Meet the professionals who can help you
Pursue Your Goals
We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.
MEET THE TEAM
The team behind Conservative Financial Solutions is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.
LEAD ADVISORS
Roger Ford, RFC®
Founder & Wealth Advisor
Roger has over 35 years of experience in retirement income planning. After receiving his formal education from the University of Cincinnati, he started his own business in 1985 from the trunk of his car. He has successfully developed his business into what is known today as Conservative Financial Solutions (CFS).
Roger is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and obtained his certification through the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC). He has passed the Series 6, 63 and 65 securities exams and is a licensed agent in Life, Accident, and Health, along with Property and Casualty Insurance. In addition to being the founder and CEO of CFS, he is the owner of Harrison Tax & Accounting.
Roger met the love of his life, Carolyn, in 1988. They were married in 1989 and have five children and two granddaughters. They have enjoyed raising their family in Harrison, Ohio, and being a local business partner in the tri-state area.
Any and all other services related to Harrison Tax & Accounting are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by AE Wealth Management, LLC.
Spencer Ford
Chief Executive Officer & Wealth Advisor
Passionate about helping others be their best, Spencer has built his career on helping clients build more stable retirements. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University. This passion for helping others led him to Conservative Financial Solutions.
Spencer holds an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from the Ohio State University and has completed extensive training and met rigorous ethical experience requirements in order to obtain his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional designation. He has also passed the series 7 and 65 securities exams and is a licensed insurance agent in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He is able to have the opportunity to advise clients on both investments and retirement income planning. Spencer is delighted to work with clients and enjoys helping them plan the right track to pursue their ideal retirement lifestyles.
In his spare time, Spencer serves his community as a member of the local chamber of commerce board and rotary club. He also enjoys playing music on his church’s worship team.
CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® in the U.S.
Austin Ford
Chief Executive Officer & Wealth Advisor
Austin graduated from the University of Cincinnati receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a minor in Professional Sales. He joined Conservative Financial Solutions in 2015, with a passion to help families navigate their retirement years. With a continued interest in finance, Austin has passed his Series 65 Securities exam and has also obtained his Insurance Licensing in Life, Accident, and Health. As Director of Wealth Advising, he works closely with individuals to understand and provide a financial confidence.
Austin and his wife, Alisha, enjoy spending any spare moments outdoors, off-roading, and maintaining their recreational land in Franklin County, Indiana, which they plan to call home one day.
Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and Conservative Financial Solutions are not affiliated companies. AEWM and Conservative Financial Solutions are not affiliated companies.
ACCOUNT SERVICE
Cindy Lea
Operations Manager
Cindy joined the Conservative Financial Solutions team in February 2016 as a client service and account representative. In July 2017, she moved into the role of operations manager. Cindy brings over 20 years of experience in customer relations and actively works in the day-to-day operations process, including processing applications and managing client accounts. She enjoys working directly with our clients and assisting them with any needs they may have.
In her spare time, you will find Cindy spending time with family, friends and her husband, Scott, with whom she also enjoys traveling.
Jill Weiler
Account Service Representative
Jill received her Certificate in Medical Office/Billing from Southern Ohio College. She currently holds her life, accident, and health insurance license for Ohio, and Indiana. Her professional experience includes insurance billing, bookkeeping, and physician account management. Jill plays an active role in the day-to-day operations of CFS, including processing applications and managing accounts.
She greatly enjoys working directly with our clients and serving their needs. Jill has three children and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, staying active outdoors, camping and relaxing by the pool in the summer.
Brandy Marksberry
Account Service Representative
Brandy received her Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Kentucky Career Institute. She joined the Conservative Financial Solutions team in 2017 as an Administrative Assistant. Throughout her career, she has been successful in the insurance and legal industries, including being a legal assistant and legal collector for a Cincinnati law firm. At CFS, she plays a key role in the day-to-day operations, including processing applications and managing accounts.
