Mike began his investment industry career in 1999 and joined Stifel in 2016. Prior to Stifel, he worked for Wells Fargo Advisors, UBS Financial Services, and Merrill Lynch.
As a leader of the Coastal Financial Strategies Group, Mike’s mission is to create a collaborative team structure that delivers valuable, insightful, and impactful investment and income strategies. Using wealth planning as a foundation, Mike’s career has been focused on developing highly customized strategies that align with his clients’ needs.
Mike holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities).
An avid golfer, Mike played collegiately at Michigan State University and is now the head coach for the Detroit Catholic Central High School golf team, where he led them to three straight team Division 1 championships (2015-2017). Mike stays involved in the community and participates in many of the local nonprofit events. He is also a board member with Holy Cross Children’s Foundation.
Jon began his investment industry career in 2005 and joined Stifel in 2018. Prior to Stifel, he worked for Morgan Stanley and Citigroup Global Markets. He earned a B.B.A. in Finance from Western Michigan University-Haworth College of Business and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life and variable insurance licenses.
In addition to helping individuals pursue their investment, retirement, and comprehensive wealth management goals, Jon specializes in helping company retirement plans analyze their plan and select appropriate vendors from non-proprietary options. Through a detailed consultative process, he strives to help growing organizations save time, reduce costs, and increase efficiencies.
Passionate about community education, Jon is a member of the development board for Detroit Cristo Ray School, is active with the Brother Rice High School alumni association, and a member and part of the Blackballer Officer Committee of the Detroit Athletic Club. He is a former board member of the City of Royal Oak Historical Commission.
Matthew has graciously served his diverse client base for more than 20 years. He works closely with high-net-worth families, corporate executives, and retirees in designing detailed financial strategies, including a comprehensive outlook of their financial picture. Taking into account his clients’ investment needs, their ability and willingness to assume risk, time horizon, and other factors, he communicates with his clients and their team of professional advisors to build a framework for their unique path toward retirement and beyond.
Growing up in three different countries overseas and visiting more than 45 others, Matthew has a very diverse outlook on the world, which has led him to take each client scenario with a broad outlook of potential strategies. He attended Cranbrook Kingswood preparatory school in suburban Detroit before earning a B.A. in Communication Arts: Public Relations from Southern Methodist University. Early in his career he was a District Sales Manager with General Motors Co., and other career moves followed before he realized his passion for financial services, whereupon he took a position with PaineWebber/UBS Financial Services. His dedication to a client-first approach led him to join Stifel in 2017.
As a resident of Bloomfield Village in suburban Detroit, Matthew is actively involved in the community, regularly volunteering for organizations such as the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and the Birmingham Public School system. In his spare time, he serves on several committees at Birmingham Country Club, where he and his family spend a great deal of time and where he strives to someday actually shoot a par round of golf. He and his wife, Jaynee, enjoy watching their children, Kathryn and Charles, continue to grow and prosper in year-round competitive swimming and Junior Hockey.
Rick began his investment industry career in 2010 at Wells Fargo Advisors and joined Stifel in 2016. He earned a B.S. in Retailing from the University of South Carolina and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, and 66 securities licenses.
Rick is married to his wife, Amy, for almost 25 years. They have two daughters, Megan and Lauren, who are both currently in college.
Rick grew up playing golf and still enjoys playing today. He played golf collegiately at the University of South Carolina and helped coach the Detroit Catholic Central golf team.
Robert began his financial services career at Osaic Wealth in 2023. He joined Stifel later that year as a Registered Client Service Associate and moved into a Financial Advisor Associate role in 2025. Robert earned a B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University in 2023, the same year he acquired Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Robert is a detail-oriented finance professional with experience across key areas of the investment landscape, including trading, wealth management, data analysis, and marketing. He brings a fresh perspective that is backed by daily collaboration with an experienced team. By working in a collaborative team environment, Robert focuses on aligning his investment guidance – whether in equities, fixed income, options, or alternative investments – with the unique goals and risk profiles of the team’s clients. By combining disciplined analysis with a commitment to continuous learning, he supports the team in developing thoughtful, tailored strategies designed to deliver long-term value and address the evolving needs of their clients.
Outside the office, Robert enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and his dogs, Rocky and Paisley.
With over 17 years of dedicated experience in the financial services industry, Melissa Russell serves as a Senior Registered Client Service Associate. She is committed to providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships with clients, helping them work towards their financial goals with care and attention.
Melissa holds the Series 7, 63, 65, 9, and 10 securities licenses and has earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ designation, reflecting her deep commitment to ongoing professional education and development. Her extensive background allows her to navigate complex client needs with confidence and a personalized touch.
Beyond her professional life, Melissa enjoys staying active and well-rounded. In her free time, she is an avid reader, enjoys practicing yoga, and loves spending time outdoors camping. She has been married for 22 years and is the proud mother of two adult sons.
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Alvin Spencer in late January 2026.
As a founding member of the Coastal Financial Strategies Group, Alvin played an instrumental role in shaping who we are – as a team, as professionals, and as a community dedicated to serving our clients with integrity and care. Alvin’s commitment to his clients was matched only by the genuine warmth he brought to every relationship. He was devoted to the people he served and genuinely valued his colleagues, and his influence is woven into the culture, values, and client-first philosophy that define our team today.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Alvin’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his life. For those who wish to learn more about Alvin's life and legacy, click here to read his obituary.
