RWS FINANCIAL - Key Persons


Alex S. Potter

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
Alex began his career as a Financial Advisor in 2012 after graduating from Michigan State University. He currently holds FINRA Series 7, 6, 63, and 65 licenses along with his life/health and variable insurance licenses. There is no shortcut, easy road, or magic wand for a comfortable retirement. The truth is, it takes sacrifice and determination to steadily save for months, years, and decades. Albert Einstein famously said, "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it earns it…he who doesn't pays it." Alex is a SmartVestor Pro with Dave Ramsey, providing people with the tools and knowledge to become debt free, build an emergency fund, build wealth, and ultimately be in the position to give generously! In addition, Alex is a premier speaker for Retirement 567 throughout the state of Michigan--providing educational content for the general public on retirement planning. With confusion around taxes in retirement, social security, ROTH conversions, legacy planning, distribution planning, Medicare, RMD's (required minimum distributions), and strategic investment ideas, Alex presents thought-provoking and timely information to all attendees to help clear the mud. Alex is an advocate of the 3-bucket strategy to help retirees smooth out their retirement income needs. By being client-focused and objectively providing honest answers, he will go the extra mile to put together a financial plan to give you a roadmap to success. Alex also provides investment management solutions for 403(b), 401(a), and 457 investors. If you work for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State, Beaumont Health, Trinity Health Systems, Ascension, etc. he can help! Alex loves spending time with his wife Cassy, and his three children, Isaiah, Johana and Mia. His family is his pride and joy.

Amy Curzenski

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Support Team
  • Client Services Associate
Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development from Oakland University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Walsh College. Prior to joining RWS, Amy worked at the Credit Union for 2 years as a Financial Advisor's Assistant. In Amy's free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling and baking!

Antonio R. Scarsella - COO, VP

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Vice President
Antonio has grown into his leadership role at RWS over several years. He began working on a part-time basis while in school and has been a full-time member after graduation in 2007. He is responsible for all marketing, public relations, and project management. The firm's public image is at the forefront of everything he does. He is also an essential component in maintaining and optimizing the firm's technology platform. Antonio is heavily involved in the daily OSJ activities: on-boarding new advisors; conducting annual audits, and maintaining positive advisor relationships.

Barton Steindler

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Beth J. Brooks

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
  • Associate Financial Professional
Beth devoted 16 years to building personal and business relationships at a major bank. She holds FINRA Series 6 and 63 securities licenses. Beth joined the RWS team in early 2019. Beth is married to Russell, and together they have 3 boys, Riley, Dominic, and William. They have a rescue dog named Lola. In her spare time, Beth enjoys spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, running, and cooking.

Brian S. Duda

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
Brian began his career as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. After completing his tour of duty, he came back to the Blue Water Area and completed a degree in Criminal Justice at St. Clair County Community College. He then transferred to Central Michigan University and completed degrees in International Business and Marketing with honors. The next step in his professional career brought him to the Financial Services Industry and a 28+ year career. He dedicates himself to creating and implementing strategies to help his clients achieve their financial goals. Focusing on Retirement, Business and Insurance planning to formulate customized solutions for his clients. Brian currently holds FINRA Series 6 and 63 securities licenses and Life, Accident and Health Insurance licenses. Brian also holds financial credentials from the American College to include: Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP). He is very active in his community with the Blue Water Area Kiwanis, Blue Water Chamber of Commerce, McLaren Port Huron Hospital Planned Giving Committee, Fort Gratiot Business Association, Port Huron Area Estate Planning Council and First United Methodist Endowment Committee. Brian resides in Fort Gratiot with his wife, Susan and their son, Ryan. In his spare time Brian enjoys golfing, basketball and playing baseball/softball. When Brian is not working, his family is the most important priority in his life.

