About Pathworks Financial

Trust, transparency, and a fiduciary standard—serving Accredited Investors with clarity and discipline.

Our Story

For over 20 years, Pathworks Financial has helped families and entrepreneurs simplify complexity and pursue purpose with their wealth. Today, TheAccreditedInvestor.com extends that mission—offering education on private markets, longevity, and family office strategy, powered by Pathworks' fiduciary approach.

  • 20+ Years Serving Clients
  • 200+ Client Households
  • 25+ States Nationwide Coverage

Our Team

Scott Smith

Scott Smith, CFP®

Chief Executive Officer & Wealth Advisor

scott@pwfin.com

Scott Smith serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pathworks Financial. As a Wealth Advisor, he works closely with individuals and families to develop comprehensive strategies for building, managing, and preserving wealth.

With over 40 years of experience, Scott specializes in wealth accumulation, retirement planning, and estate preservation. He has extensive experience working with Accredited Investors, guiding them through complex financial decisions, including the evaluation and due diligence of alternative investment opportunities.

A Michigan native, Scott earned his engineering degree from Michigan Technological University. He began his career in engineering before transitioning into wealth management, joining his father in the family business and continuing a legacy of trusted financial guidance that spans more than 65 years.

Bryan Smith

Bryan Smith

Chief Operating Officer & Wealth Advisor

bryan@pwfin.com

Bryan Smith serves as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Pathworks Financial. As a Wealth Advisor and Investment Adviser Representative, he works closely with clients to provide comprehensive, relationship-driven financial guidance.

In his role as COO, Bryan oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm and leads the continued development of systems and processes that support both advisors and clients. He also manages the firm's Retirement Design, Administration, and Enrollment Team.

Bryan is known for his ability to bring structure, efficiency, and clarity to complex situations. He lives in Milford with his wife and their three children.

Karrie Maier

Karrie Maier, ChFC®

Head of Trading & Portfolio Operations & Wealth Advisor

karrie@pwfin.com

Karrie Maier serves as Head of Trading & Portfolio Operations and a Wealth Advisor at Pathworks Financial. She oversees the firm's trading activity and portfolio implementation, helping ensure that client strategies are executed with accuracy, consistency, and care.

Karrie joined Pathworks Financial in 2021 and has grown into a key leadership role within the organization. Prior to joining Pathworks, she managed back-office operations for a large property management firm, developing a strong foundation in operations, customer service, and process management.

Originally from Michigan, Karrie now resides in Kansas with her husband and their three children.

Alecia Boyce

Alecia Boyce

Manager of Client Experience

alecia@pwfin.com

Alecia Boyce serves as Manager of Client Experience at Pathworks Financial, where she plays a central role in supporting both client relationships and the firm's operational integrity.

Alecia joined Pathworks in 2019, bringing over 15 years of experience in banking and process development. She oversees the client service experience, ensuring that account servicing, new account setup, distributions, and transfers are handled accurately and efficiently.

Alecia works closely with the Chief Compliance Officer to support compliance and operational processes, and is known for her organization, responsiveness, and ability to keep operations running smoothly.

Shawn Headley

Shawn Headley

Executive Team Coordinator

shawn@pwfin.com

Shawn Headley serves as Executive Team Coordinator at Pathworks Financial, providing essential support to the firm's leadership team and helping ensure a smooth and consistent client experience.

Shawn joined Pathworks in 2022, bringing over 10 years of administrative experience along with a strong background in direct sales. She also manages the firm's social media presence on LinkedIn and Facebook, and supports front office operations.

Originally from Southeast Michigan, Shawn enjoys spending time with her husband and discovering new restaurants.

Rob Schmansky

Rob Schmansky

Wealth Advisor

rob@pwfin.com

Rob Schmansky serves as a Wealth Advisor at Pathworks Financial. He joined the firm in 2024, bringing a diverse background that includes independent practice along with experience at wealth management and tax firms.

Rob is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). He has contributed to the knowledge requirements for international CFP® certification and was recognized by InvestmentNews in 2015 as a top national talent in the financial advice industry.

He has been a contributor to Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and other publications, and has taught courses in economics, investment management, and taxation.

David Mercier

David Mercier, ChFC®, CLU®

Wealth Advisor

dave@pwfin.com

David "Dave" Mercier serves as a Wealth Advisor at Pathworks Financial, specializing in estate and wealth preservation strategies for individuals and families.

With over 30 years of experience as a second-generation financial advisor, Dave works closely with clients to develop comprehensive plans focused on wealth accumulation, retirement security, and protecting the financial well-being of future generations.

Dave is also President of Detroit Life Agency and holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designations from The American College of Financial Services.

Emily Wenzel

Emily Wenzel

Retirement Plan Administrator

emily@pwfin.com

Emily Wenzel serves as a Retirement Plan Administrator at Pathworks Financial, where she supports the firm's retirement plan clients and helps ensure smooth and efficient plan operations.

Emily joined Pathworks in 2025 and brings a strong background in customer service and administration. She works closely with plan sponsors and participants to assist with account needs, answer questions, and help navigate the details of retirement plan management.

Stacey St. Charles

Stacey St. Charles

Corporate Recruiter

stacey@pwfin.com

Stacey St. Charles serves as Corporate Recruiter at Pathworks Financial, where she focuses on identifying and attracting experienced advisors to join the firm.

Stacey brings prior experience as a recruiter with a national firm. After stepping away from her career to focus on raising her family, she has returned with a renewed perspective and a deep appreciation for meaningful, relationship-driven work.

At Pathworks, she works closely with leadership to build relationships with advisors who align with the firm's values and vision.

Our Process

DISCOVER

goals, constraints, accredited status, and timeline

DESIGN

portfolio, liquidity plan, and risk fit

DECIDE & REVIEW

disciplined execution and ongoing reporting

Education-first, no pressure. We focus on clarity before commitment.

Why RIAs are Different

FIDUCIARY DUTY

your interests first, always

FEE TRANSPARENCY

advice guided by planning, not product sales

OPEN ARCHITECTURE

broad access to strategies and managers

HOLISTIC PLANNING

investments, tax/estate, cash flow, retirement

REGULATORY OVERSIGHT

SEC-registered, high standards of care

"TheAccreditedInvestor.com is produced by Pathworks Financial, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser."

What to Expect

  • EDUCATION FIRST

    articles, frameworks, and plain-English explainers
  • PRIVATE MARKETS

    institutional concepts explained for Accredited Investors
  • LONGEVITY & FAMILY OFFICE

    strategy built for a 100-year life
  • NO PERFORMANCE PROMISES

    we emphasize fit, diligence, and risk

Ready to Connect?

Have questions about private markets, longevity planning, or family office services?

Pathworks Financial advisors in a planning session