A Heart for Service.
Merit Financial Advisors and Pioneers Volunteer Network are excited to have created a unique collaboration based on the passion of community and giving.
Merit Financial Advisors exists to enrich the lives of those we serve.
Merit is proud to be the newest Pioneer Volunteer Network member benefit provider. In business for over 25 years, Merit works with individuals and their families nationwide, helping them pursue financial wellness by utilizing financial planning and wealth management.
We will offer all Pioneer Members financial resources, tools, videos, webinars and events at all of the Pioneer Chapters around the country (if invited). We are also a resource for your financial planning and investment management needs.
Pioneer Volunteer Network, Merit Financial Advisors and LPL are separate entities.
50/50 Events
These fun and informative events support your funny bone and your financial prowess.
Join us for this important 50/50 Webinar Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Beginning at 1:00 PM CST
It is estimated that more than 343 million people fell victim to cyberattacks in 2023. Now, as technology has changed so have cybercrimes.
- Learn tips and tools on how to spot a scam or cyber threat
- Understand how to protect your data
- Market threats to your portfolio
Educational Webinars
Educational seminars on financial topics that are important to you. Register for educational events today!
National Monthly Newsletter
Important and timley information about events and resources. View the newsletter below.
Sponsorship Events
We are out to support both the National and Chapter-specific efforts of Pioneers Volunteer members. Contact us to help in your area.
Social Events
Getting together with like-minded people for some fun, what could be better? Register for social events in your area.
Download Our Financial Tools Below
Resources Designed for You and All Your Financial Needs
Our advice is clear and not clouded by an obligation to promote any proprietary investment vehicle, banking institution or insurance company. As an independent firm, we bring personalized advice, financial acumen and offer an infinite of financial vehicle options for the pursuit of financial goals.
Meet Our Team
Brad Cast
Wealth Manager, Partner
Brad Cast
RFC®
Wealth Manager, Partner
Brad Cast, RFC®, is a Partner and Wealth Manager for Merit in the Botsford Private Wealth division. His main focus is comprehensive financial planning for high net worth executives and individuals in transition (widows, divorcées, retirees, etc.) Brad enjoys spending time with clients while assisting them as they strive to reach their personal financial goals. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State University. Brad likes to travel, spend time with his family, fly fish in North Georgia and work on home improvement projects.
Blaine Malcom
Wealth Manager, Branch Manager, Partner
Blaine Malcom
CFP®
Wealth Manager, Branch Manager, Partner
Blaine is a Wealth Manager focusing on building client relationships and helping people navigate financial planning and investing. He enjoys helping clients pursue their financial goals. Blaine received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas Tech University, and also holds his CFP designation. When not at work, he likes to spend time with his wife and kids, and go skiing with his boys when he is not coaching or watching their sports.
Zac Beckerley
Wealth Manager, Partner
Zac Beckerley
CFP®
Wealth Manager, Partner
Zac Beckerley, CFP® is a Wealth Manager for Merit focusing on investment growth and income strategies through comprehensive financial planning. He enjoys helping clients build and pursue their financial goals for a comfortable and exciting retirement. Zac received both his Bachelors and Master’s degree from Texas Tech University. He has always enjoyed numbers, so it was a good fit for him to earn a degree in financial planning. Zac likes to play and listen to music, as well as spend time with his wife and three children.
Kyle Shores
Wealth Manager, Partner
Kyle Shores
Wealth Manager, Partner
Kyle Shores is a Wealth Manager for Merit focusing on advising clients on investments, insurance, estate planning, risk management, and other areas of comprehensive financial planning. He enjoys redefining the norm for the financial advising relationship, which is different for every investor. Kyle received a Bachelors Degree in Financial Planning from the University of North Texas. He also sits on the Board of The Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County. Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife Klair and their four boys Cameron, Dalton, Max, and Harrison.
Scott Crowe
Wealth Manager, Branch Manager, Partner
Scott Crowe
Wealth Manager, 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.
Billy Focia
Wealth Manager
Billy Focia
Wealth Manager
Billy Focia is a wealth manager for Merit focusing on developing strategies for client’s goals for investment and retirement. Billy enjoys helping to guide his clients towards a pursuit of a successful financial future. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Auburn University at Montgomery. Billy likes to travel with his kids, play golf and mentor the youth.
Stephen Frick
Wealth Manager, Branch Manager, Partner
Stephen Frick
CRPC®
Wealth Manager, Branch Manager, Partner
Stephen Frick is a Wealth Manager and the Branch Manager for Merit Financial Advisors in Jacksonville, FL. He brings to the table 17 years of experience in both the banking and wealth management industries. Stephen believes that wealth management is more than providing advice on how to invest your money. His approach is built on the foundation that every individual has unique goals and priorities and that a sound financial plan should be tailored to meet what's most important to you. As a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®), Stephen focuses on educating his clients on the important financial decisions that come with planning for and successfully navigating through retirement.
Stephen was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, attending Bishop Kenny High School. From there, he attended the University of Florida, graduating from the Warrington College of Business with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Mass Communications.
Stephen and his wife Olivia are proud parents to their son Finn and daughter Elle. The Frick Family spends their time attending church, the kid's soccer matches and basketball games, and playing cards and board games. When he isn't spending time with family, Stephen is an avid golfer and enjoys attending sporting events and concerts. If you asked his closest friends, they'd tell you his true passion is music and sports trivia. He loves a good-natured challenge, so be sure to let him know if you have a good trivia question you think will stump him!
Nicole Denson
Client Development Manager
Heather Peery
Regional Operations Administrator