
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Tom is a well-known CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in Central Ohio who specializes in retirement and estate planning issues for mature adults. Tom created what is now McCarthy & Cox in 1998 to help clients link their faith, values, and finances through objective, comprehensive financial planning. Tom focuses his practice on those who are committed to improving their financial situation and realizing the life goals to which God has called them.
Tom is a lifelong resident of Union County, Ohio, where he graduated valedictorian at Marysville High School, class of 1976. He graduated summa cum laude with a BA from Capital University in 1980, majoring in economics and political science. In addition to having the CFP® certification, Tom is also an investment adviser representative affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network® and a member of the National Financial Planning Association.
Tom is very active in our community. Over the years, he has volunteered hundreds of hours to a number of different committees and charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Union County Chamber of Commerce, and Community Care Train. Tom served on the UCO Board of Directors for six years, with two of those years acting as President. UCO provides meaningful employment for adults with disabilities. Tom stepped down from the board in March of 2019. He also served as an elected Union County Commissioner for 14 years.
Tom and Amy, his wife of more than 40 years, live in Marysville, Ohio, and have three children (Michael, Megan, and Matthew) and four grandchildren (Ben, Elizabeth, Liam, and Amelia).
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Jim, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® professional, joined Tom in 2003. Prior to joining McCarthy & Cox, Jim was a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Columbus, Ohio. Before that, he was a lead real-time commodities trader for American Electric Power, where he managed more than 20 individual traders. Jim has his FINRA Series 7, 24, and 66 securities registrations and is a fully licensed security and insurance agent in the state of Ohio. Jim is an investment adviser representative affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network® and a member of the National Financial Planning Association.
Jim, a graduate of Bowling Green State University, is an active leader in our community. He is a past chairman of the Board of Directors for the Union County Foundation, the Marysville Uptown Renewal Team, as well as the United Way of Union County. Jim and his wife also own The Ridge Golf & Gardens (www.TheRidgeGolf.com), an 18-hole public golf course and event center. Jim is a graduate of the Union County Ohio Leadership Society. In addition to these community activities, Jim has been quoted and sourced for numerous articles over the years in the Columbus Dispatch, the Marysville Journal Tribune, as well as Columbus CEO Magazine.
In 2013, Jim and his wife started a charitable fund, The Elizaveta Fund (www.Elizavetafund.org), to help families mitigate the financial burden of the adoption of orphans. Jim and his wife (Faye, of Schulze, Howard & Cox law firm in Marysville), son (Kaleb James), and daughter (Caroline Elizaveta) live in Marysville.
Does your family have a "motto"—spoken or unspoken?
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” — Calvin Coolidge
What was your first job?
I got a paper route of 90 homes when I was eight years old. The age requirement was 10, but I was determined to enter early into the workforce!
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Ryan, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, joined the McCarthy & Cox family in September 2009. Prior to joining McCarthy & Cox, Ryan worked as an associate financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial for three years. He was a National Merit finalist and graduated from Ball State University with a BS in business administration. Ryan holds the FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations, as well as Ohio life, health, and annuity licenses. He has the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation and passed the CFP® examination in November 2011.
Ryan lives in Marysville, Ohio with his wife, Kelly, and their five children.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Spending time out on my grandparents’ farm in northwest Iowa exploring the huge barn, playing baseball and croquet in the yard with my cousins, watching Andy Griffith reruns when we’d come inside, eating Grandma Ruth’s incredible apple dumplings, and making hundreds of laps up and down the long gravel lane on the same old bikes my dad and his brothers rode when they were kids.
What are three things that most people don't know about you?
My current hobby is collecting and restoring fountain pens from the 1920s–1970s. I also accumulate loads of paper, ink, wax seals, and other items related to personal correspondence because I find these old ways of communicating so fun.
My dream hobby is falconry (hunting with a hawk or falcon); it has been an interest since I read My Side of the Mountain as a kid. Time-wise, it’s not realistic right now, but someday . . . .
If I had to name a favorite author, it would be Ernest Hemingway. I love his books, but his life and breadth of experience are just as fascinating. A flawed man, for sure, but talk about somebody who squeezed every last drop out of life!
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Mark, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, joined McCarthy & Cox in October 2015. Mark has been in the industry for more than 15 years and has worked for PNC Investments as a financial advisor, Transamerica Capital as regional vice president, and most recently at US Bancorp Investments as vice president, senior financial advisor where he received the US Bancorp Pinnacle award winner four years in a row for client growth. Mark holds his FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations and is a fully licensed security and insurance agent in the state of Ohio. He has the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠, Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation and passed the CFP® examination in April 2017. Mark is an Investment Adviser Representative affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Mark has a BA in business administration from Ohio University cum laude. Mark enjoys being outdoors, golfing, and playing tennis. He is the Union County Rotary Club fund-raising chair responsible for organizing various events to promote and raise money for annual high school student scholarships. When not watching movies or following a few series on TV, he also spends time checking out the local cuisine and enjoying some competitive family game nights.
