Waco Location

Todd Hartsough, MBA

Wealth Advisor

Todd Hartsough champions financial education to help hardworking Americans plan for the future. He walks individuals through their current reality and future possibilities, helping them see how to achieve their life goals.  

Todd has decades of experience helping people take action on what they learn. He is specifically passionate about helping others navigate change and accomplish what’s important to them. After years of coaching and teaching, he understands that everyone has unique ambitions, and he connects each person to the team they need to create a tailor-made plan. 

Todd graduated from Manchester University with a double major in business administration and biology and earned his MBA from Indiana University. When not meeting with clients, he enjoys traveling, fishing, golfing, working on his farm, and spending time with his four children by coaching their sports teams.  

“I am passionate about guiding clients through ever-changing life events and helping them understand how we can work together and make their goals a reality.” 

What are you most proud of?  

I am most proud of the four awesome children I have and seeing them mature into young adults. 

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken? 

The best trip I have ever been on was a two-week trip out west in 2021 with my family. We visited multiple national parks in Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and South Dakota. 

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?  

I’ve always wanted to go to Maine, get on a lobster boat for the day, and then return to shore and enjoy a fresh catch. 

Chris Scott

Financial Advisor

Chris Scott believes everyone deserves a chance at financial freedom. As an advisor, he helps accumulators and retirees experience the relief and joy of a secure future. A University of Georgia alum, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics.  

In his previous roles as a financial consultant and planner, Chris learned to listen, understand, and respond to client needs. Now, he partners with hardworking Americans to create and optimize their plans, address their concerns, and support their goals.

In his free time, Chris serves with Hosea Helps and enjoys working out, cooking, traveling, trying new foods and restaurants, and spending time outdoors.  

“To wake up every morning without worrying whether your loved ones will be taken care of is an amazing feeling, and I would love to see everyone I encounter reach that point in their financial journey.” 

What are you most proud of?

Being the first in my family to graduate from college 

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?   

Puerto Rico for my birthday 

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?  

Skydive or visit Bora Bora 

Kentrina Mapes

Financial Advisor

Kentrina Mapes excels at serving clients, connecting their stories, struggles, and milestones to a plan that reflects their goals and dreams. With 20 years of industry experience and an authentic desire to serve, clients trust Kentrina to help them clarify and pursue what they care about most.

Kentrina earned her degree in organizational leadership and supervision. As a financial advisor, she guides clients through the highs and lows, giving them confidence and peace of mind as they make decisions.

Outside of work, Kentrina is a wife and mom of two. She loves riding in the Jeep with her husband, enjoys lazy pool days and “swim lessons” with her great nieces and nephews, and is active in her faith community.

“I find real purpose in celebrating with clients as they pay off a mortgage, welcome a new child or grandchild, reach that anticipated retirement date, or take that dream vacation. As a financial advisor, I get to be a real part of making a difference in others’ lives.”

What are you most proud of?

My children. They both have serving hearts and love Jesus. That’s the most important thing!

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?

It’s a tie between exploring DC with my husband and the road trip with my son after his high school graduation to go humpback whale watching in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?

Go orca whale watching on the West Coast.

Noah Richer

Client Service Associate

As a Client Service Associate, Noah Richer makes life easier for clients and advisors, helping them get the resources they need to accomplish their goals and tasks. Practically, this means taking requests for withdrawals or deposits, answering questions about paperwork, and maintaining an organized process for clients.  

Before coming to Credent, Noah worked as a Cost Analyst and IT Contact at a home building company in Topeka, IN. His responsibilities included troubleshooting company programs, auditing cost materials, and performing inventory, giving him the skills to streamline systems so others can succeed.  

Noah graduated from Grace College with a Bachelor of Science in business management. On weekends, you can often find him spending time with his significant other, Kayla, or watching college football, particularly The Ohio State Buckeyes.  

“I am passionate about my work because it benefits someone else, helping clients build their futures, avoid financial hardships, and make their lives better.” 

More about Noah... 

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?  

A cruise to the Bahamas with my family 

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?  

Travel to Japan 

Laura Morton

Financial Advisor

Laura Morton collaborates with clients to help them grow their assets, navigate change, and plan for a successful retirement. Clients trust Laura to keep them focused on their future and create a personalized financial plan that matches them. The partnerships she builds with clients create security and accountability that propels people closer to their goals.

Laura’s time in estate planning, insurance, and the administrative side of planning helps her navigate any concerns, complexities, or questions. She is Series 65 certified and has been in finance for over half a decade.

Outside work, Laura serves with the Heritage Club, a local chapter of the Council of Aging. A wife and mom, she also enjoys kayaking, reading, and spending time with her family.

“I enjoy the many discussions I have with clients and getting to know more about them and their personal lives. Creating that relationship makes my work unique and important.”

What are you most proud of?

My children. They will always be my biggest accomplishment.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?

Crestone, Colorado

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?

When I was little, I was fascinated with Egyptian history. I would love to go to Egypt, explore the Egyptian ruins, and see the history firsthand.

