We’re committed to excellence. In addition to the rigorous standards of conduct we adhere to as fiduciaries, FAI’s professional team members maintain industry-recognized accreditations that reinforce our commitment to the highest levels of knowledge, integrity and service. Similar to the CPA credential in accounting, the CFP® and CFA serve as the gold standard for wealth managers. Our staff includes both CFP® and CFA professionals, as well as MBAs, CPAs, and former directors of research at investment companies. Together, we draw on our decades of experience to create advantageous financial strategies that allow you to meet life’s many uncertainties with ease.
Providing Highly Personalized Guidance Since 1987
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Mark Stinson, CPA, CFP®, MBA
President
Mark Stinson, CPA, CFP®, MBA
President
As President of FAI Wealth Management, Mark’s focus is to ensure clients feel confident in their financial lives. Mark is responsible for the day-to-day client experience at FAI.
As an advisor Mark’s area of focus reflects his experience. He works with executives, engineers, and technical professionals in transition. These transitions include retirement, mid-life career change, and widowhood.
Mark recognizes that spreadsheets are only part of financial planning and investment management. He enjoys collaborating with clients on goals and complex issues to help them understand their financial life. He sees his role as the family CFO and brings in the proper professionals and disciplines to make sure actions are completed and goals are achieved.
Mark has 20 years of experience in corporate accounting and management. Mark has worked with engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals all his life. His father was an engineer for Westinghouse for 39 years. Mark’s corporate experience involved working with engineers, mathematicians, and scientists with high-tech companies in the Baltimore-Washington area.
Mark also specializes in working with widows and clients with aging parents. He cared for his father and understands the issues and multiple priorities faced by the “sandwich generation” – those raising and supporting children and caring for aging parents. Mark has a network of professionals to help clients with transition issues.
Mark is a Howard County native. He enjoys writing for his personal blog, “Taste the Food”, bicycling, reading, and spending time with his four sons.
Affiliations:
- Horizon Foundation – Investment Committee. The Horizon Foundation is the largest independent health philanthropy in Maryland.
- Howard County Estate Planning Council – Mark and FAI were founding members of the Council. Mark served as Treasurer for six years.
- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors – Fee-Only Advisors
- Financial Planning Association of Maryland
Education:
- Leadership Premier Howard County, Class of 2014
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Master of Business Administration, Loyola University Maryland
- CPA - Maryland
- BBA Accounting and Finance – James Madison University
Designations:
- CPA
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
Awards:
- SmartCEO Money Manager Award - 2015
Personal Interests:
Mark enjoys writing for his personal blog, “Taste the Food,” biking, reading and spending time with his four sons.
Learn More About Mark
How did you come to work in the industry? Why were you drawn to FAI?
After 20 years in corporate accounting, I wanted a career where I could help people with personal finances. I learned about FAI through Leadership Howard County class of 2014. I was impressed with FAI’s warm and collaborative atmosphere that put the client first
What drives you to work hard??
Every day, I get the opportunity to make the world a better place. Working collaboratively with clients, I help make their world better.
Fun Fact
Favorite Quote:
“Don’t let a formal education get in the way of learning.” - Benjamin Franklin
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Curt Gross, MBA, CFA
Chairman & Chief Investment Officer
Curt Gross, MBA, CFA
Chairman & Chief Investment Officer
As Chief Investment Officer Curt has overall responsibility for FAI’s investment process including asset allocation, securities selection, portfolio design, and implementation. He focuses our research efforts on the broad structural changes we see in the global economy. His 30+ years of multi-industry experience in securities analysis broadens our ability to analyze the investment merits of individual companies. Furthermore, his front-line portfolio management experience sharpens our strategic thinking. Curt Gross joined FAI Wealth Management in 2009 as Director of Investment Research.
Curt and his wife live in Butler, PA. They enjoy spending time hiking, biking and other outdoor activities with their three children.
Education:
- MBA degree from University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
- Curt earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1997
- Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University
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What should clients know about you and your strengths?
