BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

John has been in the Wealth Management industry for over 25 years, and he previously served on the NC Life and Health Insurance Committee. John specializes in full-service financial planning and investment management. He enjoys building long-term client relationships and finds great satisfaction helping clients navigate the unique complexities that come with significant wealth.

Over the years, John continued to grow his practice and vision of creating a lasting financial management firm. In 2020, he partnered with three other experienced advisors in Northwestern Mutual’s Charlotte, NC office. Together, they became “Parkwood Wealth Advisors” and have built a multi-generational team of professionals dedicated to serving clients and their families in all stages of life.

Under the leadership of John and the other partners, Parkwood Wealth Advisors has become an award-winning practice. In 2024, Parkwood Wealth Advisors was recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team in North Carolina.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

John is a native of North Wilkesboro, NC and he and his wife, Meredith, now reside in Weddington, NC. They have two children – Johnathon, who is a graduate of Clemson University and received his Master of Accounting from Appalachian State, and Anna who is a graduate of UNC -Chapel Hill with a Business Degree who is an Associate Financial Rep with our team.

John remains an active supporter of Appalachian State and in 2014, he had the honor of speaking at the dedication ceremony for Appalachian’s Garwood Hall; named in honor of his late father, Senator John A. Garwood. John and Meredith served on the Kenan Flagler Business School Parents Council at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. John and his family are members of Weddington United Methodist Church. He enjoys golf, tennis, travel, and attending college football games in the fall.

EDUCATION & CREDITIALS

• Bachelor of Business Administration - Appalachian State University
• Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
• FINRA Series 7 & 63
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Turner started his career with Northwestern Mutual Investment Services in 2007 and through his time with Northwestern Mutual, he has enjoyed helping his clients simplify their financial lives and reach their goals. Turner specializes in wealth management and retirement planning.

Over the years, Turner continued to grow his practice and vision of creating a lasting financial management firm. In 2020, he partnered with three other experienced advisors in Northwestern Mutual’s Charlotte, NC office. Together, they became “Parkwood Wealth Advisors” and have built a multi-generational team of professionals dedicated to serving clients and their families in all stages of life.

Under the leadership of Turner and the other partners, Parkwood Wealth Advisors has become an award-winning practice. In 2024, Parkwood Wealth Advisors was recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team in North Carolina.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Turner is originally from Spruce Pine, a small mountain town in western North Carolina. He and his wife, Lauren, met while attending Wake Forest University. They currently reside in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte with their three children, Porter, Hampton, and Parrish.

Turner is an active supporter of the Allegro Foundation and currently serves on the board. When Turner is not in the office, he spends his time travelling to Colorado where Lauren grew up. He also enjoys golfing, traveling internationally, and watching Wake Forest sports.

Turner and his family are members of Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

EDUCATION & CREDITIALS

• Wake Forest University
• Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
• FINRA Series 7, 63, & 65
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Retired Income Certified Professional (RICP)
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

John started his career with Northwestern Mutual in 1983. Since then, he has established a successful full-service wealth management practice focused on serving business owners and successful individuals through comprehensive financial planning. John and his team offer a wide array of services including risk management, investment portfolio management, and fee-based planning.

Over the years, John continued to grow his practice and vision of creating a lasting financial management firm. In 2020, he partnered with three other experienced advisors in Northwestern Mutual’s Charlotte, NC office. Together, they became “Parkwood Wealth Advisors” and have built a multi-generational team of professionals dedicated to serving clients and their families in all stages of life. John continues to serve as a financial advisor for established clients in addition to coaching and mentoring the next generation of advisors and team members.

Under the leadership of John and the other partners, Parkwood Wealth Advisors has become an award-winning practice. In 2024, Parkwood Wealth Advisors was recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team in North Carolina.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

John was born and raised in Charlotte and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has been married to Kathy for 41 years, and they have three grown daughters: Katie, Ali, and Erin. Throughout his career, John has been actively involved with various industry groups and civic organizations such as AALU, FSP, Johnson YMCA, and the Advisory Board at Catholic Charities. When John is not in the office, he enjoys playing golf at Carmel Country Club, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with his two grandchildren. John and his family are members of St. Peters Catholic Church.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
• Chartered Life Underwriting (CLU®)
• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
• Retirement Income Certified professional (RICP®)
• Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
• FINRA SIE, Series 6, 7, 63, & 65

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Tartt, a lifelong Northwestern client, began his Northwestern career in May 1999. Tartt firmly believes that a sound financial plan begins with the plans you have for your life. He starts by understanding your values and evolving goals before making recommendations.

Over the years, Tartt continued to grow his practice and vision of creating a lasting financial management firm. In 2020, he partnered with three other experienced advisors in Northwestern Mutual’s Charlotte, NC office. Together, they became “Parkwood Wealth Advisors” and have built a multi-generational team of professionals dedicated to serving clients and their families in all stages of life.

Under the leadership of Tartt and the other partners, Parkwood Wealth Advisors has become an award-winning practice. In 2024, Parkwood Wealth Advisors was recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team in North Carolina.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Tartt is an Alabama native and an alum of Auburn University. Tartt married Leigh Pelle in 1984 and they have three sons, all Auburn graduates, and two wonderful Daughters in Law. Austin, BA in Finance, and Brittany live just outside Atlanta along with our first Grandchild, Collier. Daniel, BA in Ag Econ, and Shelby live in Birmingham, AL and are expecting our second Grandchild, Reis, in December 2024. Christopher, BA in Business Management, also lives in Atlanta.

