Our Team

As a CPA and CFP^® professional, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting, Wesley knows the details that need to be in place to help clients achieve their goals.

His clients include physicians, lawyers, business owners, and other professionals. He works with business owners and the HR departments within larger companies to make sure the employees fully understand the benefits that are being provided for them. There is nothing better than helping a family properly align their objectives with their strategic actions.

Wes has four young kids, so between work and family, there is not much discretionary time, but when there is, you can find him cheering on the UK Wildcats or drinking bourbon. If you’re looking for the next bottle to add to your collection, ask Wes about his favorite.

Wesley also gives back to the community by serving in various positions including Treasurer on the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, a Trustee and President of the Foundation of the Cincinnati Rotary Club, and has served on the Board at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. In 2024, Wesley was recognized in the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty under 40 list, which celebrates young professionals who are shaping the future of Greater Cincinnati's business community. In 2024 he also won the AICPA's Standing Ovation award. The AICPA’s Standing Ovation program recognizes young CPAs who exhibit exemplary professional achievement.

What do you love about your job?

Wes: “I love being a part of clients’ lives – through the highs and lows and everything in between. It is a sacred position to help clients make some of their biggest decisions. It is very rewarding to be a part of those conversations.”

2024 Forty under 40, created by Cincinnati Business Courier. Presented in July 2024 based on data gathered in 2024. About 400 advisors were considered, 40 advisors were recognized. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/c/courier-2024-forty-under-40-winners-collection.html

2024 AICPA Standing Ovation Award, created by American Institute of CPAs and Personal Financial Planning. Presented in May 2024, the AICPA’s Standing Ovation program recognizes young CPAs who exhibit exemplary professional achievement in personal financial planning, business valuation and forensic accounting, and information management and technology assurance. About 8 advisors were recognized. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/article/pfp-standing-ovation-recognition-program

Mike got his start in financial planning back in 2005 as a student intern, and he’s been helping people make smart money decisions ever since. In 2011, he became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, and he also holds an Ohio life and health insurance license. Today, he works as an Investment Adviser Representative with Commonwealth.

Mike stays sharp by keeping up with continuing education, which helps him stay on top of industry trends and any changes that might affect his clients. He’s also been involved in shaping the profession itself—he served as President of the Cincinnati chapter of the Financial Planning Association, where he worked to move the industry forward.

Originally from Piqua, Ohio, Mike moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier University, where he earned his finance degree. These days, he lives in Maineville with his wife and their three daughters. When he’s not busy with family activities, you’ll probably find him on the golf course or cheering on local sports teams. He’s also a big fan of traveling using credit card points—so if you’ve got a great redemption story, he’d love to hear it!

What do you love about your job?

Mike: “I love using my years of experience to help clients figure out what success looks like for them—and then helping them get there.”

Bill brings over four decades of experience in financial consulting. As the founder of Peerman Capital Management, he has guided clients through the process of identifying their financial goals, investment styles, and risk tolerance to develop personalized investment strategies. In August 2025, Peerman Capital Management was acquired by Hillcrest Financial Group, where Bill continues to serve clients with the same thoughtful, client-centered approach.

Bill’s work is grounded in a deep understanding of the markets and a commitment to helping individuals make informed financial decisions. He began his partnership with Commonwealth Financial Network® in 2009 when he launched Peerman Capital Management.

Education

• University of Virginia – Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies
• University of Virginia, Darden School of Business – MBA

Designations and Registrations

• Certified Investment Management Analyst®, CIMA®
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
• FINRA Series 24, 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations
• Licensed in Life and Health Insurance
• Investment Adviser Representative with Commonwealth Financial Network®
• Member of the Investment Management Consultants Association

Bill is driven by a passion for helping others. In 2007, he co-founded Mobile Loaves & Fishes in Nashville after being inspired by a radio interview with its Texas-based founder. This initiative evolved into The Nashville Food Project, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to healthy food for homeless and working-poor communities in Davidson County. As a fully local organization, it ensures that all donations and volunteer efforts stay within the Nashville community.

Bill and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 38 years and share their home with their Labrador retriever, Rocky. They enjoy all kinds of music and spend time relaxing at their beach home in Panama City Beach, Florida.

As a CFP® professional and a CSLP® (Certified Student Loans Professional) with decades of prior-work experience outside the financial industry in non-profit work and in education, Chris loves to apply his expertise in communication and mathematics to help Hillcrest clients thrive.

Chris earned his B.A. from the University of Cincinnati, an M.A. from Cincinnati Christian University, and completed additional post-graduate coursework in Mathematics Education at City College of New York. He founded and led a non-profit in New York City and has taught in schools ranging from NYC Public to St. James White Oak here in Cincinnati. The most recent development in his career path occurred when he met the excellent team at Hillcrest and decided to transition into financial planning.

Chris lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, with his wife and three sons. When he’s not helping clients achieve their goals, you can find him puttering around his garden, training in Jiu Jitsu, or camping with his boys. Life with three boys at home is pretty wild. Chris keeps a list of “ridiculous things overheard in the Travis household.” The latest? “Please let your brother finish chewing his vitamin before you put him in a rear naked choke.”