I am persistent and dedicated to my investment process, always taking in new information to refine what I do to produce a better outcome for clients.
What do you like most about your job? What do you look forward to when coming into work?
The best part of my job is the variety. I am rarely exposed to the same issue twice.
What drives you to work hard?
I was taught at an early age that nothing is free and what you want in life you have to work for.
Tell us about a client you enjoy working with and why.
My favorite clients are ones that have an eagerness for understanding all aspects of the services that FAI provides.
What would you like our community to say about FAI? What would you like FAI to be known for?
A group of ethical individuals who are fully understanding and capable of delivering the financial advice and investment management that they need to retire without generating anxiety.
How did you come to work in the industry?
I started my career in investment accounting and discovered I had a knack for understanding what makes an investment successful. Early success in the field led me to offer this skill to help others meet their financial goals.
Fun Facts
Favorite way to spend a day?
My favorite day would be to do something active during the day (hiking, biking), then attend an event in the evening with my family (sports or concert).
Favorite quote?
“Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play” – Mike Singletary
If you could share a meal with any individual, alive or dead, who would it be?
I would love to share a meal with my late grandfather when he was still a teen. He separated from his family at age 16 to come to America. Given this perspective, I would love to hear what his expectations were for his kids and grandkids.
Ever had a surprise party?
My wife threw one for me when I turned 25. It was a great surprise as she invited many of my old high school friends that I had not seen in a few years.
Holiday you look forward to the most?
Fourth of July. We get together with family and friends to enjoy the day. Food is great and the weather is usually even better!
Are you a collector? If so, what do you collect?
Baseball Cards. I have been doing it since I was 5 years old.
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Cookie Dough.
Most-loved family recipe?
My grandmother and mother both make Gnocchi (Italian pasta) from scratch. It was fun to see my daughter make a batch of her own during the COVID-19 quarantine.
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Drew Smith, AAMS®
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Drew Smith, AAMS®
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Drew has been with FAI since 2008 and has over 20 years experience in the finance industry. As Chief Operating Officer, Drew oversees technology, investment operations, and compliance for the firm. Drew maintains the firm’s databases and monitors the security and reliability of FAI’s network and IT infrastructure. Drew oversees client reporting and is also responsible for the securities trading for the firm.
Drew lives in Clarksville, Maryland, with his two children, and his rescue dog. He enjoys spending time with his children, mountain biking, and reading.
Education
- Economics degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM designation from the College for Financial Planning
Learn More About Drew
What do you like most about your job? What do you look forward to when coming into work?
I like the variety of roles my position entails. This allows me to look for ways to improve the client experience and learn new skills.
What should clients know about you and your strengths?
I have been in the finance industry for almost 20 years. I am focused, detail-oriented and committed to helping our clients achieve their goals.
What drives you to work hard?
As a business owner I know that helping our clients to be more successful makes FAI more successful.
Tell us about a client you enjoy working with and why.
I am always impressed by the diversity of our client’s background. I enjoy learning about their families, jobs and interests.
What would you like our community to say about FAI? What would you like FAI to be known for?
I would like FAI to be known for integrity and making our clients our top priority.
How did you come to work in the industry? Why were you drawn to FAI?
I was impressed by our founder, Mike Martin’s passion for helping clients and looking out for the welfare of his employees.
Fun Facts
Favorite way to spend a day?
Hammock in the woods or at the beach with my family.
Most-loved family recipe?
My mother’s chocolate cake.
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Peanut Buster Parfait
Holiday you look forward to the most?
Christmas
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Skyler Hutcheson, CRPC®
Lead Advisor
Skyler Hutcheson, CRPC®
lead Advisor
As a Lead Advisor and member of our Financial Planning team, Skyler works with FAI clients to develop and implement investment and financial planning strategies based on client’s needs and goals. He assists in the analysis, research and production of financial planning reports and provides guidance and support to clients to help them achieve their personal and financial objectives. Skyler supports the Senior Advisors through gathering and organizing client data and information, assisting in the development of financial planning analyses and presentations.