Tartt and Leigh enjoy traveling, hiking with their dogs, Nell and Lilly, lake life, and college sports. Tartt is a firm believer in “paying it forward.” Toward that goal, he is actively involved in many aspects of Planned Giving in particular for Auburn University, other private Foundations and Trusts.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Auburn University
• Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
• Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC®)
• FINRA SIE, Series 6 & 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Michael Kipp is the Chief Operations Officer at Parkwood Wealth Advisors. He has been in the financial services industry since 2017 and joined Parkwood Wealth Advisors in 2019.

Prior to entering the financial services industry Michael was an officer in the United States Army and served on active duty with the 82nd Airborne Division.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Michael is originally from New York City and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2012. After his career in the military, he moved to Charlotte with his wife Jennifer. They have been married for ten years and are proud parents to their two children, Michael, and Elizabeth. He is currently pursuing his MBA with Wake Forest University and is set to graduate in May 2025.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering - United States Military Academy at West Point
• Life and Health Insurance Licenses
• FINRA Series 7 & 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Holly has been with Parkwood Wealth Advisors since 2015. In her role as office manager, her primary focus is supporting all aspects of our insurance, investments, and financial planning processes for Parkwood Wealth Advisors. She currently works part time for Parkwood Wealth Advisors. Prior to joining Parkwood Wealth Advisors, she worked in training and development for Northwestern Mutual’s Charlotte office.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Holly is originally from the Charlotte, North Carolina, and lives on Lake Wylie. She is married to Matt, and they have one daughter and three dogs. When she is not working for Parkwood Wealth Advisors, she works alongside with Matt at his hardware store. Holly enjoys spending time with her friends and family. You may find her and her family at the Whitewater Center, Carowinds, Cramer Mountain golf course, concerts, or downtown Belmont. She is an active member at First Presbyterian Church in Belmont, NC, and Cramer Mountain Club.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor of Philosophy - Furman University
• Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
• FINRA Series 6, 7 & 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Anna has been in the financial services industry since 2018 and joined Parkwood Wealth Advisors in 2020. In her role as an Associate Financial Advisor, her primary focus is prioritizing the second generation of clients for Parkwood Wealth Advisors.

Prior to joining Parkwood Wealth Advisors, she worked as a Transformation Delivery consultant with KPMG LLP. In this role, she provided financial and program management advisory services to multinational organizations.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Anna is originally from the Charlotte, North Carolina and is an alum of Charlotte Latin School. Since graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she lived in Atlanta, Georgia for several years. Anna currently resides in Savannah, Georgia with her fiancé, Sean, who is working as a judicial law clerk for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. Anna visits Charlotte each month to see clients and team members in-person. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time outside, running, and supporting the community through multiple volunteer positions.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor of Business Administration- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Life and Health Insurance Licenses
• FINRA SIE, Series 7 & 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Emily was in the hospitality industry for over 15 years before joining Parkwood Wealth Advisors in August of 2020. Her diverse hotel industry background taught her quickly that everyone must be a team player, understand the needs and motivations of your clients, and to show empathy and genuine care in every interaction. These valuable skills transfer to her work for our clients and our team on a daily basis. In her role as Director of Client Services, she schedules appointments and supports all aspects of our insurance and financial planning processes.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Emily is originally from Fort Walton Beach, Florida and has called North Carolina Home since 2010. When she is not working, you will find her at a concert, yoga class, traveling, or exploring the Charlotte greenways with her husband, Sal and their two pups.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor of Business Administration - Florida State University
• North Carolina Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
• FINRA SIE, Series 7 & 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Carol began her career in the insurance industry at Canada Life.

After moving to the United States, she took a hiatus to raise her children and do volunteer work primarily with CMS schools.

Upon re-entering the work force, Carol began working with Northwestern Mutual and Parkwood Wealth Advisors and has over 20 years of customer service experience in the industry.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

In her free time, Carol enjoys spending time with her two grown children Matthew and Jessica and her animals Molly, Tucker, and Riley.  She also enjoys reading, cooking, and watching old movies.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Nick has been in the financial services industry since 2014 and joined Parkwood Wealth Advisors in 2021. As Director of Investments, his primary focus is portfolio strategy and implementation for Parkwood’s investment advisory practice.

Prior to joining Parkwood Wealth Advisors, Nick worked with Vanguard, Wells Fargo Advisors and USAA Investment Management Company.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Nick is originally from the Charlotte area and graduated from Western Carolina University. Outside of work he enjoys spending time outside, staying active, and watching sports.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor of Finance - Western Carolina University
• Life and Health Insurance Licenses
• FINRA Series 7 & 66

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Vance joined Parkwood Wealth Advisors in September of 2021 as a part time intern while he completed his senior year of university. Upon graduation in 2022, he took on the role of Financial Planning Analyst where he assisted our team in navigating the complexities of each client’s financial situation and provide plans tailored to each clients’ needs. Vance is now part of our Investment Operations team where he supports our clients with general investment knowledge and account servicing.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Vance is a North Carolina native, growing up in Avery County. He attended the Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and currently lives in the Uptown Charlotte area. In Vance’s free time, he enjoys staying active, traveling, or exploring new places close by, and is an avid college sports fan.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor of Business Administration & Finance – University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Life and Health Insurance Licenses
• FINRA SIE, Series 7 & 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE

Sam joined Parkwood Wealth Advisors in August of 2022 as an intern and has since joined the team as a full-time member upon graduating from university in December of 2023. As the team’s Financial Planning Analyst, Sam provides support by addressing the complexities of each client’s financial circumstances and crafting individualized plans to meet their specific needs.

PERSONAL FULFILLMENT

Sam is originally from a small town called Plumtree in the Mountains of North Carolina. He moved to Charlotte in 2019 to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Belk College of Business. Outside of his professional life, Sam enjoys spending his time with friends and family, going to sporting events, and exploring the great outdoors.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance – University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
• FINRA Series 6 & 63