Mark and his wife, Elizabeth, were married in August 2012. They live in Marysville with their children Adalyn and Aiden.
What was your first job?
I worked at Finney Family Dental for a summer in Marion, Ohio, before college.
What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
The day after Thanksgiving, we have our second feast at my mom and dad's and put up all the Christmas decorations.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Megan, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and partner in McCarthy & Cox, joined McCarthy & Cox in 2017. Megan has more than 10 years of experience as a retirement specialist, including leadership roles while working at Nationwide Insurance.
Megan has a passion for serving others. After college, she was a member of the AmeriCorps VISTA program and worked with the Cleveland Foodbank in northeast Ohio. In the past, she volunteered with Alpha Phi Fraternity and the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Today, Megan serves as the 2021-2022 United Way of Union County Campaign Chair as well as a board member of the Marysville Uptown Theatre. She is excited to see the Avalon open as a home for the arts in Union County. In her spare time, she enjoys thrifting, musical theatre, and spending time with her family.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I have many wonderful memories of growing up in Marysville, but if I had to choose just one it would be the joy of visiting my grandparents at McCarthy Pharmacy where they served up warm cinnamon toast, ice cream sundaes, and cups of 5-cent coffee at the soda fountain. It was a community gathering place and it was fun to engage with the many regulars who frequented the drugstore.
What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
Christmas is my favorite! Growing up, my family taught us the importance of sharing our own gifts and blessings. The past few years we have participated in Besa’s Adopt a Senior event at Christmas in Columbus. Our daughters enjoy “helping Santa” shop for an individual so more of our neighbors can have a happy holiday.
Megan holds the FINRA Series 6, Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations through Commonwealth Financial Network® and is a licensed insurance agent in the state of Ohio. She earned her BS in business administration from Ashland University, where she graduated with honors, majoring in finance and minoring in political science. At Ashland, she was a member of the Eagle Elite Dance Team, Eagle Investment Group, and Ashbrook Scholar Program.
Megan is the 5th generation of McCarthys to serve our community. Megan and her husband, Jarrod, along with daughters, Eliza and Mia are proud to call Marysville home.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Jon, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, joined McCarthy & Cox in 2020. Coming to us with bachelor’s degrees in economics and Russian from Vanderbilt University, Jon brings a unique background and knowledge to our team. When he’s not at the office, Jon enjoys watching baseball and hockey (a proud, lifelong Reds and Blue Jackets fan), reading, and watching movies.
Community is important to Jon. Every year during the holidays, he works with Wagons Ho Ho Ho to help build and fill wagons to give to families who otherwise might not have been able to celebrate Christmas and have a good Christmas meal together.
What's your favorite activity to do locally and why?
I love going to Blue Jackets games with my family and/or friends. My family is a big sports family and after we started going to hockey games as kids, my sister fell in love with the Blue Jackets and the sport in general. Now, we try to make it to as many games as we can, and I always love to catch a game and watch our favorite team take the ice!
What are three things most people don’t know about you?
I'm a third-degree black belt in taekwondo and a registered scuba diver, and I speak Russian fluently.
Client Service Advisor
Quinn joined McCarthy & Cox in January 2019. A graduate of Marysville High School, Quinn obtained his BS in business administration from the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business with a marketing specialization. Previously, he had been a production coordinator with Abercrombie & Fitch. Quinn holds the FINRA Series 7 and NASAA Series 66 securities and advisory registrations, Ohio Life & Health insurance license and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary.®
Quinn enjoys spending time with his family, playing the guitar, and hitting the links whenever he has the time.
Quinn was born in Iowa but raised in Marysville from the age of four. Quinn currently lives in Dublin with his wife, Sarah, and their dog, Yuki (a shiba inu).
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I really enjoyed having the opportunity to swim competitively with three of my (six) brothers from ages 5 to 18. That experience really gave us a close, and often overly competitive, connection growing up.
What's your favorite activity to do locally and why?
My favorite local activity is golf since there are a plethora of courses to choose from in the Marysville area. It’s also a great excuse to spend time with family and friends!
Chief Investment Officer
Wesley joined the McCarthy & Cox family in June 2016. Prior to McCarthy & Cox, Wesley spent more than 12 years with Nationwide Securities, most recently serving as the director of suitability and trading. He also has experience with Carroll Financial Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina, as lead portfolio analyst in its Managed Accounts department.
