Get to Know The Team
Mary Strong
Founder & Lead Financial Advisor
Mary's fascination with finance started early — and it's never let go. Since then, she's watched money do two very different things: create freedom and open doors for some, and become a source of stress and anxiety for others. That contrast is what drives her work today.
Over the years, one pattern in particular stood out to her: how many high-earning professionals are carrying significant student debt while trying to build wealth at the same time. She saw firsthand how disconnected those two conversations usually are, with loan strategy handled in one silo and financial planning in another. That gap became a focus of hers, and today, helping clients integrate their student loan strategy with their broader financial plan is one of the things she's most passionate about.
Mary also saw how confusing "doing the right thing" with money can feel — where to put savings, how much to contribute to retirement, how to think about tax strategy — and how much weight money quietly carries beyond the numbers. It touches confidence, relationships, and self-worth. That's why she's built her practice around a judgment-free space, where clients can talk openly about all of it.
Her goal isn't just smarter financial decisions. It's helping clients feel more at peace — with their money, their relationships, and themselves.
Education
Brigham Young University, B.S. Economics, Minor Sociology
Licenses
Series 7
Series 66
Life & Health
Olivia Brown, CFP®
Financial Planner
Olivia is a member of our comprehensive financial planning team.
Olivia graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in wealth management.
As a key member of the comprehensive planning team, Olivia excels in conducting financial SWOT and gap analyses. Her experience encompasses retirement planning, investment strategies, tax optimization, and cash flow management.
Brandon Clarke, MSFP®, ChFC®
Financial Planner
“Financial planning” means different things to different people, to Brandon it’s about helping individuals, families and business owners create common sense financial strategies that flat out work. It’s about helping clients accumulate, protect, and enjoy their money in a way that allows them to focus on what’s most important to them.
Brandon has spent over 25 years helping clients understand what they need to do to achieve their most important financial goals in the most efficient manner. His consulting process not only helps clients clearly articulate what they want to achieve, but he also helps build an efficient plan, employing various financial strategies, vehicles and services, to bring the plan to life.
When it comes to your money, trust is everything. Those working with Brandon can expect honest, no-nonsense advice, founded on time-tested principles of financial integrity.
Brandon received his Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University in 1994 and his Master of Science in Financial Planning from The American College of Financial Services in 2023. Brandon and his wife Marilee are the parents of five children and a goofy dog.
When not working with clients, Brandon has spent many years in industry, community and church service and has been known to abuse a fly rod on a lazy stream, hit the slopes with his kids, or settle down with a good book on the beach with his wife.
Credentials:
Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP®)
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
Education:
Brigham Young University, B.A. English, Minor Psychology
Affiliations
National Association of Insurance and financial advisors,
Arizona Management Society
American Leadership Academy, Board Member, Treasurer.
Jason Rucker, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Jason has been helping business owners and professionals build and protect their wealth for over 25 years. He is the recipient of several industry awards and recognition. He has also served as a guest lecturer for many industry conferences and workshops.
His focus is to understand the values, goals, fears and hopes of his clients so he can help them organize their affairs, then build strategies to help them reduce the impact of taxation, market volatility, inflation, while optimizing growth and income of their assets.
Jason and his wife, Angela live in Gilbert, Arizona, and are the parents of four children and one grandchild. A hunting, fishing and sports enthusiast, Jason spent many years coaching youth sports teams as well as serving in his church and community. But above all else, Jason enjoys making memories with his family.
Credentials:
Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)
Education:
Arizona State University, B.S. Finance
Affiliations:
National Association of Insurance and financial advisors,
Association for Advanced Life Underwriting
Million Dollar Round Table
Top of the Table
Leah Johnson, CFP®
Client Relations Specialist
Leah is a licensed member of our Client Relations Team and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), bringing nearly ten years of experience in the financial services industry.
As a member of the Client Relations Team, Leah sets up new client accounts, handles service requests, and ensures a high level of client satisfaction through effective communication and support.
Leah was born and raised in Montana and fell in love with Arizona after competing at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
Nicole McIntyre
Client Relations Specialist
Nicole brings 20 years of financial client service experience to the team. She prides herself on providing client service excellence, which aligns with our commitment to providing the highest level of professionalism, ethics and integrity for our clients. As a member of our Client Relations Team, Nicole sets up new client accounts, handles service requests, and ensures a high level of client satisfaction through effective communication and support.
Nicole loves spending time with her husband, 4 boys and 2 dogs. Most of her free time is spent on a baseball field cheering on those 4 boys, her 4 favorite players. Off the baseball field, Nicole’s loves to work out, take family vacations and watch UofA sports.
Bry Taylor
Client Relations Specialist
Bryenna plays an important role in delivering a smooth and organized client experience. Since joining the team in December 2024, she has provided reliable administrative and scheduling support, helping ensure day-to-day operations run efficiently. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and approachable nature make her a valuable part of the team.
Outside of the office, Bryenna enjoys playing pickleball, cooking, and planning her next craft night.
See how every part of your financial life aligns to support your long-term vision.
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC (HTK), Registered Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC. 800-873-7637, www.htk.com. Any other listed entities are unaffiliated with Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC. The views expressed are those of the presenting party and may not necessarily represent those of HTK or its affiliates. The material is not intended to be a recommendation, offer or solicitation. HTK does not provide legal and tax advice. Always consult a qualified tax advisor regarding your personal situation and a qualified legal professional for your personal estate. Wealth by Design is not affiliated with Horner, Townsend, & Kent, LLC.
We are insurance and securities licensed in our resident state of PA, as well as other states. Please contact us for additional listing of licensed states. This is not an offer or solicitation in any state where not properly licensed or registered.
Our representatives are licensed to offer insurance and security products in our resident state(s) of Arizona, in addition to other states. For additional licensing information please contact our office. This is not an offer or solicitation of products and/or services in states where not properly licensed and/or registered.
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Approval Code: 8953898DH_JUNE28
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