Brandy and her husband, Scott, have been married for over 15 years and have four children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and you will often find her volunteering within the community. Embarking on day trips and traveling with her family are some of Brandy’s favorite activities.
Risa Dole
Accountant
Risa is a graduate from the University of Cincinnati where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. She worked with our sister company Harrison Tax & Accounting for over 14 years and has experience in the areas of payroll and tax preparation.
Risa and her husband, Mike, live in Harrison and have three children and two grandchildren. She enjoys gardening, antiquing and spending time with her family.
Katie Merk
Account Service Representative
Katie joined Conservative Financial Solutions in July of 2021 as a Client Service Representative and soon transitioned into the Account Service Representative role. She is currently studying for her Life, Accident and Health Insurance License for Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Katie brings over five years of experience in customer service and accounting. She looks forward to continuing her career in finance and hopes to broaden her education and knowledge in the field as well.
Outside of work she is regularly working on a home renovation with her fiancé Nathan. When free time pops up Katie likes to take the opportunity to travel and spend time with family and friends.
CLIENT SERVICE
Tricia McEvilly
Lead Client Service Representative
Tricia received her Associate Degree in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from the Academy of Court Reporting and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Phoenix. Tricia has actively worked in the tax and accounting industry since 2005 and holds her Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License in the state of Ohio. Her experience in tax preparation and small business accounting has made her a perfect fit for the operations team at Conservative Financial Solutions. In her current role as a Client Service Representative, Tricia is responsible for maintaining clients’ annual appointments and reviews, along with a variety of other financial preparation services.
Tricia and her husband, Scott, live in Ross, Ohio, with their five children and two grandchildren. Tricia enjoys spending her free time at children’s sporting events, being outdoors with her family and friends, and volunteering in the community.
Eric Acra
Client Service Representative
Eric is graduate of Shawnee State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, minor in Entrepreneurism and Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts. After college, he worked at Cincinnati Art Museum’s Special Events Department as an Event Captain where he gained experience in customer relations. He joined Conservative Financial Solutions in October of 2021 as a Client Service Representative where he creates financial analysis spreadsheets, processes beneficiary changes and account reallocations.
Eric resides in Harrison, Ohio, where he has always called home. In his free time, he enjoys music, art, and traveling with his girlfriend.
Terrie Walker
First Impressions Representative
Terrie received her Associate Degree in Business Administration from Ball State University. Her professional experience includes a wealth of knowledge in customer service and entrepreneurship. Terrie joins us from the health care field, where she started her own business to help cancer patients. She meets the needs of our clients daily by being the friendly voice on the telephone, assisting our teams in serving our clients and welcoming our friends and guests with a smile.
In her free time, Terrie loves spending time with family and laughing with friends. She also enjoys being outdoors hiking and kayaking or just relaxing outside with a good book.
Bailey Nicolaus
Client Service Representative
Bailey joined the Conservative Financial Solutions team in October 2021 as a Client Service Representative. She brings experience in customer relations and works in the day-to-day operations process, managing client accounts, processing beneficiary changes, reallocating fixed accounts, and maintaining client spreadsheets.
Bailey is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Cincinnati State. She is also working towards being a notary for Indiana and Ohio. In her extra time, spending time with her family, animals and boyfriend bring her the greatest joy.
Jennifer Leurck
First Impressions Representative
Jennifer has a passion for service. She served in Administrative Assistant and Office Manager roles at Cincinnati Credit Counseling and Hamilton Country Prosecutor’s Office. Following her heart, she stepped away from the office to stay at home and raise her young family. After thirteen wonderful years of being a full-time mom, she decided to return to the outside work force. Jennifer joined CFS in December of 2019. When you walk through the front door, know that she is going to go above and beyond to make sure your visit is as warm and friendly as possible.
