TALK WITH AN ADVISOR

talk with an advisor

Meet Those That Make Us Successful

talk with an advisor

Prevail's Founders

Brad Lawing, Heather Heckadon, Kerry Lawing (CEO), Marcia Vander Wal, Andrew Stafford

Prevail
Leadership

(back) Angelica Foxx, Sherry Meyer, Heather Heckadon, Craig Gordon, Marcia Vander Wal, Brian Pfannenstiel; (front) Bryan Farwell Andrew Stafford, Kerry Lawing, Brad Lawing, Paul Andres

Prevail Innovative Wealth Advisors Investment Advisory Committee

(back) Andrew Stafford, Kerry Lawing, Brad Lawing, Craig Gordon; (front) Brian Pfannenstiel, Jacob Cole, Mike Sanchez

Partners

Kerry Lawing

CEO

After 30-plus years owning and operating Lawing Financial, Kerry Lawing suddenly had the unique opportunity to hit reset. In 2017, Kerry sold Lawing Financial – the company he founded in 1985 and grew to over $5 Billion in assets under advisement. He built a close-knit team, with the vision of disrupting an age-old industry, and founded Prevail Innovative Wealth Strategies. Kerry believes the financial industry is broken and that there is a better solution than the traditional advice advisors typically offer. He is driven by impacting the lives of those around him; dedicating himself to growing people, advisors and businesses. Exceptionalism is his passion and Kerry has a history of delivering on that expectation.

 Kerry Lawing | LinkedIn

Andrew Stafford

President
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary

Andrew Stafford, President

Andrew Stafford is a distinguished business leader and financial strategist with a proven record of driving growth and guiding business owners through transformative financial decisions. His career began in his family’s fourth-generation enterprise, founded in 1926, where he learned the intricacies of scaling and sustaining a legacy business.

He later advanced to corporate leadership as Vice President of a national distribution firm, overseeing more than 500 employees and generating over $200 million in revenue. During this tenure, he spearheaded multiple $30 million acquisitions and launched an international brand from concept to market.

In 2013, Andrew transitioned into financial services, before co-founding Prevail Innovative Wealth Strategies in 2017, where he now serves as President. At Prevail, he blends entrepreneurial insight with financial acumen to deliver strategies in tax-efficient wealth creation, real estate, private capital, and retirement solutions, empowering clients to maximize value and secure long-term success.

Andrew Stafford | LinkedIn

Heather A. Heckadon

Vice President
CLU® Chartered Life Underwriter
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
RICP® Retirement Income Certified Professional

Heather has dedicated her entire career—spanning 25+ years—to the financial services industry, working alongside CEO Kerry Lawing. Known for her thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and ability to make a lasting impact, she serves as Vice President at Prevail, where she is a driving force behind the firm’s core strategies. A perennial industry leader and award-winning professional, Heather holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designations. Her passion for financial services is unmatched—it’s not just what she does; it’s what she loves.
 
Beyond the office, Heather and her husband, Chris, enjoy life in the Village of Loch Lloyd, MO, where you’ll often find them on the golf course. Her love for the outdoors is shared by her son, Caden, a fly-fishing guide in Wyoming. In 2023, Heather’s world grew even richer with the addition of three bonus children, a blessing that has brought even more joy and excitement into her life. Whether strategizing for clients or creating memories with her family, Heather brings the same energy, enthusiasm, and heart to everything she does.
 

Heather Heckadon | LinkedIn 

Brad Lawing

Vice President
CPWA® - Certified Private Wealth Advisor
Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®)
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary

As one of the founding partners of Prevail Strategies, LLC, Brad serves as Vice President. Brad works with business owners, executives, and high-net-worth families to help determine their financial goals and help get them where they want to be. He believes that having a road map to financial success is a key component of knowing where to go. He enjoys helping his clients define their plan and challenge conventional wisdom in regards to finances and tax diversification. Serving in the financial services industry since 2006, Brad has helped numerous business owners and executives to deeply understand their financial situation, maximizing their success and ability to control their own financial future. He is a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® and has also served on multiple non-profit boards in various roles.

Brad Lawing | LinkedIn

Craig Gordon

Vice President
CLU® - Chartered Life Underwriter
WMCP® - Wealth Management Certified Professional
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary 

As a fourth-generation financial services professional, Craig Gordon’s family history instilled a passion for the importance properly designed financial plans can provide individuals and families. Craig has a passion for delivering strategies that solve problems, add value, and become impactful in the financial outcomes of the clients he serves. As Vice President at Prevail, Craig is a part of the executive leadership group with a rich history in financial services, a shareholder in Prevail Real Estate Opportunities division, a key member of Prevail’s Investment Advisory Committee and a leadership role to Prevail’s Private Client Group. Craig’s objective for the clients he works for is to help establish plans that create, leverage, and protect wealth. 