What do you love about your job?

“People who value financial advice tend to be doing great things in the world—running businesses, raising families, pursuing impactful careers. Whenever you aim at making something better, even if it’s just your own personal financial situation, you are making the world a better place. I love being a part of that.”

Mark serves as a trusted consultant for Hillcrest Financial group, leveraging his decades as a wealth manager to help the advisors of Hillcrest serve clients. Mark was a Financial Consultant with the Hillcrest Financial Group. For over 35 years he assisted his clients in creating and implementing comprehensive financial plans that address the following coordinated areas: investment management, retirement income strategies, wealth transfer strategies, life and long-term care insurance planning, and charitable giving solutions. Many of his clients were physicians, lawyers, and business owners.

Mark also worked as an economist for two years with TVA. Mark graduated from the University of North Carolina – Asheville and earned his MBA from the University of Kentucky in 1980.

He lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky with his wife, Kim. Mark is the father of five and the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren. Mark enjoys fly fishing around the country and grouse hunting.

As a CFP® professional with over 25 years of financial services experience, Christina applies her expertise in customer care and service to provide clients with a feeling of comfort and trust as they pursue their dreams and financial goals. She is committed to meeting the needs of each individual client and providing them with the very best level of service.

Christina earned her B.S. from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She also holds a TN life and health insurance license and is a Notary Public. Outside of her work with Hillcrest Financial, Christina also uses her experience and skills in the budget and finance department with Williamson County Schools.

Christina is originally from South Bend, IN, but has lived in the Nashville area for almost 30 years. She currently lives in Nolensville, TN with her husband, Tracy. Her oldest daughter, Kiera, is pursuing her PhD in biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan. Her younger daughter, Kyla, is pursuing a degree in Nursing at Belmont University. When not working, Christina enjoys watching sports, especially her hometown team, Notre Dame. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and playing cards/games with family and friends.

Connie began working with Mike in 2013. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, she worked in many facets of the criminal justice system and as a substance abuse and criminal behavior counselor. Before working in the financial industry, she devoted 15 years as a stay-at-home mother to her two children. She assists in our day-to-day operations and has become a valuable resource to our clients.

Connie is a native of South Carolina and has lived in Loveland with her husband, Brian, and two children for the past 23 years. Connie enjoys spending time with friends and family, practicing yoga, barre and pilates, reading, and traveling as much as possible.

Ask me about my photo on the hall of fame wall at my yoga studio

Faith started with Hillcrest Financial Group as an intern while earning her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Cincinnati. After gaining valuable hands-on experience, she is transitioning into a full-time role upon graduation this summer. Faith is dedicated to continuous growth, to better support clients and contribute to the team. She is eager to leverage her enthusiasm for financial services and commitment to helping others achieve their goals.

Faith currently lives in Cincinnati with eight of her best friends. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, volunteering at local animal shelters, and traveling when possible.

Jake Armentrout joined the Hillcrest Financial Group in 2025, bringing with him over two decades of diverse professional experience. He earned his BBA in Finance from the University of Cincinnati, where he also developed a strong work ethic and discipline as a dedicated Track and Cross-Country athlete.

For ten years, Jake worked as a financial advisor in Cincinnati, helping clients navigate their financial journeys. He then spent the next decade pursuing his passion for service in the non-profit sector. Now, he’s excited to return to the financial services industry, where he can combine his analytical skills with his deep commitment to client care.

Jake is passionate about building trusted relationships and helping our Financial Advisors ensure that each client’s financial goals are met with excellence. He takes pride in providing clarity and confidence through a personalized, detail-oriented approach.

Residing in Cincinnati with his wife, Sarah, and their five children, Jake enjoys an active lifestyle. Ask him about the day he decided just one set of stadium stairs at UC wasn’t enough. In his free time, he can often be found running, playing basketball, or simply enjoying time & experiences with his family – hiking, sports, concerts, King’s Island, and downtown Cinci. Outside of work and home he is very passionate about supporting clean water efforts in Nicaragua through Amigos for Christ. Put him in the hot sun with a pickaxe and he is guaranteed to have a huge smile on his face!

What do you love about your job?

Jake: “I love that I’m able to build strong, trusted relationships while helping people navigate the complexities of their financial lives.”

Sandy brings over 30 years of experience as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper. She joined Peerman Capital Management in 2021 as administrative assistant to Bill Peerman, rekindling a professional relationship that began in the early 1980s. Following the firm’s acquisition by Hillcrest Financial Group in August 2025, Sandy continues to support the team with the same dedication and collaborative spirit.

Sandy specializes in account services, including budget monitoring, financial analysis, and financial planning software. Her background in financial services and investment operations adds valuable depth to the client experience.

Sandy credits her late mother, Evelyn, for instilling a strong work ethic and a positive, can-do attitude. Sandy has been married to Bill Ward for 26 years and is the proud mother of Fred and grandmother to Zuzu. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching mysteries, traveling through Europe, and cooking.