Brian Neal, AAMS®

Financial Advisor

After 15 years, Brian Neal is an expert at delivering financial advice that is easy to understand and instills confidence in clients. A typical day for him includes reassessing financial plans, keeping clients informed, and mentoring fellow advisors. Brian loves to see families reach milestones, and he’s eager to help them make the right choices to get there.

Brian attended Ball State University for manufacturing engineering and IU/PU Fort Wayne for organizational leadership and supervision. Before finance, he worked in production analysis and process improvement for a manufacturing company. Now an Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠, he is an expert at balancing a variety of financial topics.

When he’s not carpooling his three kids around town to band, soccer, and volleyball, Brian and his wife, Amy, like to eat out, travel, and hike.

“I appreciate working with other experts in their respective fields, as it takes the burden and pressure off me to provide what is best for me and my family. I strive to provide this same service to those seeking guidance on how to retire successfully and make smart decisions with their money.”

What are you most proud of?

My family. I am grateful for the people in my life. My wife has always been my biggest, most supportive fan and challenges me to grow. My children continue to teach me daily lessons and bring perspective to what is most important. I am also blessed to have my parents live close by and be a part of my family’s life.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?

The best trip I have ever taken was to Jekyll Island, Georgia. We rented a house on the beach and were fortunate enough to see a sea turtle on the beach at night. We toured the historical district that housed the vacation homes of the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Jekyll Island was also the home of the first financial meeting of our country’s leaders, which later became the Federal Reserve Board.

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?

I have always wanted to vacation in Scotland and Ireland. My family lineage resides in that area of the world.

Chris Gautier, CIMA®

Wealth Advisor - Private Wealth

Chris Gautier is passionate about helping families secure their financial futures. There are countless ways to structure assets and investments in a financial plan, and as a Wealth Advisor, Chris helps busy, hardworking Americans navigate these choices and find the freedom to embrace more of what they love.  

A Texas A&M alumnus, Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and then obtained a designation as a Certified Investment Management Analyst®. His background in the financial industry includes time with an over $80 billion asset manager and work with a family office and asset management firm in Dallas, TX. He's helped construct portfolios for advisor and client needs, served as an investment specialist for complex client situations, helped with tax strategy, and led new initiatives.  

Outside work, Chris volunteers with Help For My Parents, which supports families as they select the best long-term care facilities for their loved ones with acute needs. He also enjoys spending time with his two kids, golfing, and traveling with his wife.  

“If you have a solid base of financial freedom, you can focus on and enjoy the parts of life that provide happiness and meaning.”  

More about Chris... 

What are you most proud of?  

My kids and how much joy our family gets from our time together. Time goes faster every day, and I’d like it to slow down before my kiddos are all grown up. 

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?  

My wife and I went to Maui and got to experience and explore the entire island, and I got to play golf at Kapalua. It was one of those few trips where you aren’t quite ready to go home when it comes to an end. 

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?  

I have a golf wish list of iconic courses across the country. At the top right now are Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes. 

Brian Remson, CFP®

Advanced Planning Advisor

Brian Remson is dedicated to excellence in planning and believes the right plan provides confidence and hope. He’s committed to helping Credent advisors build financial plans that guide clients to make well-informed decisions, navigate challenges, and achieve their bucket list goals and dreams.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics and international business from Baylor University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. His specialties include business and succession planning, philanthropic planning, tax-efficient intergenerational wealth transfer, and risk management services.

Brian is a husband and father of four, a trustee for the Greater Waco United Fund Foundation, the treasurer for the Heart of Texas Estate Planning Council, and a 2020 Waco under 40 honoree. He also enjoys cycling, participating in triathlons (including multiple half Ironman races), and coaching baseball and swimming.

“There is no better feeling than seeing a wave of peace wash over a client as they realize that even in severe downturns, they’re able to continue doing the things they want to do – traveling more, giving more, or leaving behind a significant legacy. It's not just about the numbers or the commas in our clients' net worth. It’s about their journey from success to significance, and I’m honored to be a part of that.”

What are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of the harmony we've achieved in our family of six, balancing quality family time, work commitments, and fun, all while keeping our faith at the core of our lives. It's not always easy, and there are moments when it feels like we're simply surviving, but we've also witnessed significant growth in our relationships, even amidst the chaos.

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?

I would like to get my private pilot’s license and learn how to make croissants. I’m not sure which one I will start with as one hits the pocketbook and the other, the waistline.

Hayden Neely

Client Service Associate

Hayden Neely is committed to helping others embrace financial freedom and stay the course as they live out their financial plans. A member of the Private Wealth team, he serves high-net-worth individuals and families, addressing questions, anticipating needs, and finding ways to enhance each client’s experience above and beyond their expectations.  

An alumnus of East Texas A&M University, Hayden received his bachelor’s in business administration with a focus in marketing and business analytics. Before Credent, he worked as a financial representative, helping clients with insurance and financial planning.  

In his free time, Hayden is involved in his community and has organized several fundraisers for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He also likes to travel and play the guitar. 

