Our Advising Team
Brien Smith, CFP®
Owner/Founder
Brien has over 40+ years of experience in financial services and 36+ 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 40+ years of experience in financial services and 36+ 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.
Nichole Hejl
Client Services and Marketing Director
Nichole Hejl is TWA's Director of Client Relations and Marketing. Nichole brings over 20 years of experience in business management, consulting, customer service and marketing. She joins us from an agricultural consulting firm, where she specialized in commodity risk management and oversaw futures and options hedge accounts for over thirteen years.
A proud Texas native, Nichole grew up in Santa Fe (Galveston County) and has called the College Station area home since 2005. She graduated from Texas A&M University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2010 with a double major in Horticulture and Entomology. During that time, she also completed an internship with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and worked part-time as a dental assistant.
Nichole’s husband, BJ, is a fourth-generation rancher, and together they live in Snook, TX on the Hejl family’s H&H Ranch. They raise Brangus cattle and were recently honored by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Land Heritage Program, recognizing over 100 years of continuous agricultural operation.
In her free time, Nichole enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, canning, baking, and long-distance running. She is currently training for her eighth marathon, set to take place in New York City this November, and has set sights on completing all seven World Marathon Majors. Together with her husband, she is actively involved in the Burleson County Farmers’ Market and supports several organizations focused on benefiting youth across Burleson, Brazos, and Washington Counties, including Go Texan, SPJST, Snook EEA and Chilifest. Nichole’s passion for serving others drives her commitment to making a positive impact, and she is eager to bring her skills and dedication to the clients of Traditions Wealth Advisors.
Client Services and Marketing Director
Nichole Hejl is TWA's Director of Client Relations and Marketing. Nichole brings over 20 years of experience in business management, consulting, customer service and marketing. She joins us from an agricultural consulting firm, where she specialized in commodity risk management and oversaw futures and options hedge accounts for over thirteen years.
A proud Texas native, Nichole grew up in Santa Fe (Galveston County) and has called the College Station area home since 2005. She graduated from Texas A&M University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2010 with a double major in Horticulture and Entomology. During that time, she also completed an internship with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and worked part-time as a dental assistant.
Nichole’s husband, BJ, is a fourth-generation rancher, and together they live in Snook, TX on the Hejl family’s H&H Ranch. They raise Brangus cattle and were recently honored by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Land Heritage Program, recognizing over 100 years of continuous agricultural operation.
In her free time, Nichole enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, canning, baking, and long-distance running. She is currently training for her eighth marathon, set to take place in New York City this November, and has set sights on completing all seven World Marathon Majors. Together with her husband, she is actively involved in the Burleson County Farmers’ Market and supports several organizations focused on benefiting youth across Burleson, Brazos, and Washington Counties, including Go Texan, SPJST, Snook EEA and Chilifest. Nichole’s passion for serving others drives her commitment to making a positive impact, and she is eager to bring her skills and dedication to the clients of Traditions Wealth Advisors.
Kellie 'Smith' Adams
Social Media Marketing
Kellie Adams leads Traditions Wealth Advisors' Social Media Marketing. Kellie is currently TWA's most veteran employee since she started at TWA in the 8th grade and continued working through high school and college. Kellie took a 12 year break from TWA to teach 7th and 8th grade science but has been back at TWA since 2019. Ironically, teaching at a junior high technology magnet with 1 to 1 devices has helped Kellie with her experience in web design, electronic newsletters, and Google platforms used to recruit and present to interns at Texas A&M.
Kellie is class of 2007 from Texas A&M University, her husband of 10 years, Chris, is class of 2003, and their 3 boys: Jack, Joseph, and Luke are class of 2041, 2043, and 2048, whoop! You could say they bleed maroon and have passed down their love for the Aggies from Kellie's parents.
When Kellie is not busy at Jack's baseball games or Cub Scout meetings, Joseph's soccer games, or caring for almost 1 year old, Luke, Kellie volunteers as the director of her moms' group at church. She also enjoys hiking and exploring new parks with her family. Kellie is excited to continue to serve the staff and clients of Traditions Wealth Advisors for many more years.
Social Media Marketing
Kellie Adams leads Traditions Wealth Advisors' Social Media Marketing. Kellie is currently TWA's most veteran employee since she started at TWA in the 8th grade and continued working through high school and college. Kellie took a 12 year break from TWA to teach 7th and 8th grade science but has been back at TWA since 2019. Ironically, teaching at a junior high technology magnet with 1 to 1 devices has helped Kellie with her experience in web design, electronic newsletters, and Google platforms used to recruit and present to interns at Texas A&M.