Wesley holds the FINRA Series 4, 7, 24, 27, 53, 63, and 65 securities registrations through Commonwealth Financial Network® and is a licensed insurance agent in the state of Ohio. He earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation in 2021, as well as the title of Chief Investment Officer.
Wesley was born in North Carolina and moved to Ohio in 2010. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, and his MBA from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.
Wesley lives in Marysville, Ohio, with his two children, Savannah, and Samantha.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
When I was in elementary school, I rode the bus home to my grandparents' house. My grandfather and I would throw the football every day, and he would always ask me how many girlfriends I had that day. In third grade, my highest number was 52.
What are three things most people don’t know about you?
Chief Operating Officer
Tony, FSCP®, LUTCF®, joined McCarthy & Cox in May 2017 and serves as the chief operating officer. Tony has been in the industry for more than 26 years and most recently worked for MetLife in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tony holds his FINRA Series 6, 7, and 24 securities registrations, as well as life, health, property and casualty, and variable product insurance licenses.
Tony has a BBA in management and a BBA in marketing from Valdosta State University. Tony is a Certified Lay Speaker and enjoys delivering the message (sermon) at a church whenever the opportunity presents itself. Within the community, he is involved with the Walk to Emmaus organization and his church. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time with his family.
Tony and his wife, Caryn, were married in 2002 and have three children: Chelsey, Emma Lita, and Seth. They recently moved back to Marysville after being in North Carolina for three years.
What is the best gift you have been given?
My family gave me a tissue box labeled The Box of Sweet Things filled with small slips of folded paper with sweet endings to the phrases “I love you because… I like you because … I like how …”
What is your favorite childhood memory?
One of the many is related to something with my mother. At night just before bedtime, she would rub Jergens lotion on her hands. Then she would take my hands in hers and rub the extra lotion (which she always seemed to have) on each of my hands. I can remember that bottle and the way it smelled along with my hands wrapped in hers like it was yesterday. My kids know this story and now they ask me to do the same for them … legacy happens in many forms!
Director of Business Processing
Diane has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and joined McCarthy & Cox in 2006 as practice manager. Prior to joining McCarthy & Cox, Diane worked for Smith Barney and Edward Jones in the brokerage services field. Diane holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 63 securities registrations and is licensed in the state of Ohio for life, health, accident, and annuities insurances.
Diane was recognized at Commonwealth Financial Network®'s Assist U Symposium in Waltham, Massachusetts, as the 2007 Nationwide Staff Member of the Year.
Diane has two children, three grandchildren, and lives in Marysville.
Business Processing Assistant
Brenda came to work at McCarthy & Cox in June 2007. She has previous administrative assistant experience with the Union County Court system, and prior to that, she worked as an administrative assistant at Emerald Crossings.
Brenda provides administrative support as Diane’s assistant in the Business Processing Department. Brenda completed her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ certification (formerly titled Registered Paraplanner®) in 2015 and has earned her FINRA Series 6 securities registration.
Brenda and her husband, Neil reside in Marysville, and together they have four children.
Financial Analyst
Trinna joined McCarthy & Cox in April 2016. Having attended school in Ohio (Buckeye Valley), she spent the past 35 years in North Carolina. Trinna returned to Ohio to help care for her parents and decided to remain in the Buckeye State.
Trinna comes to us from a background in legal administration and collections and attended the Ohio State University, Otterbein University, North Carolina State University, and Meredith College.
Traveling, hiking, gardening, enjoying nature, and spending time with friends are among her favorite things to do in her leisure time. Trinna lives in Delaware County.
Three things most people don’t know about me:
What is the best gift you have been given?
Salvation
Client Relationship Manager
Mindy joined McCarthy & Cox in May 2015 as our bookkeeper and has grown with the company, now working as an advisor’s assistant. Mindy completed her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ certification (formerly titled Registered Paraplanner®) and has earned her FINRA Series 6 securities registration. Mindy has more than 10 years of bookkeeping experience and most recently worked at Marmon Valley Farm. Mindy homeschooled both of her children from kindergarten through high school and considers that her first career. Mindy taught math and science classes in the local homeschool co-op while her children were in school.
Mindy recently purchased a home in Logan County and is enjoying making it her own. She enjoys frequent visits with her children and granddaughter. She has been involved for numerous years in 4-H, Girl Scouts, church ladies’ group, and Bible study. Mindy enjoys reading and making any craft with a pattern included—no creativity needed.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Running and playing cops and robbers at dusk throughout our neighborhood with about 20 or so neighborhood kids.
What are three things most people don’t know about you?
Client Relationship Manager
Ted joined McCarthy & Cox in November 2019 as an advisor assistant. With 20 years as a project manager and an MBA from Ohio Christian University, Ted brings years of organizational experience to the team.
