Wendy Brewer graduated with honors from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Information Systems concentrating in Taxation. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds the Personal Financial Specialist designation from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, along with Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and Chartered Special Needs Consultant designations.

As Private Wealth Financial Advisor and Managing Director at Roseate Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Brewer leads a team recognized on Forbes’ 2024 Top Wealth Management Teams: Private Wealth list — the only South Carolina team among 100 nationwide. She appears on Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors lists.

Brewer concluded a five-year term on Trident United Way’s Investment Committee, serving as Committee Chair for two years, and completed a six-year term on the Board of Directors. In May, she keynoted the Women United Awards luncheon.

“Success means knowing I’ve made a meaningful difference,” Brewer said.

Paul Clark serves as managing director of VentureSouth, an investment firm he co-founded in 2014 focused on early-stage capital in the Southeast. Clark creates new angel groups, identifies investment opportunities and works with entrepreneurs to develop businesses and attract growth capital. He also serves as general partner of six VentureSouth Angel Funds.

Before VentureSouth, Clark was senior vice president of mergers and acquisitions at CertusBank in Greenville, leading efforts to acquire financial services companies across the Southeast. Previously, he was a principal at BC Partners, a private equity firm based in London and New York with more than $17 billion under management, participating in investing over $1 billion in healthcare, financial services, manufacturing and education services businesses.

He began his career at NM Rothschild & Sons in London, specializing in mergers and acquisitions advisory for healthcare companies. Clark earned a Master of Arts in medieval history from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Durham University.

Jeff Herman began his career working alongside his father, a CPA in Hickory, North Carolina, where he learned that client relationships are paramount. Herman earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from East Carolina University before spending nearly a decade in Japan helping build AXA’s nationwide distribution network—an experience that taught him the value of patience, precision and cultural respect.

As Investment Advisor at The Jeffrey Group, Herman has focused on building infrastructure for scalable growth while refining a hybrid investment model that combines public markets and real estate. The firm measures success by clients achieving what Herman calls “Financial Harmony”—when a balanced and well-coordinated financial plan provides stability and peace of mind leading up to and throughout retirement.

“Integrity is a long game,” Herman said, noting that credibility must be earned through years of consistent behavior.

Herman serves on the boards of Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina, The Humane Society and UCAN. He previously served as a board member for Greenville Humane Society and The Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Shaler Houser serves as a partner at founderville.vc, a finance firm working to address what he identifies as the most pressing challenge facing his industry: the shortage of capital for startups throughout the region.

Houser earned a Bachelor of Arts from The Citadel before beginning his professional career in sales support for Corporate Telemanagement Group. In that foundational role, he developed his expertise in selling technology services through the channel, gaining experience that would shape his career in technology and finance.

At founderville.vc, Houser works with a small team to support emerging businesses. He extends his impact beyond his firm through volunteer work as a mentor with the Flywheel Foundation and by serving on the boards of Digital Site Box and WAVS Custom.

“Helping others and giving of my time builds self-esteem,” Houser said. “Feeling good about my actions is the only thing that matters. I’ve learned that chasing money is an empty pursuit.”

Those who know Houser professionally might be surprised to learn he actively writes poetry during his personal time.

Herbert L. Drayton leads HI Mark Capital, a venture capital firm investing in underrepresented entrepreneurs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix, an Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Systems from the Community College of the Air Force and completed the Palmetto Venture Fellowship.

Before venture capital, Drayton worked on systems ensuring fighter jet technology operated properly and later serviced nuclear medicine scanners, cardiac catheterization systems and optical surgical lasers. His first job was running a paper route at 13, where he learned discipline, consistency and accountability.

Since September 2024, HI Mark Capital launched three South Carolina-based AI platforms led by minority women founders: Haruki, supporting mental health training for first responders and military; Nexus RFP, simplifying procurement workflows; and FOIA Assist, streamlining government compliance processes.

“Never let anyone convince you that you don’t belong in the room,” Drayton said, citing advice from Reginald F. Lewis.

Drayton serves on multiple boards including Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Hope Center SC and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee.

Thomas Rhodes earned a Bachelor of Science in Management with a focus on entrepreneurship from Clemson University before becoming partner at Rhodes Companies, a private investment firm with 50 employees.

Rhodes chairs the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and serves as commissioner on the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission. He is a board member of Prisma Children’s Hospital and a fellow of the Society of International Business Fellows. His previous civic roles include serving on the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement board, the Midlands Business Leadership Group executive committee and the Clemson University Board of Visitors. He formerly chaired the Salvation Army Advisory Board and served as deacon at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

“Serve others first,” Rhodes said, describing the best advice he has received.

