Our Advising Team
Brien Smith, CFP®
Owner/Founder
Brien has over 35 years of experience in financial services and 31 years practicing financial planning. He is the founding partner of Traditions Wealth Advisors. Brien received his BBA from Texas A&M University in 1981 with concentrations in Business Management and Economics. He went on to study Economic Graduate courses at the University of Houston. He then achieved his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 1994.
Brien served as Vice President and local Financial Planner for Carter Financial Management’s Bryan/College Station location for ten years. Prior to his position with CFM, he worked for IDS/American Express Financial Advisors now known as Ameriprise (largest financial planning firm in the nation) as a financial planner and training manager for five years. He volunteers considerable time to his position on the Investment Committee overseeing over $80 million for the Austin (Central) Texas Diocese. Also, Brien chairs the Twin City Endowment Fund (a fund of about $2M) for the Brazos Valley area for economic development. After serving as his son's Scoutmaster for 5 years, Brien now serves Boy Scouts of America as an executive volunteer for the local scouting district.
Commitment to Professional Organizations:
Owner/Founder
Brien has over 35 years of experience in financial services and 31 years practicing financial planning. He is the founding partner of Traditions Wealth Advisors. Brien received his BBA from Texas A&M University in 1981 with concentrations in Business Management and Economics. He went on to study Economic Graduate courses at the University of Houston. He then achieved his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 1994.
Brien served as Vice President and local Financial Planner for Carter Financial Management’s Bryan/College Station location for ten years. Prior to his position with CFM, he worked for IDS/American Express Financial Advisors now known as Ameriprise (largest financial planning firm in the nation) as a financial planner and training manager for five years. He volunteers considerable time to his position on the Investment Committee overseeing over $80 million for the Austin (Central) Texas Diocese. Also, Brien chairs the Twin City Endowment Fund (a fund of about $2M) for the Brazos Valley area for economic development. After serving as his son's Scoutmaster for 5 years, Brien now serves Boy Scouts of America as an executive volunteer for the local scouting district.
Commitment to Professional Organizations:
- Financial Planning Association – Practitioner Division
- Brazos County A&M Club – President/Board of Directors
- Houston Estate and Financial Forum - Active Member
- Brazos Valley Estate and Financial Planning Council – President
- Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce
Sarah D. Buenger, MPAS®, MSPFP, CFP®
Director of Financial Planning
Sarah Buenger joined the Traditions Wealth Advisors team in September 2018 as director of financial planning. Buenger brings more than 20 years experience in serving high net worth clients through comprehensive financial planning.
Sarah received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. She later earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation after successfully completing the education component and passing the board exam in 2003. In 2015, Sarah completed a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning through the College for Financial Planning where she was awarded the Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS®) designation in recognition of her extended course studies.
Director of Financial Planning
Sarah Buenger joined the Traditions Wealth Advisors team in September 2018 as director of financial planning. Buenger brings more than 20 years experience in serving high net worth clients through comprehensive financial planning.
Sarah received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. She later earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation after successfully completing the education component and passing the board exam in 2003. In 2015, Sarah completed a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning through the College for Financial Planning where she was awarded the Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS®) designation in recognition of her extended course studies.
Lois Scogin, MBA
Financial Analyst Emeritus
Lois has over 23 years of experience as a financial analyst. Her duties include portfolio analysis, research, and general client service work. She has completed the course work for her CFP designation. Lois graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA with a BA in Mathematics. In addition, she has a M.Ed. from Lesley College in Cambridge, MA and an MBA from Texas A&M University.
She has been a key partner in the team at Traditions Wealth Advisors and she has been working with Brien Smith long before its inception in March of 2003. Lois joined Carter Financial Management in March 1994 on part time basis. Previously, she taught mathematics at the middle school and high school level in Belmont, MA. In addition, she served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Nigeria for two years. After a two-year leave of absence from Carter Financial Management, Mrs. Scogin returned to work with Brien in June 1999.
Financial Analyst Emeritus
Lois has over 23 years of experience as a financial analyst. Her duties include portfolio analysis, research, and general client service work. She has completed the course work for her CFP designation. Lois graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA with a BA in Mathematics. In addition, she has a M.Ed. from Lesley College in Cambridge, MA and an MBA from Texas A&M University.
She has been a key partner in the team at Traditions Wealth Advisors and she has been working with Brien Smith long before its inception in March of 2003. Lois joined Carter Financial Management in March 1994 on part time basis. Previously, she taught mathematics at the middle school and high school level in Belmont, MA. In addition, she served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Nigeria for two years. After a two-year leave of absence from Carter Financial Management, Mrs. Scogin returned to work with Brien in June 1999.