Jennifer and her husband Greg have three children: Lydia, Lauren, and Luke. Between the three of them they spend most nights and weekends on a volleyball court, golf course, basketball court, baseball field, and a track. When she isn’t attending a sporting event, she is often serving the Southwest Local School District as a parent volunteer or following her beloved Cincinnati Reds.
Becky Leonard
First Impressions Representative
Becky joined the Conservative Financial Solutions team in August of 2021 as a part-time Administrative Assistant. She brings with her a wealth of experience, 25 years managing a rental property business, and 18 years of working at a local veterinary clinic. Now semi-retired she shares her warm smile and winning attitude as she greets our clients and guests, as well as assisting our team in the day-to-day administrative needs.
Becky is the mother of one daughter and three stepchildren, and nine grandchildren combined. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her grandkids, going to concerts with friends and quiet time at home with her rescue dogs.
MARKETING
Steve Strom
Marketing Manager
Steve joined the Conservative Financial Solutions in January 2022 as the Marketing Manager. He is responsible for all marketing and public relations activities, as well as client appreciation and referral events. He works closely with our media contacts and is also in charge of developing and maintaining all our marketing materials, website, social media, sponsorships, and advertising. Steve is always looking for opportunities to grow awareness of our firm in the marketplace among our clients and the community at large.
Steve has a wealth of marketing knowledge and experience he has gained throughout his career in both the radio and insurance industries. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati with a minor in Operations Management.
Steve, his wife Kara, and their daughter live in Harrison, Ohio with their dog and cat. In his free time, he enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Leslie Gallagher
Marketing Lead
Leslie provides guidance, instruction, direction, and leadership to the marketing & public relations team at Conservative Financial Solutions. Leslie coordinates all informational workshops and client events as well as introduces the advisors to potential clients thru prospect seminars, in the hopes of helping them with their investment and retirement needs.
Leslie joined Conservative Financial Solutions in September 2018 as a Marketing Assistant. She spent the bulk of her career in television advertising but most recently as a Client Support Assistant with another investment firm, learning the ins and outs of the industry. The combination of the two industries allows her to bring a fresh marketing perspective to Conservative Financial Solutions.
She and her husband Sean live on the westside of Cincinnati, together they have five children and two dogs. She enjoys working out, volunteering at church and owns a small furniture refinishing business.
MEDICARE
Kim Bush
Office Manager
Kim graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Animal Health Technology and holds licensing in Property, Casualty, Life, Accident and Health. She has worked for Siefferman Insurance and Conservative Financial Solutions for 25 years and has been in the insurance business since 1985. As office manager, Kim maintains our office technology systems, building maintenance, along with other numerous responsibilities.
Kim loves being active in her local community by volunteering at her local food pantry and her church. She enjoys anything related to animals, spending time with family, friends, Cincinnati Sports Teams, and traveling to National Parks or Disney World.
Any and all other services related to Medicare are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by AE Wealth Management, LLC.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Harrison Tax & Accounting
Luke Bowman
Director
Luke is a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. With an interest in all areas of finance, he obtained his Life,Accident, and Health Insurance License in the State of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Luke is currently looking to obtain further education in accounting and finance. Luke is most passionate about being in a situation where he can help others in their particular financial situation.
Luke is a resident of Newport, Kentucky. As a former college athlete, he enjoys watching all sporting events and competitions. He typically fills his spare time with staying physically active and traveling.
Darren R. Bowman, CPA
Founder & Certified Public Accountant
A Certified Public Accountant, Darren offers clients a firm foundation of consulting experience that delivers solutions. He received his Bachelor’s in Accounting from the College of Mount Saint Joseph and has been a CPA for over 25 years. His extensive knowledge in accounting and management marked the way for Darren to start HTA in 2004. He continues to guide individuals and businesses in developing strategies for business growth and sustainability. He specializes in small business consulting, planning, accounting, and tax mitigation. Darren is also a member of AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and OSCPA (Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants).
