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
Laurie Perkins, CPA
Director of Tax and Financial Planning
Laurie received her BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University in 1989. She worked in the audit department for Arthur Andersen in the San Antonio office from 1989-1991 and earned her CPA license in 1991. She has spent the majority of her professional career in Russellville, Arkansas, where her husband was employed at a 2-unit nuclear plant. After taking a few years
off to start a family, Laurie worked in the business office of a rural community mental health center with services and facilities in 6 Arkansas counties from 1996-2005. In this position, she was responsible for the accounting functions of the agency, 2 HUD apartment complexes and 2 HUD group home facilities, as well as applying for State grants. Laurie later worked for Kent Dollar and Associates, a local CPA firm from 2005-2007. After taking a few years off to focus on family needs, Laurie worked for Debbie Brown CPA PA in office from 2011 to 2017 and then worked remotely from 2018-2022 when her family moved to College Station. Her primary job duties were performing rural water company audits and the write up work, payroll functions, and tax returns for many small business S-Corporations.
Laurie is married and has 3 young adult children. Laurie is a member of the Brazos County Aggie Moms Club and serves on the "Aggies in Need" committee. Laurie and her husband, Darrell, enjoy a variety of Aggie sporting events together and host family and close friends at their home and tailgate on Aggie football weekends. Laurie is also active at her church in many areas including the Women's ACTS retreat team, the bookstore, and welcoming people as a Front Door Disciple. She also enjoys helping at many Knights of Columbus events in the community.
Laurie is excited to be a part of the team at Traditions Wealth Advisors and looks forward to assisting Brien with the many aspects of financial and tax planning for the clients.
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.
Ryan Hill
Associate Wealth Manager
Director & Manager of TWA Sponsored Internships
Ryan is a 3rd generation Aggie and class of 2024. He was lured to Texas A&M University primarily by his desire to keep his family’s tradition alive and knowing that A&M is a premier university specifically, in recent times, in business. He initially wanted to follow in the footsteps of his mother and become a veterinarian. After recognizing that this was not his core passion, he obtained an interest in the operation of private businesses as well as obtaining a strong interest in the field of wealth management.
Ryan's role as an Associate Wealth Manager/Director & Manager of TWA Sponsored Internships keeps him busy by researching and presenting current investments and investment opportunities for clients. He also directs and manages the TWA sponsored internship program. Ryan is the newest full time professional so he enjoys joining and taking notes in client meetings and helping to prepare financial projections. Ryan serves our clients by keeping a close eye on their portfolios and looking into their current funds as well as researching any additional funds TWA might recommend to the the client for investment purposes.
When Ryan is not at work, he spends his free time with his wife Elizabeth, and their 6 month old daughter, Margaret. Ryan is an avid hunter and fisherman and also enjoys reading, playing the guitar, and cooking. Ryan volunteers at his church, St. Mary's Catholic Center, as a Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults(RCIA) small group leader.
Associate Wealth Manager
Director & Manager of TWA Sponsored Internships
Ryan is a 3rd generation Aggie and class of 2024. He was lured to Texas A&M University primarily by his desire to keep his family’s tradition alive and knowing that A&M is a premier university specifically, in recent times, in business. He initially wanted to follow in the footsteps of his mother and become a veterinarian. After recognizing that this was not his core passion, he obtained an interest in the operation of private businesses as well as obtaining a strong interest in the field of wealth management.
Ryan's role as an Associate Wealth Manager/Director & Manager of TWA Sponsored Internships keeps him busy by researching and presenting current investments and investment opportunities for clients. He also directs and manages the TWA sponsored internship program. Ryan is the newest full time professional so he enjoys joining and taking notes in client meetings and helping to prepare financial projections. Ryan serves our clients by keeping a close eye on their portfolios and looking into their current funds as well as researching any additional funds TWA might recommend to the the client for investment purposes.
When Ryan is not at work, he spends his free time with his wife Elizabeth, and their 6 month old daughter, Margaret. Ryan is an avid hunter and fisherman and also enjoys reading, playing the guitar, and cooking. Ryan volunteers at his church, St. Mary's Catholic Center, as a Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults(RCIA) small group leader.
Interns
Nathaniel Franzmathes '25
Financial Planning Intern
As the financial planning intern, Nate organizes client meeting materials, conducts research on various financial planning topics, and manages client service requests. He also assists in gathering data for new clients and facilitates office-wide infrastructure projects.
Nate is a junior finance major planning to pursue a financial planning minor as well as an international business certificate. Coming from Granbury, Texas, he takes pride in being a first-generation Aggie. Nate actively participates in the Hullabaloo band, Revelation Outdoors, and the Financial Planning Student Association. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, he relishes any opportunity to engage in outdoor activities during his free time. After graduation, Nate aims to either pursue an MBA or enter the workforce directly, with plans to continue his education later on.
Financial Planning Intern
As the financial planning intern, Nate organizes client meeting materials, conducts research on various financial planning topics, and manages client service requests. He also assists in gathering data for new clients and facilitates office-wide infrastructure projects.
