Merit | Birmingham Location
Birmingham, AL
3595 Grandview Pkwy Dr, Suite 225
Birmingham, Alabama 35243
Phone: 205.969.8011
Fax: 205.969.8014
Toll-Free: 1.866.309.9194
Scott Crowe
Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, Partner
Scott Crowe
Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, Partner
Scott is a registered representative with LPL Financial, and an Investment Advisor Representative with Merit Financial Advisors. An Auburn University graduate, Scott began his career directly out of college with a local independent broker/dealer.
With a clear understanding and commitment to personal finance, Scott decided to pursue a career that builds on his education and his desire to help others manage and work towards their financial goals. Scott joined Merit Financial Advisors in 2011 and has over 10 years of experience in the investment and financial industry. His experience includes overseeing the Central Alabama Region at T.D. Ameritrade where he was responsible for over $300 million in client assets. "Financial planning is a mix of expectations, managing risk, and discipline. However, I feel honesty and character are equally important qualities when working with a professional advisor. These are all attributes I wish to convey to my clients."
Scott lives in Birmingham with his wife, Megan and daughter, Piper. In his free time he can be seen pursuing home renovation projects, spending time with his family and friends, and his dog, Man-man.
Melissa Griffith
LPL Registered Client Service Manager, Branch Manager
Melissa Griffith
LPL Registered Client Service Manager, Branch Manager
Melissa is an LPL Registered Administrative Associate, and the newest addition to the Merit Financial Advisors Birmingham team. Melissa served in the United States Air Force and is a graduate of American Military University.
"My philosophy with our clients is, 'The client is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption to our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so.'" ~ Mahatma Gandhi
A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Melissa is new to Birmingham and has two children, Kyle and Caitlin. She enjoys travelling, spending time with family, and is an Autism Speaks advocate in the community.
Billy Focia
Financial Advisor
Billy Focia
Financial Advisor
Billy is a registered representative with LPL Financial, and an Investment Advisor Representative with Merit Financial Advisors. He joined Merit in 2017 with fourteen years of previous experience in the financial industry, and seven years managing individual’s investment accounts.
An Auburn University at Montgomery graduate, Billy began his career in 1996 owning a pizza restaurant with his brother and sister. After a brief stint in the wireless industry, Billy started his financial career in 2002. With experience at major broker/dealers, Billy brings experience to his clients with their financial needs by focus on his client’s goals through service. “I want clients to see me as the voice of reason that they can trust when looking to invest. I like educating clients about investments and letting them take their time making decisions.”
Billy lives in the Birmingham area and currently works with clients in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. He enjoys spending most of his free time with his teenage daughters, following them around to athletic events.
Crista Roemen
Client Development Manager
Crista Roemen
Client Development Manager
Crista is a client Development Manager for Merit focusing on marketing and establishing a relationship with Merit Financial Advisors public through events and strategic communication efforts. Crista enjoys getting to know our clients and learning better ways to meet their needs. Crista received a BA Degree in Public Relations from Auburn University, but she's a Bama fan...Roll Tide! She likes to spending time with her husband and their 3 fur babies - Lily, Scout & Rose. She also loves to travel and see new places.
Debbie Moore
Client Service Manager
Debbie Moore
Client Service Manager
Debbie started her second career with Merit Financial Advisors after retiring from BellSouth with 34 years of service. Her experience in maintaining customer satisfaction made her the perfect fit to assume the role of Client Service Manager.
"My goal is to assist our clients by providing superior service and to make their transition into retirement a happy one. Our clients are like family to us and I take pride in making them feel that way".
Debbie enjoys staying busy with her husband, Wayne, and her daughter, Brittany. She also enjoys quiet time reading, collecting antiques, Pinterest and crafting.
Paula Smith
Client Service Support
Paula Smith
Client Service Support
Paula joined the Merit Financial Advisors team in 2009. She has a long history of managing client relationships. Over her 27 years of experience with BellSouth, Paula became an expert at supporting multiple client groups.
Paula handles most special projects for Merit Financial Advisors. Her time is dedicated to ensuring the Birmingham office operates effectively and efficiently. Her attention to detail and her "service with a smile" approach make her a valued member to the team.
In her spare time, Paula enjoys spending time with friends, jewelry making, Pinterest, and Alabama football.