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About Us
Why We're Different
Fee-Only
Compensated solely by you — no commissions or hidden incentives. Our only goal is your financial success.
Fiduciary
We are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest — the highest standard in the industry.
Independent
We partner with Fidelity & Schwab — never a broker-dealer. We're analysts, not salespeople.
Client-Centered Service
We work with a select number of clients, fostering close relationships to protect and grow their assets over the long-term. Our goal is to truly know you, your family, and your unique situation. Traditions Wealth Advisors was founded to provide the freedom and flexibility to adapt to our clients' evolving needs, and we demonstrate that your interests always come first by:
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Taking care to structure our time in order to be available for all clients
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Offering a flexible fee structure
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Focusing educational workshops and speaking engagements on topics that directly relate to our clients
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Hosting fireside chats to help clients become more financially knowledgeable
Meet Our Team
Our Advising Team
Owner/Founder
Brien Smith, CFP®
Brien is a founding partner of Traditions Wealth Advisors with more than 40 years of experience in financial services and over 36 years in financial planning. He earned his BBA from Texas A&M University and obtained his CFP® designation in 1994.
Prior to founding Traditions, Brien served as Vice President and Financial Planner for Carter Financial Management and previously worked with IDS/American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise). He is actively involved in community leadership and volunteer service, including roles with the Austin Diocese Investment Committee, Twin City Endowment Fund, and Boy Scouts of America.
Director of Tax & Financial Planning
Laurie Perkins, CPA
Laurie earned her BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University in 1989 and became a CPA in 1991 after beginning her career with Arthur Andersen in San Antonio. She has extensive experience in accounting, auditing, payroll, and tax preparation, working with community organizations, CPA firms, and small businesses throughout Arkansas and Texas.
Laurie joined Traditions Wealth Advisors to assist with financial and tax planning services for clients. She is active in her church and community, including the Brazos County Aggie Moms Club and local service organizations, and enjoys helping at many Knights of Columbus events in the community.
Director of Client Relations & Marketing
Matalyn Trimble, M.S.
Matalyn brings experience in branding, social media strategy, SEO, and client service. Before joining TWA, she worked with a marketing and consulting agency specializing in digital marketing and website development, and also interned on Halliburton's Marketing team.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications from Texas A&M University in 2025 and stayed to complete her Master of Science in Marketing in 2026.
A proud Texas native, Matalyn enjoys spending time with family, supporting Aggie athletics, and staying active in her church community at St. Mary’s Catholic Center.
Our Interns
Investment Analyst Intern
Joseph Velasco
Joseph is an economics student at Texas A&M University, expected to graduate in Spring 2027. He is drawn to economics for its ability to explain how value is created and assessed across the global economy, with future goals of becoming a partner at a private equity or venture capital firm.
Prior to joining TWA, Joseph served as an Equity Fund Analyst for the Aggie Investment Club, where he conducted deep market research, built financial models, and developed stock pitches to guide investment decisions. He has also traveled with the club to meet with analysts and fund managers at leading financial institutions. He also works as a certified personal trainer at Texas A&M.
Outside the office, Joseph enjoys scuba diving, weightlifting, and reading.
Investment Analyst Intern
David Foster
David is a graduate student pursuing his Master of Financial Management at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, expected to graduate in Fall 2026. He holds a bachelor's degree in Data Science from UC Berkeley and is focused on bringing a data-driven approach to finance and investment analysis.
Prior to joining TWA, David interned with United Airlines, where he built predictive analytics models and created data visualizations to improve operational efficiency. He is also a former NCAA All-American in track and field.
Outside of work, David enjoys track and field and exploring the world of computers.
Investment Analyst Intern
Christopher Kuhlmann
Christopher is a finance student with an economics minor at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, expected to graduate in May 2027. He is drawn to finance through a passion for stock research, investing, and understanding the broader economy, with future goals of earning his CFA designation and working in investment management at an asset manager or hedge fund.
Prior to joining TWA, Christopher interned with Talen Energy on their FP&A team and serves as an equity analyst for the Aggie Investment Club, where his team placed first in the club's campus-wide stock pitch competition.
In his free time, Christopher enjoys golfing, working out, and watching F1.
Investment Analyst Intern
Jacob Carr
Jacob is a finance student at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, expected to graduate in 2028. He is an active member of the Aggie Real Estate Club on campus.
Jacob is deeply involved in student leadership at Texas A&M, serving as an FBI Peer Leader and Fish Camp Counselor, where he mentors incoming students and helps guide their transition to college life.
Outside of academics, Jacob is committed to community service and has volunteered through programs including The Big Event and Sea City Work Camp.
Financial Planning Intern
Gage Secor
Gage is a finance student with a minor in financial planning at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, expected to graduate in May 2027. He is drawn to finance through a personal passion for investing, with a long-term goal of earning his CFP designation and providing pro bono financial planning in his community.
Prior to joining TWA, Gage interned with Essick Tax Services, where he managed data for over 700 clients and supported CPA review processes. He is also a member of the Financial Planning Student Association on campus.
Outside of work, Gage enjoys playing and watching sports, reading, history, guitar, and working out.
Accounting Intern
Rianna Breaux
Rianna is an accounting student at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, expected to graduate in May 2028. A Houston native, she is drawn to accounting as the foundational language of business and has developed a strong interest in how money is managed and leveraged for growth.
Prior to joining TWA, Rianna interned with United Realty & Investment Co. and has participated in competitive programs with KPMG, J.P. Morgan, and BDO. On campus, she is an active member of the Aggie Accounting Association.
In her free time, Rianna enjoys working out, cooking, dancing, watching movies, and volunteering in her community.
Economic Analyst Intern
Diego Carranco
Diego is an economics student with a minor in AI in Business at Texas A&M University, expected to graduate in 2027. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, he is drawn to economics for its versatility across finance, business development, and data analytics, with an ambitious long-term goal of owning a professional soccer club.
Prior to joining TWA, Diego has worked as a Business Intelligence Analyst at Global Shop Solutions, applying data analytics for manufacturing firms. On campus, he is involved with the Aggie Investment Club and Aggie Venture Fund.
Outside of work, Diego enjoys soccer, cooking, exercising, and following the markets.
Financial Marketing & Client Services Intern
Arlet Fontaine
Arlet is a marketing student with an economics minor at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, expected to graduate in May 2028. She is drawn to marketing for its intersection of creativity and analytics, a passion she has carried since middle school, and is exploring a future in brand strategy.
Arlet has been actively involved on campus, serving as Vice President of Finance for the Aggie Advertising Club and competing in marketing case competitions including the AAF Houston Student Conference and the 180 Degrees Consulting Case Competition.
Arlet is a proud Mexican-American who enjoys singing, playing the ukulele, baking, and anything creative in her free time.