Skyler graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2016 and earned a B.S. in Applied Economic Management with a concentration in Financial Planning. Skyler earned the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM, CRPC® designation, and the Series 65 License (Investment Advisor Representative) from the Financial Industry Regulation Authority (FINRA).
Formerly of Hampton, Virginia, Skyler currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland. In his spare time, he enjoys watching Virginia Tech sports, working out, and exploring the city.
Learn More About Skyler
What do you want clients to know about you and your strengths?
I want clients to know that I am going to do my utmost to provide them with the best service and experience possible.
What motivates you to work hard?
Knowing that I have a responsibility to provide our clients the level of service they expect when they come to FAI.
What are your favorite parts of your job? What do you look forward to most when you come to work?
The best part of my job is seeing clients have peace of mind or reaching milestones in their journey. Experiencing that makes the time and effort worth it.
Tell me about one of your favorite clients. What do you enjoy most about your relationship with them?
I enjoy the gratitude they show every meeting for the work that we do. Big or small, they always have a genuine appreciation.
What would you like FAI to be known for? What would you like our clients/community to say about FAI?
My hope is that FAI will be known not only for its level of service and professionalism, but also for its culture and atmosphere. I want our clients to say that they trust us and feel comfortable every time they are in the office.
How did you get started in this industry? What attracted you to FAI?
I got started with financial planning on accident when I switched majors in college. It was meant to be a temporary stop, but it ended up being something I really liked that mixed many of the things I was looking for out of a future career. FAI attracted me because of shared values, and a culture that I felt reflected the things both my family and I feel are important. It was a natural fit and I am thankful that the team welcomed me the way that they did.
Fun Facts
Favorite holiday?
With the three F’s (family, food and football) it is hard to choose otherwise
Favorite quote:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies and cream
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Hope Campbell, CFP®
Lead Advisor
Hope Campbell, CFP®
Lead AdvisorHope joined the FAI Wealth Management team in 2021. As a Lead Advisor, Hope works with clients to align their financial goals and investment portfolios. She especially enjoys working with clients in transition, like career changes, relocation, and transitioning into retirement. Hope walks clients through every step of their journey to financial security, providing clear action items along the way for their investment, tax, insurance, and savings goals. She is passionate about financial education and authors financial checklists and guides which can be found on our blog.
Hope graduated from the University of Virginia and completed a Certificate in Financial Planning from the University of Richmond. She obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation as well as her Series 65 and Series 66 licenses from the Financial Industry Regulation Authority (FINRA). In 2023, she participated in the Leadership Essentials training program through Loyola University and Leadership Howard County.
Hope is a member of the Junior League of Baltimore where she currently serves on the Finance Committee and Nominating Committee. She also serves on the Genesis Scholarship Committee of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). Hope has a background in legal services as well as working with a nonprofit to provide financial education to those seeking financial wellness.
Formerly of Norfolk, Virginia, Hope currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and cat. Hope enjoys trail running, volunteering, and checking out new restaurants.
Learn More About Hope
What do you want clients to know about you and your strengths?
I strive to communicate in a clear, kind, and personable manner. I understand that discussing investments, retirement plans, and other big life decisions can be stressful, but I hope to alleviate some of this pressure by being available, approachable, and considerate of each client’s unique situation.
What motivates you to work hard?
I am driven by helping other people accomplish their goals. In my position on FAI’s financial advising team, I feel motivated and fulfilled when clients leave meetings feeling their ideas were heard and are at peace with their financial plan.
What are your favorite parts of your job? What do you look forward to most when you come to work?
It’s hard to pick a favorite! Every day, I look forward to connecting with clients, researching different ways to problem-solve, and getting to work alongside and learn from such a dynamic team.
What would you like FAI to be known for? What would you like our clients/community to say about FAI?
I hope that every client will experience first-hand the way that FAI’s research-driven and personalized plans can bring peace and success for their family finances.
How did you get started in this industry? What attracted you to FAI?
