Who We Are
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the Ohio Valley with clear, personalized financial guidance through trusted relationships and thoughtful planning.
Our Story
Commonwealth Financial Services was founded in 2003 by advisors who believed clients deserved advice free from product pressure and conflicts of interest. After leaving a large, insurance-owned broker-dealer that prioritized proprietary products over client needs, our founders chose true independence, even in the face of uncertainty. That commitment led to the creation of an RIA firm built to serve not only high-net-worth individuals, but everyday families as well. Today, our mission remains the same: to provide objective, unbiased advice guided by our core values of Integrity, Insight, and Innovation, while treating every client like family.
Our Foundation
Values That Guide Us

Integrity
As a fiduciary, integrity is the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to acting in your best interest and providing objective, transparent advice you can trust.

Insight
We bring clarity and perspective to financial decisions. Our guidance helps replace emotional reactions with logic, discipline, and a long-term approach.

Innovation
We continually refine our investment and planning strategies by combining advanced technology with high-quality investment approaches and thoughtful financial planning.
Our People
Meet the Team
With our team-based approach, we strive to offer confidence to each and every person who walks through our doors.
Leadership

Michael C. Seese, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Co-Founder/Partner, CAO | Financial Advisor

Daniel L. Spurgeon, CFP®
Partner, CIO | Financial Advisor

Shanell Jeffrey, FPQP™, AWMA®
Partner, CEO

Tyler Brautigan, CFP®
Equity Owner | Financial Advisor

Cristin Self, APMA®
Director of Operations
Financial Advisors

B. Vincent McManus, CFP®
Financial Advisor

Madison Gontarek
Associate Financial Advisor

Zachary Seese
Associate Financial Advisor

Sierra Love
Associate Financial Advisor

Samuel Cremeans
Associate Financial Advisor
Client Services

Heather Jones
Client Services Assistant

Bridget Pigott, FPQP™
Client Services Associate

Abigail Snedeker, FPQP™
Client Services Associate

Trinity Smith
Client Services Coordinator
Operations

Tyler Szafran, CRPC®, CFP®
Paraplanner

Derek Bailey, APMA®
Research Analyst

Jared Ullom
Accounting & Billing Specialist

Molly Still, FPQP™
Operations Associate

Michael C. Seese, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Co-Founder/Partner, CAO | Financial Advisor
Mike graduated from West Virginia University's College of Business and Economics in 1994. He has earned his CFP®, ChFC® and CLU® designations and holds Series 6, 7, 24 and 63 licenses. His significant experience helps him advise individuals, families and businesses on how to increase their personal and financial wealth.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Daniel L. Spurgeon, CFP®
Partner, CIO | Financial Advisor
Daniel joined Commonwealth Financial Services in April 2014. He graduated from Marietta College with a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting. He currently holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses, along with life and health and his CFP® designation.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Shanell Jeffrey, FPQP™, AWMA®
Partner, CEO
As CEO of Commonwealth, Shanell leads all aspects of the firm's operations, from strategic planning and team development to delivering exceptional client service. She holds the FPQP™ and AWMA® designations and brings over 15 years of experience in financial services.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Tyler Brautigan, CFP®
Equity Owner | Financial Advisor
Tyler has been serving clients as a financial advisor in the Ohio Valley for nearly a decade. Born and raised in Marshall County, he graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses and the CFP® designation.
- (304) 230-2384
- Email

Cristin Self, APMA®
Director of Operations
Cristin serves as Director of Operations, guiding the firm's day-to-day operations and supporting long-term strategic initiatives. Originally from West Virginia, she holds the APMA® designation and a B.S. from WVU.
- (304) 230-2384

B. Vincent McManus, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Vince joined Commonwealth in 2022 after four years at J.P. Morgan. He holds a J.D. from the University of Florida and an LL.M in Estate Planning from the University of Miami. His legal and financial experience affords clients a unique perspective.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Madison Gontarek
Associate Financial Advisor
Madison graduated from Western Kentucky's College of Business in 2023 with a B.S. in personal finance. Since joining Commonwealth, she has acquired her Series 65 license and is currently studying for her CFP designation.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Evan Brockmeier
Financial Advisor
Evan is a Marietta native and graduate of Marietta College with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. A two-time National Champion baseball player and Academic All-American, he joined Commonwealth in 2023 and holds his Series 65 license.
- (740) 373-4877
- Email

Zachary Seese
Associate Financial Advisor
Zach joined Commonwealth full-time in May 2024 after interning during 2022 and 2023. He graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in Personal Finance and holds the Series 65 license.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Heather Jones
Client Services Assistant
Heather has been with the firm since March 2013, bringing extensive experience in administration, payroll and accounting. She coordinates calendars, schedules appointments and is a key connection between clients and the firm.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Bridget Pigott, FPQP™
Client Services Associate
Bridget joined the firm in March 2015. Her primary responsibilities include opening new accounts and servicing life and annuity clients. She holds the FPQP™ designation as well as life and health licenses.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Abigail Snedeker, FPQP™
Client Services Associate
Abby joined the firm in June 2024. She graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in finance and has earned her FPQP® designation. She is dedicated to providing exceptional support.
- (304) 230-2384
- Email

Tyler Szafran, CRPC®, CFP®
Paraplanner
Tyler is a Wheeling native and Duquesne University graduate with over eleven years of experience in banking and finance, including five years at T. Rowe Price. He holds the CRPC® and CFP® designations.
- (304) 230-2384
- Email

Derek Bailey, APMA®
Research Analyst
Derek joined Commonwealth in August 2021. He graduated from Ohio University in 2015 with a degree in geological sciences. In March 2025, he earned the APMA® designation, enhancing his expertise in portfolio construction and risk assessment.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email

Jared Ullom
Accounting & Billing Specialist
Jared graduated from West Liberty University with dual degrees in accounting and financial planning. He joined Commonwealth in February 2024 after gaining experience as a financial auditor.
- (304) 230-2384
- Email

Molly Still, FPQP™
Operations Associate
Molly is our Operations Associate in Parkersburg with over 10 years in customer service and administration. She holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation.
- (304) 422-3531
- Email