“I am passionate about my work because I enjoy the rewarding feeling of helping people become financially free through a proven process.”  

More about Hayden... 

What are you most proud of?  

I attended college on an academic scholarship and became fully licensed before graduating. 

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?  

Edinburgh, Scotland. I really enjoyed the culture and history of the town. 

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?  

I would like to travel to Greece and experience the culture and food. 

Edison Byzyka, CFA

Chief Investment Officer

Edison Byzyka leads Credent’s in-house investment team, offering clients strategic, transparent, tax-efficient options to help them build wealth. As the Chief Investment Officer, he maintains Credent's Unified Managed Account (UMA) platform through varying market cycles, upholding the highest standards with third-party-audited performance results.

Edison has been a guest on local and national radio and television shows and provides monthly market commentary for clients, helping them make smart investment decisions. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Indianapolis.

Edison has 15 years of experience and earned his bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics from Indiana University. When he’s not working, he enjoys cycling, traveling, trying new cuisines, and spending quality time at the lake with his wife and kids.

Gabriel Wyatt

Investment and Research Analyst

Gabe Wyatt helps clients use high-quality, tax-efficient financial strategies to work toward their goals. An Investment Policy Committee member and direct indexing expert, he analyzes the markets and economy and proposes ways to elevate Credent’s investment offerings.

A key resource for advisors and clients, Gabe helps create weekly write-ups, debriefing recent events and helpful information for advisors. He is also involved in performance reporting, ensuring the integrity of Credent’s investment data.

Gabe graduated from Ball State University with a double major in finance and economics. He is also Series 65 certified. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar and spending time with his wife.

“I am most passionate about our direct indexing platform, as it allows us to give passive investors the ability to achieve market-like returns while simultaneously capturing losses that occur within the market.”

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my wife.  She’s everything to me, and I am so lucky to have met her so young.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?

London.

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?

I would like to travel to Europe.

Blake Kerley, CIMA®

Director - Investment Solutions

As the Director of Investment Solutions, Blake Kerley helps potential partners understand the Credent Investment Platform, demonstrating how to meet their goals with tailored portfolio options. Blake holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation and has over ten years of industry experience, including work with various investment vehicles, such as mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs, direct indexing, and alternative investments.  

Blake attended the University of Arizona on a football scholarship, earning a degree in Political Science. His time representing asset management firms across all channels and his willingness to guide others make him well-suited to introduce clients to customized solutions. 

Additionally, Blake is a husband and father of two. In his spare time, he enjoys going to his CrossFit gym, barbecuing, or playing a round of golf.  

“At the end of the day, my job is about educating. Seeing an idea or concept click and make sense is motivating and gratifying.” 

More about Blake... 

What are you most proud of?

My family, but my wife should probably get most of the credit.   

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?  

For our honeymoon, my wife and I went on a 10-day cruise through the Adriatic Sea. We took off from Venice and had stops in Monte Negro and Croatia and three stops in Greece.   

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?  

I would love to go to the Ryder Cup in a year when it is played in Europe.

Alisha Norris, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager

Alisha Norris manages all aspects of our UMA investment platform, making it possible for clients to accumulate wealth, mitigate risk, and minimize the tax impact of their investments. With over a decade of experience, she presents and publishes research to help advisors and clients understand the market and the impact of macroeconomic events.

Alisha earned a Bachelor of Science in finance and insurance and an MBA in finance from Ball State University. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst, a rigorous and highly-regarded achievement in the investment community.

In her free time, Alisha enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters, reading, running, and kayaking. She serves as an Investment Committee Member of the Junior Achievement Foundation, a Board Member of the Kendallville Day Care Center, and a member of the Noble County Young Professional Network.

“Investment management is a critical component of a solid financial plan by serving as a means to help clients grow their wealth, achieve their financial goals, manage risk, and establish lasting financial security.”

What are you most proud of?

Earning my CFA charter and being selected as a 2023 Fort Wayne Forty Under 40 recipient.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?

St. Lucia for my honeymoon and study abroad in Italy during college

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?

Travel to Australia with my family

Brady McBride

Investment and Research Analyst

Brady McBride’s work with structured assets, 401(k) management, and client portals creates a seamless, diverse investment experience for clients. A member of Credent’s Investment Policy Committee, he also provides researched investment recommendations intended to help clients succeed.

An investment authority, Brady provides weekly education to equip team members to support clients, answer questions, and understand Credent’s investment decisions. He also helps the firm maintain high investment standards through reporting to a third-party auditor.

Brady holds his Series 65 and passed Level 1 of the CFA exam. He is an alumnus of Ball State University, with a bachelor’s degree in finance and minor in financial planning. In his free time, Brady likes to workout, golf, and read.

“I am passionate about the work I do because there is great joy in knowing I am contributing to guiding clients towards financial freedom.”

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of passing Level 1 of the CFA exam and continuing down the path of becoming a charter holder.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?

Las Vegas

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do?

Skydiving