He identifies maintaining South Carolina’s competitive edge amid rapid growth as the greatest challenge facing the business community, emphasizing the need for infrastructure investment and modernization of tax and education systems.

Rhodes was recognized in Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Capital Young Professional program in 2021 and received the Clemson University Alumni Association’s Roaring Ten designation in 2014.

John Tripoli has built a distinguished career in financial services, earning his CFP, RICP and CLU designations while holding multiple FINRA licenses. Since becoming managing director in 2010, the private wealth adviser has expanded Northwestern Mutual’s Upstate presence to three office locations and led the organization to recognition as a Top Workplace in South Carolina for eight consecutive years.

His leadership extends beyond business success. John has served on numerous boards, including the United Way of Greenville County and Greenville Estate Planning Council, where he previously held presidential roles. Under his guidance, more than nine Upstate advisers have received the Northwestern Mutual Foundation Community Service Award, distributing over $140,000 to local nonprofits.

“Success is doing what you love with the people you love,” John reflects, a philosophy evident in his commitment to developing future financial professionals through Northwestern Mutual’s internship program, which has engaged over 200 college students. His expertise in leadership and team development has made him a sought-after speaker at regional and national conferences.

Dan Wagner has built Wagner Wealth Management into a comprehensive financial services firm that takes a holistic approach to client success. With nearly 30 years in the financial industry, Wagner leads a team of 10 professionals who provide true wealth management encompassing investments, insurance, real estate, taxes and business planning.

A 1997 graduate of UNC-Charlotte with a degree in business administration, finance and accounting, Wagner began his career as an intern at American Express, where he discovered his passion for complex financial situations and exceptional client service. He believes in the power of collaboration, guided by the principle: “All ships rise with the tide.”

Wagner’s commitment extends beyond his clients to the broader community. He serves on the board of the American Red Cross-Western Carolinas and actively supports organizations including Southside Christian School, Let There Be Mom, Carolina Loving Hound Rescue, and the Antonakos Foundation. He maintains memberships with both the Greenville and Anderson chambers of commerce.

An expert skier in high school, Wagner set aside the slopes to play college football — a decision reflecting his dedication and team-oriented mindset.

John Warren leads GEM Mining as CEO, overseeing a privately held, institutional-grade Bitcoin mining company with 32,000 miners operating at 92% carbon neutrality. Warren founded and led Lima One Capital as CEO from 2009 to 2018, building it into a premier national lender for residential real estate investors specializing in fix-and-flip projects, rental homes and multifamily properties. He served as chairman through 2019 before the company’s sale.

A decorated Marine Corps infantry officer, Warren commanded rifle and mortar platoons with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, deploying to Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. He led over 300 combat missions and received recognition for valor and heroic achievement during combat operations. Warren ran for governor in 2018 and serves as honorary chairman of South Carolina’s Conservative Future.

Warren earned a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University and a Master of Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He is also the co-author of “Lead Like a Marine.”

Josh Woodward leads Lima One Capital, the nation’s premier lender to real estate investors, serving house renovators, home builders and rental property buyers nationwide. Under his leadership, the company relocated to new headquarters in downtown Greenville in July 2025.

Woodward earned a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

His professional recognition includes National Mortgage Professional 40 under 40 in 2024, HousingWire Rising Stars in 2024, IMN SFR Industry Rising Star in 2022, HousingWire Finance Leaders in 2021 and Palmetto Power New Executives in 2025.

Woodward addresses industry challenges including higher interest rates, insurance and building costs by investing in technology for efficiency and expanding marketing efforts to grow market share. He began his career in the restaurant industry, learning cooperation and communication skills.

“To be a better leader, always fight for the highest possible good of your team and create conditions where others can be at their best,” Woodward said.

Jonathan Zucker has built a diverse career spanning technology, business development and global enterprise management. Since 2005, he has served as president of The InterTech Group, Inc., a family-owned holding company with operating companies and portfolio investments across aerospace, industrial and engineered products, financial transaction services, utilities and energy, specialty chemicals, recreation and leisure, medical technology, security and real estate. The company maintains operations throughout North America, Latin America, South America, Europe and the Far East.

Zucker also serves as chairman of Z-Man Fishing Products, Inc., a Charleston-based company recognized for its innovative fishing technology and 10X Tough ElaZtech soft plastics. His previous experience includes roles with Hudson’s Bay Company, CSS International and Nortel Networks.

He earned his MBA in business administration from The Citadel and a bachelor’s degree in management and computer science from Georgia Institute of Technology.