Darren is married with two sons and three grandchildren, and resides in Harrison, Ohio. He enjoys being involved in his church community where he serves as the Treasurer.
Mark R. Albertz, CPA
Senior Tax Consultant
Mark R. Albertz, CPA, licensed by the state of Ohio since 1978, joined the HTA staff in February 2021, to assist, Darren Bowman, in the areas of tax review and tax planning. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Finance, both from Xavier University. Mark taught accounting and taxation as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati for 22 years.
He has practiced in taxation for a total of 41 years: 20 years part-time and 21 years full time. Mark started his own firm, Albertz & Associates, CPA, LLC, in 1999, performing tax preparation & planning and small business accounting. His client base grew from 120 individual clients to over 500 individual clients and 34 small businesses until he merged with another firm in 2020. Mark’s firm was rated one of the “Three Best Rated Accounting Firms in Greater Cincinnati” by an independent rating agency since 2015.
Mark has been married to his wife, Marion, for over 45 years. He enjoys playing golf and vacationing with his wife, adult children, and grandchildren.
Kara Hair
Certified Public Accountant
Kara is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Miami University holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. A passionate accounting professional, Kara brings 25 years of experience to her role with HTA. With her wide range of experience, Kara is able to provide relevant tax and accounting assistance to business owners and individuals. Prior to joining HTA, Kara worked as a tax professional for National and Local CPA firms and as a corporate accountant in private industry.
Kara resides in Ross, Ohio, with her husband and three children. Her favorite vacations are traveling to National Parks and camping with the family. She enjoys spending her free time cheering on her family at soccer, softball and school events.
Krisa Heyob
Operations Manager
Krisa is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology & Sociology. Though her degree is not in Business/Accounting, she has over 18 years of experience in Business Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Administration, and holds a QuickBooks Online Certification. Krisa performs payroll, accounting services, and tax return preparation for the clients of HTA.
Krisa resides in Harrison, Ohio, with her husband and three children. She enjoys camping, attending her children's sports/activities, volunteering at her children's schools, and spending time with friends and family.
Rob Watson
Staff Accountant
Rob has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience. His expertise comes from having owned several Domino’s Pizza restaurants and his most recent adventure is being part owner of the 1860 Taproom & Bottleshop in Harrison, Ohio. Rob performs payroll, accounting services, and tax return preparation for the clients of HTA.
Rob calls West Harrison, Indiana, home and resides there with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys keeping busy with his family as his oldest daughter is in college and his youngest attends East Central High School. Rob’s favorite past time is watching all sporting events and spending time with friends and family.
Kiley Rudisell
Staff Accountant
Kiley is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cellular & Molecular Biology. Although her degree is not in Business/Accounting, she has over five years of experience in Data Analysis and Microsoft Excel. She is currently studying at Cincinnati State for an Associate’s Degree in Finance where she has already completed Accounting and QuickBooks courses. Kiley completes payroll, accounting services and tax return preparations for HTA.
Kiley is a resident of Cold Spring, Kentucky, with her fiancée, Chris. She adores everything Disney, loves traveling around the world, and has been to over 10 different countries. She also loves to spend time with her family and friends.
Lynn Cartmell
Administrative Assistant
Lynn has over 30 years of front office experience, having worked for Tri-Health and Dr.
Michael Uhde, D.M.D. She enjoys working part-time,and has been a church organist for over
44 years. When her children were younger, she did a lot of volunteer work for Harrison Junior
School. Lynn lives in Harrison, OH, with her husband, Brian. They have two grown daughters, both married and one granddaughter. Her favorite pastime is babysitting her granddaughter, Rilyn, watching movies,reading a great book, and spending time with her family and her two dogs.
Any and all other services related to Harrison Tax & Accounting are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by AE Wealth Management, LLC.
Ready to take
The Next Step?
For more information about any of the products and services we provide, schedule a meeting today or register to attend a seminar.
Or give us a call at 513.367.1113