Our Staff
Michael Maerz
Client Services and Marketing Director
Michael is a 1982 graduate of Southwest Texas State University (Texas State) where he received his Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
Prior to joining the staff at Traditions Wealth Advisors, Michael worked for Courtyard by Marriott in guest services, offering guests outstanding service during their stay at the hotel. He worked for 29 years in various capacities for the TJX Corporation, (T. J. Maxx). He worked as an area lead, cash office manager and a new store trainer before moving to College Station where he worked as both the Store Operations Manager and the Store Merchandising Manager. At T. J. Maxx, Michael worked daily providing outstanding customer service to his customers as well as providing a satisfying work place for the associates.
Outside of work, Michael is very active in his church. Michael teaches faith formation classes and volunteers at the Aquinas Bookstore. He is a member and officer in the Knight of Columbus and participates on the Men’s (ACTS) Retreat Team. Michael has served as co-director of the retreat. He has also served as the co-facilitator, retreat coordinator and supply inventory coordinator of the retreat core group.
Client Services and Marketing Director
Michael is a 1982 graduate of Southwest Texas State University (Texas State) where he received his Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
Prior to joining the staff at Traditions Wealth Advisors, Michael worked for Courtyard by Marriott in guest services, offering guests outstanding service during their stay at the hotel. He worked for 29 years in various capacities for the TJX Corporation, (T. J. Maxx). He worked as an area lead, cash office manager and a new store trainer before moving to College Station where he worked as both the Store Operations Manager and the Store Merchandising Manager. At T. J. Maxx, Michael worked daily providing outstanding customer service to his customers as well as providing a satisfying work place for the associates.
Outside of work, Michael is very active in his church. Michael teaches faith formation classes and volunteers at the Aquinas Bookstore. He is a member and officer in the Knight of Columbus and participates on the Men’s (ACTS) Retreat Team. Michael has served as co-director of the retreat. He has also served as the co-facilitator, retreat coordinator and supply inventory coordinator of the retreat core group.
Interns
James Lane '23
Financial Analyst Intern
As a Financial Analyst Intern, James's primary scope of analysis is ensuring that investments our clients hold are optimal given their risk level through diligent quantitative and qualitative research and assigning them buy, sell, and hold ratings. He engages in investment research and portfolio modeling to aid and support portfolio management decisions made by Brien and Sarah for the TWA clients.
James is from Austin, Texas and a current senior at Texas A&M University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics. In his free time he enjoys playing golf and watching Aggie football and baseball. James is also an avid outdoorsman. He will never pass up an opportunity to get out in nature whether that be swimming and hiking the creeks and trails of Austin or fly fishing and hunting all over Texas and other parts of the U.S.
Financial Analyst Intern
As a Financial Analyst Intern, James's primary scope of analysis is ensuring that investments our clients hold are optimal given their risk level through diligent quantitative and qualitative research and assigning them buy, sell, and hold ratings. He engages in investment research and portfolio modeling to aid and support portfolio management decisions made by Brien and Sarah for the TWA clients.
James is from Austin, Texas and a current senior at Texas A&M University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics. In his free time he enjoys playing golf and watching Aggie football and baseball. James is also an avid outdoorsman. He will never pass up an opportunity to get out in nature whether that be swimming and hiking the creeks and trails of Austin or fly fishing and hunting all over Texas and other parts of the U.S.
Braden Deras '23
Financial Analyst Intern
As a Financial Analyst Intern, Braden engages in investment research and portfolio modeling to aide and support portfolio management decisions made by Brien and Sarah for the TWA clients. His primary scope of analysis is ensuring that investments our clients hold are optimal given their risk level through diligent quantitative and qualitative research and assigning them buy, sell, and hold ratings. Braden is especially interested in observing and evaluating macro-economic factors and projecting performance in the long-term through valuation research and technical analysis.
Braden is a junior finance major from Keller, Texas, just north of Fort Worth and Dallas. Currently, he is involved on campus with the Kappa Sigma fraternity, the Texas A&M Consulting Club, the Aggie Investment Club, and the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society. Braden grew up playing football and baseball so naturally he is a huge Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan. In his free time, Braden enjoys working out, golfing, and being in the outdoors.
Financial Analyst Intern
As a Financial Analyst Intern, Braden engages in investment research and portfolio modeling to aide and support portfolio management decisions made by Brien and Sarah for the TWA clients. His primary scope of analysis is ensuring that investments our clients hold are optimal given their risk level through diligent quantitative and qualitative research and assigning them buy, sell, and hold ratings. Braden is especially interested in observing and evaluating macro-economic factors and projecting performance in the long-term through valuation research and technical analysis.