Kellie is class of 2007 from Texas A&M University, her husband of 10 years, Chris, is class of 2003, and their 3 boys: Jack, Joseph, and Luke are class of 2041, 2043, and 2048, whoop! You could say they bleed maroon and have passed down their love for the Aggies from Kellie's parents.
When Kellie is not busy at Jack's baseball games or Cub Scout meetings, Joseph's soccer games, or caring for almost 1 year old, Luke, Kellie volunteers as the director of her moms' group at church. She also enjoys hiking and exploring new parks with her family. Kellie is excited to continue to serve the staff and clients of Traditions Wealth Advisors for many more years.
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.
Michael Maerz
Client Services and Marketing Director Emeritus
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 Emeritus
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
Alexi Brown '27
Financial Marketing Intern
As the financial marketing intern, Alexi implements our business marketing plan. This includes creating advertisements to gain new clients and give back to charitable organizations, schedule and plan events for client appreciation, student organization speaking engagements, and career fairs. Alexi will also perform competitive market analysis to identify areas of growth and opportunity.
Alexi will graduate in 2026 with a Masters in Marketing Degree. Coming from Houston, Texas, she spends her spare time playing sports and chose Texas A&M for the great business school and Aggie culture. Her most prized possession is her Aggie ring. If Alexi could travel anywhere in the world, it would be to Greece for the breathtaking views.
Financial Marketing Intern
As the financial marketing intern, Alexi implements our business marketing plan. This includes creating advertisements to gain new clients and give back to charitable organizations, schedule and plan events for client appreciation, student organization speaking engagements, and career fairs. Alexi will also perform competitive market analysis to identify areas of growth and opportunity.
Alexi will graduate in 2026 with a Masters in Marketing Degree. Coming from Houston, Texas, she spends her spare time playing sports and chose Texas A&M for the great business school and Aggie culture. Her most prized possession is her Aggie ring. If Alexi could travel anywhere in the world, it would be to Greece for the breathtaking views.
Jordan Boles '27
Financial Planning Intern
As the financial planning intern, Jordan organizes client meeting materials, conducts research on various financial planning topics, and manages client service requests. She also assists in gathering data for new clients and facilitates office-wide infrastructure projects.
Jordan is from Mansfield, TX. She was born and raised in an Aggie household, so her future was always going to consider Texas A&M. Jordan grew to love the culture of the university aside from her parents' influence. What also drew her to Texas A&M was Mays Business School. The college has a great reputation, and she was excited to get the opportunity to attend such an amazing school. The best gift Jordan has ever been given was her grand piano Lego set. A piece of advice Jordan constantly reminds herself of is to always trust God's plan. When Jordan is not working at TWA or in school, she also works as a waitress at Napa Flats. Other than that, you can most likely find her in my kitchen cooking, at the pool tanning, or playing her piano.
Financial Planning Intern
As the financial planning intern, Jordan organizes client meeting materials, conducts research on various financial planning topics, and manages client service requests. She also assists in gathering data for new clients and facilitates office-wide infrastructure projects.
Jordan is from Mansfield, TX. She was born and raised in an Aggie household, so her future was always going to consider Texas A&M. Jordan grew to love the culture of the university aside from her parents' influence. What also drew her to Texas A&M was Mays Business School. The college has a great reputation, and she was excited to get the opportunity to attend such an amazing school. The best gift Jordan has ever been given was her grand piano Lego set. A piece of advice Jordan constantly reminds herself of is to always trust God's plan. When Jordan is not working at TWA or in school, she also works as a waitress at Napa Flats. Other than that, you can most likely find her in my kitchen cooking, at the pool tanning, or playing her piano.
Jade Chapman '27
Economics Analyst Intern
As an Economics Analyst Intern, Jade focuses on researching global trends and market conditions. She conducts financial and economic analyses to offer clients a holistic macroeconomic perspective, while also informing TWA of prevailing market trends. Looks for Jade's articles in the monthly TWA newsletter!
Jade came to Texas A&M all the way from South Lake Tahoe, Nevada for the barbeque of course! She actually chose Texas A&M for the well-rated and well-known economics program. If Jade is not in school or working at TWA, she is volunteering for a non-profit back home called A League to Save Lake Tahoe. The best gift Jade has ever received is her college education. A piece of advice that has stuck with her personally, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” -Aesop; and professional advice she lives by: “Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.” -Marcus Aurelius
Economics Analyst Intern
As an Economics Analyst Intern, Jade focuses on researching global trends and market conditions. She conducts financial and economic analyses to offer clients a holistic macroeconomic perspective, while also informing TWA of prevailing market trends. Looks for Jade's articles in the monthly TWA newsletter!