Family is important to Ted, as he likes to spend time with his wife, Debbie, and their son and daughter, Davis and Halley. His involvement as the North Lewisburg Village Council President, as a deacon at the Bible Baptist Church in Marysville, and as the leader of the Seasoned Saints Ministry align well with our values at McCarthy & Cox. Ted enjoys spending time at his church in Marysville, appreciating the fellowship and the various opportunities to serve.
Does your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken?
God First, everything else will work itself out
What are three things most people don’t know about you:
Former news director when I worked in radio. Disc jockey on-air in radio. Adjunct professor for Ohio Christian University.
Client Relationship Manager
Melissa joined McCarthy & Cox in 2021 as a client relationship manager and advisor assistant. Melissa has six years of experience in the industry and lives in central Ohio with her husband, T.J., and her daughters Adrienne, Lylah, and Josie.
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys hiking, drawing and painting, reading, and attending her childrens' basketball and soccer games.
Does your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken?
“If it’s meant to be, it will be.”
What are three things most people don’t know about you:
Client Relationship Manager
Tyler (TJ) joined McCarthy & Cox in 2022 as a client relationship manager and advisor assistant. TJ has nearly four years of industry experience and holds the FINRA Series 6, Ohio Life & Health insurance license and has completed his Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional.™
TJ will be getting married in May of 2023 and in his spare time enjoys basketball, coin collecting, soccer and golf.
What's your favorite childhood memory?
Playing wiffle ball in my parents backyard with my brother and neighbors.
What's your favorite activity to do locally and why?
Enjoying some sand volleyball at Eljer Park - it is a great way to meet new people.
Investment Research Analyst
Blake joined McCarthy & Cox in 2020 as an investment research analyst. He has a bachelor's degree in economics from Heidelberg University, and he interned with us in 2019. Before interning at McCarthy & Cox, Blake worked at the Columbus Zoo for six years in the Warehouse Department. Blake holds the FINRA Series 7 registration through Commonwealth Financial Network®.
Blake serves on the Trust Committee at his church and is a Transformation Zone volunteer. He enjoys golfing, fishing, working on cars, and working out in his spare time.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Our family went on a Disney cruise. For breakfast, there was a soft-serve ice cream machine, and you could get as much ice cream as you wanted.
Does your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken?
“The sun will come up tomorrow.” My grandpa used to say this to us whenever we had a bad day or if I had a bad game and it would instantly make things a little better knowing that tomorrow is a new day!
Director of First Impressions
With more than 20 years of administrative experience, including human resources, policy development, and office management, Sheila brings a strong background and personable demeanor to her role as director of first impressions. She holds a BA in journalism from Western Kentucky University and an MA in Christian education/communications from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Sheila and her husband, Earl, enjoy spending time with their two children, going on walks with their blue heelers, and adventuring. She can also be found reading or listening to books, especially mysteries, and spending time with her family and friends.
What is the best gift you have been given?
My children are the absolute best gifts ever received – straight from heaven.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My childhood was filled with family get-togethers for birthdays, holidays, and random Sunday afternoons. Most of these events, overflowing with food and laughter, were held at Mamaw and Papaw’s house. When the house got too full, we’d head to the front porch swing, climb some trees, or wander toward the barn or a small pond. I loved it when we stayed late enough for the fireflies to show themselves!
Director of First Impressions
Olivia joined McCarthy & Cox in 2021 as director of first impressions. Recently married, she lives in Champaign County with her husband, Luke. She has a BS in criminology from The Ohio State University and is an asset to the McCarthy & Cox team, helping you "solve" your questions.
What was your first job?
My first job was at Tim Horton's during my senior year of high school—unbeknownst to me, it is where I would meet my husband!
What are three things most people don't know about you?
Director of Marketing
Cassandra comes to McCarthy & Cox with 12 years of industry experience and a communications background that brought her from a BS in visual communications technology from Bowling Green State University to her previous role as marketing and design coordinator at the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. We are thrilled to have her as our director of marketing.
Cassandra, her husband, Curtis, and their children Oliver and Nora attend Haven Community Church and enjoy being active in the community. She also enjoys reading, attending local craft fairs, drinking coffee, and shopping.
What was your first job?
I worked at Arby’s from the time I was 16 until I was 20. During that time, I was promoted to shift manager, as soon as I turned 18, and was awarded Shift Manager of the Year for the Midwest Region.
What's your favorite activity to do locally and why?
There are two local activities I really enjoy: the FestiFair Arts and Crafts show (I love seeing the creativity of others and having the opportunity to support local artists) and Merry on Main (the horse-drawn carriage rides and iceless ice skating rink have been something we always look forward to enjoying as a family).