Cheryl A. McGown

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
Cheryl holds a Master of Science in Finance degree, with a major in Finance and a specialization in Financial Planning from Walsh College. Cheryl joined the RWS team in early 2018. For the last 21 years, Cheryl has successfully helped individual and small business clients achieve and surpass their short- and long-term financial goals, with an emphasis on retirement and wealth strategies. Cheryl is passionate about helping people; she treats her clients like family. Taking the time and interest to have in-depth conversations with existing and prospective clients allows Cheryl to understand their current and long-term needs and goals. Cheryl has been married to her husband Stan for nearly 17 years. They are active in their church - both here and in Northern Michigan. In her spare time, Cheryl enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, NASCAR, bowling and spending time with friends and family.

Christina Spurlock

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Associate
Christina answers all incoming calls for RWS, receives and distributes all mail, and greets everyone that comes into our Royal Oak location. She helps keep the office tidy and assists the administrative team with daily tasks. She has been in the customer service industry for seven years. In Christina's free time she loves to read, draw and watch movies with her younger sister.

Codi Vant Voort

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Associate
Codi Vant Voort has been in the industry since 2015 and joined the RWS Financial Group team in August of 2021. As an Client Relationship Associate, Codi brings over 10 years of administrative and clerical experience with her to provide the highest level of customer service with a go to attitude. With her attention to detail and outgoing personality, Codi is a great addition to the RWS Financial Group team. Codi has lived in western Michigan her whole life and is also a licensed Massage Therapist. When she is not in the office, Codi loves to travel the world as much as possible. If she's not spending time with family and friends on their boat at Keenan in Grand Haven she enjoys fishing and hunting.

Daniel E. Engelhardt

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
  • Investment Advisory Representative
Dan entered the insurance business with a major life insurance company in 1970 and in 1976 purchased a property & casualty agency. In 1986, he merged his agency with a large P&C agency in the Bay City area and was responsible for the life and financial planning department for the agency. In August 2000, he formed Assured Financial Advisors, Inc., a financial advisor representative group. The group caters to higher net worth clients and businesses that seek financial guidance and money management services. Dan obtained his CIC designation in 1988, his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERâ„¢ certification in 1989, and his LUTCF designation in 1993. He also completed the Mater Registered Financial Consultant exam in 2017. He has been a member of the National Speaking Faculty for the National Alliance since 1990. He is an Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research which allows him to do fee-based financial planning and investment management. He also has his Series 7 securities registration. He was past state president of the Michigan Association of Insurance & Financial Professionals. Dan enjoys running, golfing, woodworking, and riding his Harley Davidson with his pup Harley.

David Dilley

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
David specializes in retirement income planning pursuant to a financial planning approach. He has extensive experience in workplace education; helping organizations and employees prepare to grow, project, and enjoy their retirement. One of David's greatest passions is to see his clients achieve their goals whether it be through retirement planning, saving for college education, charitable bequests, or leaving a legacy. Coaching clients is a large part of a life well lived for both his clients and himself. David has been in the industry for over 20 years. He currently holds his series 6, 7, and 65, has a RICP designation, as well as his life and health licenses. David is married to Erin Dilley Esquire and together they have two boys Colin and Cameron. He enjoys outdoor activities in western and northern Michigan such as mountain biking, snowboarding, cross country skiing, camping, fishing, and cheering on his sons' at their soccer games.

David E. Lenda

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
David began his career in the Financial Services Industry in 1993. His background includes assisting in the start up of a large Financial Services Firm. He managed and trained other Advisors in Financial Planning/Life Insurance. David specializes in Retirement Plans, as well as, Personal Financial Planning. David currently holds FINRA Series 63, 7 and 24, as well as, Life, Health and Property & Casualty Insurance Licenses. He also holds the ChFC and CLU certifications. David received an MBA from Northwood University. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Kelly, and daughters Chloe and Natalie. David also enjoys running, biking and being outdoors.

Earl McMahan

Job Titles:
  • Tax Advisor
Earl McMahan is a CFP and EA who will be working at RWS Financial Group in a tax preparation and consultation role. Earl has been in the industry for 35 years and specializes in tax preparation and tax planning and has experience in financial planning as well. Earl works in this industry because he enjoys working with people and finding solutions to problems. His philosophy when working with clients is to always be honest, listen to your client, and to stay current. Earl is married to his wife, Amy, and they have two children. In Earl's spare time he enjoys reading, traveling and exercising.

