Jereme S. Ransick, AIF®, CFP®
Jereme is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, were he earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a focus on marketing and decision sciences. Jereme earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® certification from the Center for Fiduciary Studies in 2011. The AIF® certifies he has specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment management process. Before beginning his career in financial planning, Jereme was a product manager for Harris InfoSource, an information technology company, and a value and pricing specialist for the Convergys Corporation.
How do you define success? The process that leads to success—the planning, actions, errors, adjustments and integrity—can define success itself. Success can come from brilliant planning and execution or dumb luck, but only the former can be defined as true success.
What is your most marked characteristic—the thing that sets you apart from everyone else? It is a combination of determination, willingness to take calculated risks, and a deep desire to “do things right, or not at all”. Whether it’s been a personal goal, like running a sub three-hour marathon, a family commitment like coaching my children’s baseball and soccer teams, or work related, like helping clients accomplish what is most important to them, each is marked by my commitment to doing it to the best of my abilities.
Barry A. Ransick, ChFC, CLU, AIF®
Partner Emeritus
Barry devoted his efforts to crafting simple and accurate solutions that aligned seamlessly with his clients' fundamental values. More than just devising solutions, he inspired his clients to take remarkable actions. Our current planning process is deeply influenced by his commitment to helping clients link their finances with their personal aspirations.
When asked about the best advice he ever received, Barry often replies, "If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got."
Barry holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He began his financial career in 1979 and went on to cofound Principled Wealth Advisors in 2004 alongside Kathy Hamm and Jereme Ransick.
Residing on Glen Lake in Glen Arbor, Michigan, Barry shares his life with his wife and childhood sweetheart, Mimi. His creative spirit thrives in his love for outdoor activities and his involvement in organizations like the Leelanau Conservancy, TART (Traverse Area Rails & Trails), and the Friends of Sleeping Bear.
How do you define success? Daily—it is when each interpersonal interaction assists that person in becoming the best expression of their unique self. For my life’s work, it’s helping those with whom we are on life’s journey to more fully discover their life mission and to wholly use their gifts and talents.
What is your favorite place in the world? On my paddleboard, on Glen Lake, near sunset, in the late summer with Mimi paddling alongside and my family somewhere nearby. Outdoor natural environments rejuvenate my soul and remind me who is my Creator.
Luke T. Merry, CFP®
Luke is a graduate of Franciscan University with a degree in finance and a minor in economics. He enjoys investment analysis and helping implement wealth management strategies. He began his career with Fidelity Investments before joining Principled Wealth Advisors in 2017.
Luke and his wife, Natalie, have been married for 10 years and have 4 children. They are active parishioners at St. Cecilia Church where Luke is on pastoral council and Natalie runs the mom’s group. They enjoy playing sports, traveling, and spending time with family.
How do you define success? Each situation and each person that we encounter in life gives us an opportunity to grow into the very best person we can be. To take advantage of each of these opportunities is to be successful.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? When I was in the eighth grade, I lost a tennis match (I had a good year that year, so I didn’t lose many times). After this match my coach came to me in private and told me he was very disappointed. He was not disappointed that I lost, but that I didn’t give my very best effort—that I didn’t battle. About three years later that tennis coach passed away after a battle with cancer. I will never forget the lesson he taught me, and his advice to give your very best effort in all that you do.
What do you most value in your friends? To love is to consistently will and choose the good of the other; all my friends have a great willingness to love.
Payton Blair
Client Service Administrator
Payton graduated from Marietta College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History. Previously, he worked as a High-Net-Worth Service Associate for Fidelity Investments and as a Lead Customer Service Representative for Benchmark Gensuite®. Payton joined Principled Wealth Advisors in June of 2024 focusing on investment operations.
A four-year Varsity Letter winner in soccer, sports are an important part of Payton's life and have mold his personal discipline and motivation. Payton continues to stay active playing in a men's soccer league and training & participating in triathlons. Growing up in a military family, Payton traveled to 13 different countries before the age of 18, which has helped give him diverse and worldly perspective.
How do you define success? Coming into every situation with a positive attitude, giving the absolute best effort that you can, and if you make a mistake, being willing to admit where you were wrong and learn from it.
What is your favorite restaurant and what should I order there? My favorite restaurant here in town is probably Abigail Street. Every time we go, we must get the octopus and the char-grilled broccolini.
What do you most value in your friends? Honesty and the ability to not take yourself so seriously. If you can tell me the truth and you can kick back and have a laugh, even sometimes at your own expense, you’re fine by me.
Angie Edwards
Office Manager
Angie is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University, where she earned a degree in Marketing with a minor in Business Administration. She has many years of experience within the financial services industry and truly enjoys helping clients.
Angie and her husband, Bryan, have two children who keep them very active. When not attending sporting events, especially Cross Country or Football, Angie enjoys traveling, taking walks, watching movies, and spending quality time with her family.
How do you define success? To me, success means finding balance: doing work you’re proud of, helping others, and valuing family life.
What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memory is going to Myrtle Beach with my family. I loved spending long days at the beach, playing in the water, and making memories that I still cherish today. Now I take my own family there so we can share those same special moments.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement is earning a college education. Being the first in my family to go to college made it especially meaningful and something I am very proud of.