Jade came to Texas A&M all the way from South Lake Tahoe, Nevada for the barbeque of course! She actually chose Texas A&M for the well-rated and well-known economics program. If Jade is not in school or working at TWA, she is volunteering for a non-profit back home called A League to Save Lake Tahoe. The best gift Jade has ever received is her college education. A piece of advice that has stuck with her personally, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” -Aesop; and professional advice she lives by: “Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.” -Marcus Aurelius
Maxwell Finnegan '27
Financial Analyst Intern
As a Financial Analyst Intern, Maxwell'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.
Maxwell chose Texas A&M because of the growing finance department, as it reflects the university’s commitment to expanding opportunities in one of the most dynamic fields of business. He was especially drawn to the diverse course offerings, experienced faculty, and strong alumni network that support students pursuing careers in finance. Just as important, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere on campus made him feel like he would be part of a community that values collaboration and personal growth. Together, these qualities made Texas A&M the ideal place for Max to pursue his academic and professional goals.
A few fun facts about Max are that the best gift he has ever received was a pocket knife from his girlfriend. If Max could travel anywhere in the world it would be to Europe as he has never been but heard it is beautiful and culturally enriching. When Max is not at work or in school, you can find him exercising or enjoying time with friends and family.
Financial Analyst Intern
As a Financial Analyst Intern, Maxwell'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.
Maxwell chose Texas A&M because of the growing finance department, as it reflects the university’s commitment to expanding opportunities in one of the most dynamic fields of business. He was especially drawn to the diverse course offerings, experienced faculty, and strong alumni network that support students pursuing careers in finance. Just as important, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere on campus made him feel like he would be part of a community that values collaboration and personal growth. Together, these qualities made Texas A&M the ideal place for Max to pursue his academic and professional goals.
A few fun facts about Max are that the best gift he has ever received was a pocket knife from his girlfriend. If Max could travel anywhere in the world it would be to Europe as he has never been but heard it is beautiful and culturally enriching. When Max is not at work or in school, you can find him exercising or enjoying time with friends and family.
Shepard Deetz '27
Financial Analyst Intern
Shepard 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.
Shepard came to Texas A&M for the Aggie Spirit! As an Eagle Scout graduating high school, he was looking for a place that not only hosted excellent academics, but also, valued good virtues and traditions. Shepard enjoys hiking, biking, weightlifting, and anything outdoors or active. If Shepard could have any super hero power he would like to be able to read minds or see into the future as this could prove useful in predicting the markets. Shepard has a life goal to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Financial Analyst Intern
Shepard 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.
Shepard came to Texas A&M for the Aggie Spirit! As an Eagle Scout graduating high school, he was looking for a place that not only hosted excellent academics, but also, valued good virtues and traditions. Shepard enjoys hiking, biking, weightlifting, and anything outdoors or active. If Shepard could have any super hero power he would like to be able to read minds or see into the future as this could prove useful in predicting the markets. Shepard has a life goal to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Jaden Varghese '26
Financial Analyst Intern
Jaden 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.
Jaden is from Houston, TX. If Jaden could travel anywhere in the world for free it would be to Dubai because it is such a beautiful and clean place to visit. Jaden stays busy with this internship and classes but you can also find him at the gym or cooking. To get everything done quickly in a day, he would like to have the super hero power of super speed!
Financial Analyst Intern
Jaden 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.
Jaden is from Houston, TX. If Jaden could travel anywhere in the world for free it would be to Dubai because it is such a beautiful and clean place to visit. Jaden stays busy with this internship and classes but you can also find him at the gym or cooking. To get everything done quickly in a day, he would like to have the super hero power of super speed!
Olivia Pawelek '27
Accounting Intern
As the Accounting Intern, Olivia serves as Traditions Wealth Advisors’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She assists Brien Smith (CEO) in managing the bookkeeping, cash flow, and tax related facets of the Traditions Wealth Advisors business.
Olivia is a 2nd generation Aggie as her father also graduated from Texas A&M. Olivia's most prized possession is a bracelet her grandmother gave her with a note engraved in it. When Olivia is not busy being a student intern, you can find her at the pool, watching tv, or working out. The best advice Olivia has received is "Don't worship your worries. It's easy to focus on the troubles and hinderances happening in life; it's important not to focus on them too hard and to be present in life."
Accounting Intern
As the Accounting Intern, Olivia serves as Traditions Wealth Advisors’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She assists Brien Smith (CEO) in managing the bookkeeping, cash flow, and tax related facets of the Traditions Wealth Advisors business.
Olivia is a 2nd generation Aggie as her father also graduated from Texas A&M. Olivia's most prized possession is a bracelet her grandmother gave her with a note engraved in it. When Olivia is not busy being a student intern, you can find her at the pool, watching tv, or working out. The best advice Olivia has received is "Don't worship your worries. It's easy to focus on the troubles and hinderances happening in life; it's important not to focus on them too hard and to be present in life."