Edward Dublis

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
Edward Dublis joined RWS Financial Group in August of 2021. He is Charted Financial Consultant and a Chartered Life Underwriter receiving his accreditation through the American College, Byrn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and business retirement and investment planning to his clients since 1979. Edward is committed to helping his clients improve their long-term financial success. His customized programs strive to grow, and conserve wealth by delivering an unprecedented level of personalized services. Edward is also an accomplished musician, playing jazz piano with a big band, Hark Up Horns, and with his jazz quartet "Mood Swings". You can listen to Ed the first Tuesday of every month at Rosa Parks in the summer and every other Thursday at the Euro Bistro.

Jeffrey C. Brindley

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
  • Member of the Association of Financial Educators
Jeff began his career in the Financial Services industry in 2007. Prior to becoming a Financial Advisor, Jeff worked in the Mortgage Banking Industry. When working in the mortgage banking industry, he was able to get clients approved for a mortgage but noticed that his clients were not saving and investing as much for retirement as they should. He decided it was time to get licensed and start educating people in this area so that they can retire comfortably. Jeff specializes in working with individual investors & business investors as specified below. He currently holds FINRA Series 6, 63, 65, 7 licenses, as well as, life/health licenses. Jeff is a member of the Association of Financial Educators, please visit their website for more information afe-usa.org

Jenny Sochowicz

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Support Team
  • Client Relationship Associate
Jenny assists the marketing team with her photography and digital skills. She Creates marketing material such as flyers, brochures and recording and editing videos for our advisors. Prior to joining RWS, Jenny worked in Customer Service for 5 years. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys art, the outdoors, and sports especially hockey!

Jerome E. Assenmacher

Job Titles:
  • Tax Advisor

Jill M. Engelhardt

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Associate

Jim B. Williams

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Jonathan D. LaCroix

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Joseph J. Bustin

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Justin M. Mulholland

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Karyn M. Milewski

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Support Team
  • Client Services Specialist

Kathy V. Scarsella - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Finance

Lauryn A. Ward

Job Titles:
  • Director of Administration
  • Member of the Leadership Team

Lori Frey

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Support Team
  • Client Service Team Associate

Mary Bustin

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Associate

Matthew Studt

Job Titles:
  • Tax Advisor

Melissa Israel

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Associate

Michael P. Schlegel

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Mitchell D. Arner

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Morgan M. Sobolewski

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team

Nathan J. Breidinger

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Nicholas U. Scarsella - VP

Job Titles:
  • Director of Business Development
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • Vice President

Richard Irish

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Rocco J. Scarsella - Founder, President

Job Titles:
  • Founder
  • Member of the Executive Team
  • President

Sarah Mulholland

Job Titles:
  • Insurance Agent
  • Member of the Support Team

Stacey Heaton

Job Titles:
  • Accountant
  • Member of the Support Team
  • Compliance Principal
Colleen assists the Director of Finance in the day-to-day operations of the accounting department. Additionally, she works with the team to account for the expansion of RWS Financial Group as the company grows through acquisitions and new business ventures. Collen has spent seven years doing public and corporate tax accounting before taking time off to raise my children. Colleen has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in accounting. Colleen is married with two children.

Suzanne L. Allor

Job Titles:
  • Director of Client Services
  • Member of the Leadership Team

Timothy "Tim" Ford

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Todd A. Arner

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Tom E. Kraut

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Trey (Robert) Ellinger

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Tricia A. Arner

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Associate

William "Bill" Dolunt

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor

Zach Moulton

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
Glenn Has worked in the financial service business since 1982. During his career, Glenn has made broad contacts in the financial, accounting and legal professions that have greatly benefited his clients. He is a 1981 graduate of Wayne State University where he earned his degree in Finance and Business Economics. Glenn currently holds FINRA series 7 and 24 licenses as well as Life/Health insurance licenses. Glenn and his family are long-time Dearborn, Michigan Residents