After years of researching personal finance as a hobby, I decided to take a leap and pursue it professionally. I was initially attracted to FAI’s time-tested investment philosophy, and was delighted to find everyone on the team so personable and attentive to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Fun Facts
Favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving
Favorite way to spend a free day?
A morning run through the park followed by an afternoon sailing on the Chesapeake Bay with my husband and best friends.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey (banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts)
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Jacob Piazza
Investment Analyst
Jacob Piazza
Investment Analyst
Jacob joined the FAI team in 2021 as an Investment Analyst. Jacob's primary role is to support Curt Gross, Chief Investment Officer, in the areas of asset allocation, security selection, and portfolio construction. Additionally, he is responsible for performance tracking and helping the advisors with a variety of ad hoc requests.
Jacob recently graduated from Towson University with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration: Finance and Economics. Jacob has a passion for financial literacy education and has spent more than two and a half years as a volunteer financial educator using games that simulated financial decisions. Jacob is currently studying to obtain his Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Jacob’s hobbies include reading, listening to financial podcasts, and traveling. Jacob grew up in Westminster, MD and now lives in Ellicott City, MD.
Learn More About Jacob
What do you want clients to know about you and your strengths?
I am an analytical, detail-oriented person with a focus on balancing both the larger picture and particulars of any given situation.
What motivates you to work hard?
I am motivated by the desire to help clients succeed and the desire to continually learn.
What are your favorite parts of your job? What do you look forward to most when you come to work?
I enjoy the balance between the data analysis and more qualitative company analysis. Moreover, the marriage of that data analysis and company narrative with client investment goals is most enjoyable.
What would you like FAI to be known for? What would you like our clients/community to say about FAI?
I would like FAI to be known for our focus on client goals and managing risk while maintaining returns.
How did you get started in this industry? What attracted you to FAI?
I got started in high school, where I was working at a local community bank. I found financial services to be a complex, interesting field with so many avenues to explore; later, I decided to study Finance and Economics in college. FAI’s comprehensive approach to financial services attracted me.
Fun Facts
Favorite way to spend a free day?
My favorite way to spend a free day is hiking or spending time in nature in the morning, and the rest of the day reading.
Do you collect anything?
I collect books, primarily classics and business/investing books. I have two books (Horace’s Odes and The Poems of Ossian) from the mid-late 19th century.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip
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Diana Schneider
Office Manager & Client Service Representative
Diana Schneider
Office Manager & Client Service Representative
Diana is FAI’s Office Manager. Her responsibilities encompass many aspects of our business, including AP/AR, billing, client service, and the daily operations of the office. Her incredible organization skills keep the team running smoothly.
As the Client Service Representative, Diana handles the opening of new accounts, processing account transfers, deposits, withdrawals, and journal entries. She takes pride in her attention to detail and making sure that our clients are well taken care of.
Diana edits material for FAI’s website, brochures, and other company collateral.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and a Minor in Business, University of Maryland, College Park.
Personal Interests:
- Diana enjoys cooking, attending concerts, and making pottery in her spare time.
Learn More About Diana
What do you like most about your job? What do you look forward to when coming into work?
Finishing projects. I like to identify ways I can help FAI clients get what they need and support back office processes running as smoothly as I can.
What do you want clients to know about you and your strengths?
If they looked into my office they wouldn’t know it, but I’m very organized. I’m decisive and resolve issues as quickly as I can.
What motivates you to work hard?
Saving money for retirement so I can one day enjoy being a grandmother full-time is something I look forward to.
What are your favorite parts of your job? What do you look forward to most when you come to work?
I like keeping busy, and my job keeps me busy. Talking to clients and making sure staff have everything they need are things I enjoy.
Tell me about one of your favorite clients. What do you enjoy most about your relationship with them?
My favorite client (okay, I do have a favorite) and his wife are so nice to everyone. They are really sweet and their gratitude for everything we do means a lot. It motivates me to do my best and support my team in giving clients the best service we can.