Craig Gordon | LinkedIn 

Marcia Vander Wal

Director of Strategic Initiatives

After 21 incredible years as our Director of Operations, Marcia is stepping into this exciting role to lead special projects and initiatives. She’ll be supporting our Alternative Assets Division and Private Investments, leveraging her extensive experience to drive strategic growth and innovation.

Prevail Team

Corporate Retirement Benefits Leadership Team

About Bryan:

At the heart of Prevail’s success is a team-based approach that leverages the full breadth of our institutional knowledge, fiduciary resources, and national partnerships. Our corporate retirement team is built around the idea that clients deserve more than a one-size-fits-all solution—they deserve white-glove service, proactive education, and strategic guidance that simplifies complexity and drives long-term outcomes.

Bryan brings a strategic blend of leadership, insight, and personal connection to every relationship
he serves.

Read More: Bio Page ›

Bryan Farwell

Director: Corporate Retirement Benefits
CRPS® Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist PPC® - Professional Plan Consultant
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
 Bryan Farwell | LinkedIn 

About Jesse:

After 30 years of almost weekly travel, Jesse Hernandez retired from his wholesaler role at Voya and chose to continue serving retirement plans—as a fiduciary consultant. He brings deep industry expertise and a hands-on understanding of what drives better outcomes for sponsors and participants.

Jesse’s DNA is rooted in service. He’s a strong advocate for plans that work—and the people they serve. His collaborative, personal approach builds relationships that go beyond the typical vendor-client experience.

Read More: Bio Page ›

Jesse Hernandez
Director: Retirement Strategies
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
Jesse Hernandez | LinkedIn

About Tom:

Tom has been assisting individuals and businesses face the reality of their financial situation for over 30 years. Tom has achieved industry designations to better serve his clients. He holds Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® from the College of Financial Planning, Certified Plan Fiduciary® through National Association of Plan Advisors, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® through Fi360.

At Prevail, Tom works with retirement plan participants and plan sponsors to fully benefit from the benefit plan. In many instances, plan participants will not have access to a financial professional expect through their employer’s retirement program.

Thomas Wright
CRPC® Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®)
Thomas Wright | LinkedIn 

Hollie Cantrell
Participant Engagement Coordinator

Advisors

About Paul

Paul is anAccredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) with Prevail Strategies. In his advisory role, Paul builds teams of specialists within Prevail to serve business owners and high net worth individuals and families. The retirement plan space, which includes 401(k) plans and executive compensation plans designed to attract and retain key employees is a key focus of Paul’s practice. An extensive background with non-profit associations allows him to focus on partnering with associations to provide Prevail’s financial planning services to members of these organizations as well as the association staff retirement plans.

Prevail utilizes a team-centric approach to serving our clients and Paul has spent his 6+ years at Prevail forming the right teams to maximize the outcome for each client he brings to Prevail. The teams at Prevail offer white-glove service that effectively serves the entire financial life cycle of our clients.

Paul Andres

Director of Prevail Strategic Partnerships
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
Paul Andres | LinkedIn 

About Adam

Adam helps real estate investors and business owners grow their wealth in smart, tax-efficient ways—without putting their liquidity or long-term security at risk. As a real estate investor himself, Adam knows how important it is to have a clear, intentional plan for how your money is working alongside your business. He focuses on strategies that build tax-free assets, keep money accessible when needed, and create reliable, tax-free income for retirement.

To expand his expertise, Adam attended the Yale School of Management in 2023 and 2024 and earned the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designation—giving him advanced tools to help high-net-worth individuals and families manage their wealth more effectively.

Read More: Bio Page ›

Adam Doran
CPWA® - Certified Private Wealth Advisor
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
Adam Doran | LinkedIn 

About Roger

Roger Irie graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Management. Born and raised in Hawaii, Roger’s upbringing was shaped by a diverse cultural environment that instilled in him a deep appreciation for connection, resilience, and perspective—values that continue to guide him today.

He spent 15 successful years in the medical device industry, working with industry leaders such as GE Healthcare, Zoll, Welch Allyn, and Abbott. Throughout his career, Roger earned multiple Sales Representative of the Year awards and built a reputation for delivering meaningful solutions to clients. At Abbott, he served as a Senior Account Executive and field trainer, mentoring new hires and sharing best practices—an experience that blended high performance with his passion for helping others grow.

