis, and their two dogs, Charley and Poco.

Service Agent/Licensed Insurance Broker

Mac Bowne

Mac came to the insurance industry after a career as a technician in the broadcast field. He is a licensed broker and specializes in annuities. At Smith Gillis Financial, his position as Service Agent involves submitting applications with the clients and following the process until the point of delivery. He also provides after-sales services to the agents and the clients at Smith Gillis Financial.