What would you like our community to say about FAI? What would you like FAI to be known for?
FAI is very conservative in their investing. A lot of research is done before a position is purchased. We don’t run with the crowd. And we are disciplined.
How did you come to work in the industry? Why were you drawn to FAI?
In college, I worked in the mailroom of an investment firm. Upon graduation I was hired full-time and stayed for 28 years. FAI is a small firm where we get to know our clients and their families.
Fun Facts
Favorite way to spend a day?
Sitting on the beach with my toes in the sand reading a book.
Do you collect anything?
I collect everything and try to recycle it.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Baskin Robbins Rocky Road.
Holiday you look forward to most?
Thanksgiving.
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Beth Trollinger, FPQP™
Client Service Manager
Beth Trollinger, FPQP™
Client Service Manager
As Client Service Manager, Beth handles the day-to-day client requests and she is the chief liaison between FAI and our custodian. In addition, Beth assists clients with estate administration and complex account issues.
Beth joined FAI in 2005 and is an asset to our clients and to the FAI Team. She approaches her work with grace, dedication, tenacity, and strong problem-solving skills. Beth will tell you that she loves unravelling complex account issues and considers these challenges fun!
Beth earned the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP™) designation through the College of Financial Planning in 2009 and has completed advanced course work in accounting. Prior to joining FAI, Beth worked in accounting, operations, and work force management for several Columbia firms.
A long-time Columbia resident, Beth enjoys walking the bike-paths and around the lakes. She loves working in her garden, knitting/crocheting, and watching movies. Beth is very active in her church and an avid sports fan of the Baltimore Raven and Duke Basketball!
Learn More About Beth
What do you want clients to know about you and your strengths?
I will leave no stone unturned to solve a problem.
What motivates you to work hard?
Knowing that my efforts, no matter how large or small are beneficial to our clients.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
I love getting to know our clients and hearing about their children, grandchildren, their lives and learning what is important to them.
What do you look forward to most when you come to work?
I love the variety in my work. Every day, I am working on something different.
What would you like FAI to be known for? What would you like our clients/community to say about FAI?
I would like FAI to be known for the personal touch we give to each of our clients, together we develop a partnership to help our clients meet and hopefully exceed their financial goals no matter what it is. I would like our clients/community to say that in addition to providing sound financial/investment advice and exceptional customer service, FAI treats each client as though we are family. FAI welcomes and encourages clients to ask questions; put clients at ease and helps reduces their stress so the clients can enjoy their lives without worry. And when life happens, clients know that FAI is there to walk with them through whatever challenge they face, just like family does.
How did you get started in this industry? What attracted you to FAI?
I was attracted to FAI after reading articles Mike Martin had written in Financial Advisor Magazine. Mike made very complex financial/investment issues easier for the lay person to understand. I really liked that and was excited for the opportunity to work with and learn from Mike Martin and the rest of the FAI staff.
Fun Facts
Favorite way to spend a free day?
Relaxing on the back porch with family and friends.
Favorite quote:
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” ~ Pablo Picasso
Do you have a favorite family recipe?
Garlic cheese grits and corn pudding.
Favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving.
If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would it be?
I would love to share a meal with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn and hear all about the life of service to others they have built domestically and international through Habitat for Humanity and the human and civil rights work they have done since leaving the White House.
Do you collect anything?
Yarn for my knitting and crocheting projects.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Peach in the summer and Peppermint during the holidays.
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Jamie Keese
Client Service Representative
Jamie Keese
Client service representative
Jamie is responsible for providing administrative support to FAI via Consider It Done, an independent contractor and one of the premier virtual assistant businesses in the country, that caters to independent financial advisors. Jamie works closely with FAI to develop systems and processes that make our office operate efficiently. Her duties include establishing and transferring investment accounts, coordinating retirement account contributions and distributions, and seeing that transactions are handled smoothly and accurately.
Jamie possesses a flair for organization and attention to detail along with a strong work ethic. She enjoys spending time with her family, keeping up with her children and is active in her church.