Roger Irie
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
Roger Irie | LinkedIn 

About Brett

With 12 years of experience in financial services, Brett is dedicated to providing thoughtful and hardworking guidance to his clients. As a senior Investment Advisor Representative at Prevail, he is a consistent industry leader, earning numerous awards for his professional achievements. Brett holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designations, reflecting his commitment to advanced financial expertise and ethical client care. His passion lies in empowering clients with a clear understanding of their true possibilities and options, guiding them toward informed financial decisions.

Brett and his wife, Crystal, make their home in Lakewood in Lee's Summit, MO, where they share their lives with their beloved animal companions: two dogs, Marshall and Dash, and their cat, Casper. An avid animal lover, Brett has been a dedicated volunteer with KC Pet Project for over three years and is honored to serve on their board of directors. He is also deeply committed to his church and is grateful for the opportunity to support many charitable organizations within their community.

Brett Nelson
 CLU®- Chartered Life Underwriter
Brett Nelson | LinkedIn 

About Jordan

Jordan joined Prevail in 2020 with a passion for helping families, individuals, and business owners take control of their financial future. Known for building strong relationships and offering tailored strategies, he focuses on creating lasting wealth through personalized, forward-thinking solutions.

He plays an active role in Kansas City's business community and has helped grow Prevail’s alternative asset division by connecting clients with unique investment opportunities.

An Accredited Investment Fiduciary, Jordan brings integrity and dedication to every client interaction.

Jordan lives in Leawood, Kansas with his wife and twins. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, live music, and giving back through the annual Prevail Together Charity Golf Tournament.

Jordan Chapman
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
Jordan Chapman | LinkedIn 

About Heather

Prior to becoming a licensed life insurance agent, Heather worked with an international humanitarian organization.This enabled her to work in over 30 countries. Her last role with the organization was directly assisting the Development Director in establishing new projects and making sure existing projects continued to expand to meet the growing needs. This role allowed her to move to Greece where she lived for a few years while assisting with the Olympic Games. These experiences taught Heather to think outside the box, to never give up or give in until an answer is found, and to build lifelong relationships in all that she does.

Heather has received numerous awards and achievements from the Life Insurance industry; however, her greatest reward is watching her clients achieve their dreams while creating a multi-generational legacy.

Heather Graves
Heather Graves | LinkedIn 

About Norman

Norman Craig is an honor graduate of Temple University with a BS in Secondary Education/Business Administration and a Master’s in Management & Leadership from Webster University. He began his career with the iconic Marion Laboratories, Inc. founded by the legendary Ewing Marion Kauffman. Norman began his career as a pharmaceutical representative in Trenton, NJ and earned Sales Representative of the year honors.

Norman later held positions including Director of the Northwestern Sales Division, Director of Human Resources for Marion Merrell Dow Sales & Marketing North America, Director of Management and Technical Training and Senior Director of Administrative Services for Hoechst Marion Roussel.

Norman Craig
Norman Craig | LinkedIn 

About Jeanna

Jeanna Suchsland is a financial advisor with Prevail Innovative Wealth Strategies, driven by a passion for protecting her community and helping individuals safeguard the assets they’ve worked hard to build. Her values —honesty, confidentiality, diligence, perseverance, and accountability— guide her client relationships.

After 25 years in the medical field alongside her physician husband, Jeanna transitioned into financial services, earning her life and health insurance license. Jeanna’s healthcare background gives her a unique perspective on the importance of financial preparedness.

Jeanna Suchsland
Jeanna Suchsland | LinkedIn 

About Randy

Randy Bratton is an Investment Advisor Representative at Prevail Strategies. He serves executives and business owners in the areas of iinvestments, insurance, and risk management. His focus is on the unintended consequences of delay in important areas like retirement planning, tax diversification, and over-concentration of personal wealth trapped in a business. If not addressed early, these decisions are difficult to unwind as clients get closer to retirement or the sale of a business, and Randy helps clients slow down and think through the important planning processes. Prevail uses a highly intentional, team-based approach, connecting clients with multiple advisors with different areas of expertise. The result is concierge-level service that can effectively serve clients for their entire financial life cycle.

Read More: Bio Page ›

Randy Bratton
 CLU®- Chartered Life Underwriter 
AIF® - Accredited Investment Fiduciary
Randy Bratton | LinkedIn 

About Stephen

Stephen helps clients build resilient, tax-efficient wealth strategies tailored to their unique goals—drawing on deep technical expertise and a commitment to personalized service. As a Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP), he uses a goal-based, holistic approach to build diversified portfolios that not only manage market volatility but also address tax fluctuations—so clients can keep more of what they’ve earned.