Nate is a junior finance major planning to pursue a financial planning minor as well as an international business certificate. Coming from Granbury, Texas, he takes pride in being a first-generation Aggie. Nate actively participates in the Hullabaloo band, Revelation Outdoors, and the Financial Planning Student Association. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, he relishes any opportunity to engage in outdoor activities during his free time. After graduation, Nate aims to either pursue an MBA or enter the workforce directly, with plans to continue his education later on.
Greysen Golgert '25
Economics Analyst Intern
As an Economics Analyst Intern, Greysen focuses on researching global trends and market conditions. He conducts financial and economic analyses to offer clients a holistic macroeconomic perspective, while also informing TWA of prevailing market trends.
Greysen is a senior fast-track economics student (3+2 program) from Allen, Texas. Now a proud Aggie, Greysen transferred to Texas A&M from Trinity University in San Antonio during his sophomore year. At Texas A&M, Greysen strives to represent the university well on the field with TAMU Men’s Club Soccer and while on tour with the Texas A&M Singing Cadets. Greysen attends FBC Bryan and is involved in a leadership role with Impact Retreat. After graduating, he plans to attend law school and earn his JD.
Economics Analyst Intern
As an Economics Analyst Intern, Greysen focuses on researching global trends and market conditions. He conducts financial and economic analyses to offer clients a holistic macroeconomic perspective, while also informing TWA of prevailing market trends.
Greysen is a senior fast-track economics student (3+2 program) from Allen, Texas. Now a proud Aggie, Greysen transferred to Texas A&M from Trinity University in San Antonio during his sophomore year. At Texas A&M, Greysen strives to represent the university well on the field with TAMU Men’s Club Soccer and while on tour with the Texas A&M Singing Cadets. Greysen attends FBC Bryan and is involved in a leadership role with Impact Retreat. After graduating, he plans to attend law school and earn his JD.
Matthew Dean '25
Financial Analyst Intern
As a Financial Analyst Intern, Matt'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 for the TWA clients.
Matt is a junior finance major planning to pursue a master's in financial management through the PPA program. He is from Beaumont, Texas, and enjoys playing soccer, weightlifting, and Aggie sports. On the weekends Matt loves a relaxing game of golf or heading to a nearby lake to wakeboard and fish. He chose to come to A&M because he felt that the students there were the type of people who would build him into a great man and Aggie. Matt is currently involved in Pi Kappa Alpha and the Aggie Investment Club. After graduation, Matt hopes to have landed a full-time offer at an investment bank either in Texas or New York.
Financial Analyst Intern
As a Financial Analyst Intern, Matt'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 for the TWA clients.
Matt is a junior finance major planning to pursue a master's in financial management through the PPA program. He is from Beaumont, Texas, and enjoys playing soccer, weightlifting, and Aggie sports. On the weekends Matt loves a relaxing game of golf or heading to a nearby lake to wakeboard and fish. He chose to come to A&M because he felt that the students there were the type of people who would build him into a great man and Aggie. Matt is currently involved in Pi Kappa Alpha and the Aggie Investment Club. After graduation, Matt hopes to have landed a full-time offer at an investment bank either in Texas or New York.
Brendon Aguirre '25
Financial Analyst Intern
Brendon joins the TWA team as a Financial Analyst Intern. He works to research and present investments that best fit the clients' needs and approved by Brien. He engages in portfolio modeling and management for client meetings as well.
Brendon is a first generation Aggie from Whitney, Texas, pursuing a bachelors degree in Finance and will be a junior this upcoming fall semester. Through Texas A&M Brendon joined the organizations The Horizons Finance Guild, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and the Aggie Investment Club. Next summer he will be working in the oil and gas industry as an Investment Banking internship in Houston and plans to start his career there. In Brendon's free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and playing golf.
Financial Analyst Intern
Brendon joins the TWA team as a Financial Analyst Intern. He works to research and present investments that best fit the clients' needs and approved by Brien. He engages in portfolio modeling and management for client meetings as well.
Brendon is a first generation Aggie from Whitney, Texas, pursuing a bachelors degree in Finance and will be a junior this upcoming fall semester. Through Texas A&M Brendon joined the organizations The Horizons Finance Guild, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and the Aggie Investment Club. Next summer he will be working in the oil and gas industry as an Investment Banking internship in Houston and plans to start his career there. In Brendon's free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and playing golf.
Shire Snell '25
Accounting Intern
As the Accounting Intern, Shire serves as Traditions Wealth Advisors’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He assists Brien Smith (CEO) in managing the bookkeeping, cash flow, and tax related facets of the Traditions Wealth Advisors business.
Shire is from Belton, Texas. He loves his experience in College Station and has met many amazing people here. For fun, Shire enjoys playing soccer, going on hikes, and eating good food. He is counting down the days until the start of Aggie football season!
Accounting Intern
As the Accounting Intern, Shire serves as Traditions Wealth Advisors’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He assists Brien Smith (CEO) in managing the bookkeeping, cash flow, and tax related facets of the Traditions Wealth Advisors business.
Shire is from Belton, Texas. He loves his experience in College Station and has met many amazing people here. For fun, Shire enjoys playing soccer, going on hikes, and eating good food. He is counting down the days until the start of Aggie football season!
