Waco Location

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

David Scott

Senior Investment Analyst

A subject matter expert in investment management, David Scott supports clients throughout their lives with investment recommendations, risk management, and the maintenance and innovation of Credent's investment platform. He presents research and insights to team members and clients, helping them grasp our investment approach and the events of the economy and market.

David earned his BSB in finance and worked briefly in retail banking before coming to Credent. He has also passed Level 1 of the CFA exam and has his Certificate of Bank Management, which covers financial statement management for financial institutions.

David is interested in adopting new technologies and processes that allow Credent to build and improve our offerings. On evenings and weekends, he enjoys spending time outside with his wife, son, and daughter and taking care of the yard.

“I truly believe the work the Investment Team accomplishes enables our advisors to provide services that improve clients’ financial lives.”

What are you most proud of?

That I have the opportunity to learn about new things with my family and career

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

Our first beach vacation as a young family

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

Fly a jet!

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

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.

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. 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.