His specialties include designing retirement income plans that maximize tax efficiency and provide reliable, tax-free income streams, implementing advanced estate and tax planning strategies to protect generational wealth, and helping clients access alternative investments such as private commercial real estate and venture capital.

Stephen Underwood
WMCP® - Wealth Management Certified Professional
Stephen Underwood | LinkedIn 

About Neil

Neil Blalock is an Investment Advisor Representative that focuses on helping families, business owners, and land owners with outside of the box solutions for their financial picture. Neil earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Following graduation, Neil starting his own commodity futures business focusing primarily on helping grain producers, grain elevators, and seed companies with their day to day risk strategy using futures contracts on the Chicago Board of Trade. He worked primarily with R.J O’Brien, a founding father of the Board of Trade and the oldest private Futures Commission Merchant in America.

Neil Blalock
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
Neil Blalock | LinkedIn 

About Maddie

Maddie began her professional journey as a high school math teacher, where she refined her skills in communication, structure, and problem—solving—skills that now distinguish her as a financial advisor at Prevail. A Certified Financial Planner™, Maddie is known for her deep expertise in financial modeling, scenario planning, and her ability to turn complex data into clear, actionable strategies. Maddie’s dedication to excellence and aesthetics shows up in everything she delivers—whether it’s a detailed financial plan or a client presentation. She is a key resource to both clients and colleagues, often called upon for her insights, precision, and collaborative spirit.

Maddie Parker
CFP® - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
Maddie Parker | LinkedIn 

About Garrett

Garrett Stutz joined Prevail in 2024, adding valuable and unique perspectives to our Equity strategies and real estate endeavors. His expertise as an investor who sources, structures, and negotiates deals is a significant asset to our team and clients.

From 2020 to 2024, Stutz was the Director of Real Estate & Expansion at Chicken N Pickle, where he utilized his financial analysis skills to manage the company’s expansion process. This included market analysis, research, planning, and implementation, as well as developing strategic action plans, securing incentives, analyzing competition for site selection, and evaluating site submittals based on key criteria.

Stutz also contributed to the financial success and acquisition of Clay County Savings Bank as a board member from 2022 to 2024.

Garrett Stutz
Advisor
Garrett Stutz | LinkedIn 

About Lilly

Lilly is an Investment Advisor Representative at Prevail and holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation, demonstrating her commitment to upholding the highest standards of fiduciary excellence. She partners with individuals and families to craft personalized financial strategies tailored to their long-term goals. Drawing on a strong academic foundation in Finance, Banking, and Investment Science/Portfolio Management—earned through a Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha—she brings both technical expertise and real-world insight to every client relationship.

A former Division I student-athlete, Lilly understands the discipline, resilience, and performance mindset required to succeed under pressure. She applies that same drive to her work in wealth management, offering clear, objective guidance and fostering relationships built on trust, integrity, and results.

Lilly Stafford
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
Lilly Stafford | LinkedIn 

About Dylan

Dylan Sales is a dedicated and experienced wealth advisor with a deep-rooted passion for helping individuals, families, and businesses take control of their financial futures. A graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha, Dylan earned a triple major in Investment Sciences and Portfolio Management, Banking and Financial Markets, and Business Finance. His academic excellence was recognized when he was honored as the Outstanding Student of the Year in the Financial Markets program.

While at UNO, Dylan served as president of the university’s business fraternity, where he led the organization through a period of transformative growth, more than doubling its membership. He also held the role of portfolio manager for the UNO Investment Club, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in portfolio construction and financial analysis.

Dylan Sales
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
Dylan Sales | LinkedIn 

About McLean

McLean Kistner brings over a decade of diverse experience across commercial real estate, capital raising, and strategic business development. After graduating from Southern Methodist University, he began his career in 2009 with Jones Lang LaSalle, where he spent 12 years in Leasing Administration. As a division manager, he oversaw nearly 5,000 leased locations spanning multiple corporate portfolios, developing a deep understanding of real estate operations at scale.

In 2018, McLean launched a lease audit practice in partnership with Cresa Tenant Advisory Services in Kansas City. The venture grew to manage and audit more than 1.3 million square feet of office space across ten national and regional clients, reinforcing his expertise in lease structure and portfolio oversight.