Braden is a junior finance major from Keller, Texas, just north of Fort Worth and Dallas. Currently, he is involved on campus with the Kappa Sigma fraternity, the Texas A&M Consulting Club, the Aggie Investment Club, and the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society. Braden grew up playing football and baseball so naturally he is a huge Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan. In his free time, Braden enjoys working out, golfing, and being in the outdoors.
Oscar F. Villanueva '23
Financial Analyst Intern
Oscar engages in investment research and portfolio modeling to aid and support portfolio management decisions made by Brien and Sarah for the TWA clients. His primary scope of analysis is ensuring that investments our clients hold are optimal given their risk level through diligent quantitative and qualitative research and assigning them buy, sell, and hold ratings.
Oscar is from Katy, Texas and currently a third year student at Texas A&M University working on his Masters Degree in Financial Economics. This spring 2022 he will have finished his undergraduate courses and his final year will be graduate coursework. After graduation, Oscar plans to get a job in the greater Houston area. His dream job one day would be to work for the Federal Reserve.
Oscar is 100% a fluent speaker, reader, and writer in Spanish. Spanish was his first language, and he even minored in Spanish at Texas A&M. He has also worked as a wedding videographer on the weekends since he was 15 years old with my parents in their photography & videography business. Oscar also enjoys fishing and the beach.
Financial Analyst Intern
Oscar engages in investment research and portfolio modeling to aid and support portfolio management decisions made by Brien and Sarah for the TWA clients. His primary scope of analysis is ensuring that investments our clients hold are optimal given their risk level through diligent quantitative and qualitative research and assigning them buy, sell, and hold ratings.
Oscar is from Katy, Texas and currently a third year student at Texas A&M University working on his Masters Degree in Financial Economics. This spring 2022 he will have finished his undergraduate courses and his final year will be graduate coursework. After graduation, Oscar plans to get a job in the greater Houston area. His dream job one day would be to work for the Federal Reserve.
Oscar is 100% a fluent speaker, reader, and writer in Spanish. Spanish was his first language, and he even minored in Spanish at Texas A&M. He has also worked as a wedding videographer on the weekends since he was 15 years old with my parents in their photography & videography business. Oscar also enjoys fishing and the beach.
Kendall Ulbricht '23
Accounting Intern
As the Accounting Intern, Kendall serves as Traditions Wealth Advisors’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She assists Brien Smith (CEO) in managing the book keeping, cash flow, and tax related facets of the Traditions Wealth Advisors business.
Kendall is from Marble Falls, TX. She is a junior accounting major and plans to apply for PPA in the fall. Kendall spends her free time as the social chair for the university’s financial management association organization, enjoys time with friends and family, and watching movies. One fun fact about Kendall is that she has twin sister!
Accounting Intern
As the Accounting Intern, Kendall serves as Traditions Wealth Advisors’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She assists Brien Smith (CEO) in managing the book keeping, cash flow, and tax related facets of the Traditions Wealth Advisors business.
Kendall is from Marble Falls, TX. She is a junior accounting major and plans to apply for PPA in the fall. Kendall spends her free time as the social chair for the university’s financial management association organization, enjoys time with friends and family, and watching movies. One fun fact about Kendall is that she has twin sister!
Joshua Vernon '23
Financial Planning Intern
Joshua is a first generation Aggie from Mission, TX. He is currently a junior at A&M (Whoop!) majoring in economics and minoring in financial planning. After graduation, Joshua will commission as an officer into the United States Navy with plans to become a Naval Aviator. After his time in the service, he intends to provide economic and financial planning support to the military community.
At TWA, Joshua serves as the Financial Planning Intern. He works closely with Sarah and Brien to conduct research, analysis, and review of client’s financial plans in order to assist them in achieving their life goals and dreams. Joshua supports the development of key systems and processes that TWA uses to operate efficiently and provide the optimal client experience. He has already learned so much through collaboration with TWA’s CFPs and looks forward to learning even more about the ins and outs of financial planning throughout the rest of his time here.
Financial Planning Intern
Joshua is a first generation Aggie from Mission, TX. He is currently a junior at A&M (Whoop!) majoring in economics and minoring in financial planning. After graduation, Joshua will commission as an officer into the United States Navy with plans to become a Naval Aviator. After his time in the service, he intends to provide economic and financial planning support to the military community.
At TWA, Joshua serves as the Financial Planning Intern. He works closely with Sarah and Brien to conduct research, analysis, and review of client’s financial plans in order to assist them in achieving their life goals and dreams. Joshua supports the development of key systems and processes that TWA uses to operate efficiently and provide the optimal client experience. He has already learned so much through collaboration with TWA’s CFPs and looks forward to learning even more about the ins and outs of financial planning throughout the rest of his time here.