McLean Kistner
Manager - Private Investments
McLean Kistner | LinkedIn 

About Grant

Grant Montgomery is a United States Army Veteran and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® who brings the same dedication to his clients' financial futures with sound, fiduciary advice, as he did to his distinguished 21-year military career. Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in Field Artillery, Grant's service to his country included two deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and one deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Professional Philosophy
"You are the hero. You matter. Your family matters. My mission is to help enhance your life and help you achieve what you may not have thought possible." Grant approaches financial planning as an enduring dialogue, working to understand each family's evolving needs and aspirations. With the discipline and leadership skills honed during his military career, he helps people optimize earning potential, create pathways to wealth creation, retirement security and achieve their life goals.

Read More: Bio Page ›

Grant Montgomery
CFP® - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Retired
Grant Montgomery | LinkedIn 

About Wade

Wade Kotarba graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, with an emphasis in sales management. His career began in medical sales, where he spent 12 years working with industry leaders such as Stryker Orthopedics, Philips, GE Healthcare, and Siemens. During his time at Stryker and Philips, he also served as a field sales trainer—a highly regarded role in which he was responsible for training new employees on products, techniques, and best practices. He took great pride in helping others succeed and grow in their careers, all while making a tangible impact on patients’ lives through the innovative medical technologies he represented.

Wade Kotarba
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
Wade Kotarba | LinkedIn 

About Daniel

Daniel is an experienced estate planning and business law attorney dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their assets, minimize risk, and plan for the future. As the owner of Schowengerdt Law, LLC, he focuses on crafting comprehensive estate plans, guiding clients through probate, and advising businesses on entity formation, structuring, and succession planning.

Daniel serves as General Counsel for City Lifestyle, where he provides strategic legal counsel on corporate law and risk management. He also collaborates with Prevail Wealth Management as an in-house attorney to ensure that estate and financial planning strategies align seamlessly.

Daniel Schowengerdt
Trust, Estate, and Wealth Transfer Attorney
Daniel Schowengerdt | LinkedIn 

About Matthew

Matthew Burleigh is a Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) with over 25 years of experience in buy-side investment management, focusing on sectors significantly influenced by M&A cycles. He possesses a deep expertise in financial modeling, valuation analysis, and market forecasting. His proficiency in financial analysis enables him to assess complex investment opportunities, optimize capital allocation, and develop strategic growth plans.

Matthew Burleigh
Senior Portfolio Manager
Matthew Burleigh | LinkedIn 

About Jay

Jay Haffley is a graduate of The Wichita State University with a BS in Finance and a minor in Accounting. While at WSU, Jay was a member of the National Champion Shocker Baseball team. He began his career in banking at INTRUST Bank as a Credit Analyst and quickly moved into a role as Commercial Loan Officer.

Jay later changed professions in the financial services industry by studying for and passing the Series 7 Securities Exam with Stifel Nicolaus in Wichita. Along with Series 63, 65, and Life & Health Insurance Licenses, Jay earned National Rookie of the Year honors in his 1st year of production as an Investment Executive.

Jay Haffley
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
Jay Haffley | LinkedIn 

About Jacob

Jacob Haywood is a dedicated financial professional with a strong foundation in business and client relations. A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BSBA in Business Economics and a strong background in logistics and client relations, Jacob brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, clear communication, and a relentless commitment to service.

Before transitioning into financial services, Jacob built his career in the transportation industry, starting with Yellow Corporation and later joining HYC Logistics. In both roles, he helped hundreds of clients achieve their business goals through dependable, solution-oriented service.

Jacob Haywood
Business Development
Jacob Haywood| LinkedIn 

Alana Craig
Advisor

William Keech
IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative
William Keech | LinkedIn 

Prevail Team

Staff

Brian Pfannenstiel

Manager of Operations & Compliance

Mike Sanchez

Compliance Supervisor

Angelica Foxx, Director of Operations at Prevail Innovative Wealth Strategies, smiling in a professional headshot.

Angelica Foxx

Director of Operations

AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary

Jacob Cole

Research Analyst

IAR® - Investment Advisor Representative

Randee Davis

Director of New Business

Belinda Counts

Executive Assistant

Andrew Hale

Graphic Designer

Will Foxx

Social Media Coordinator

Regan Smith

Investor Relations

Jordan Gallant

Marketing Specialist

Kolten Kirk
Junior Research Analyst
Kolten Kirk | LinkedIn 

Amber Shuster

Executive Assistant

Stephanie Williams

Corporate Accounting Manager

Posey Hoffman

Executive Assistant

Gabrielle Calabro

Advisor Assistant

Nance Heidemann

Client Engagement Coordinator

Noormah Khan

Analyst

Katie Cukyne

Client Engagement Coordinator

Get the Book Now!

Name(Required)
Address(Required)

Get the Book Now!

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
talk with an advisor