About Us

About Our Company

Get to Know Your Financial Family

We’re dedicated to guiding you through every season of life with empathy, expertise, and enduring commitment. Learn more about our story and philosophy.

Our Story

After crossing paths in 2015 within the Integrated Financial Group network (see below), the discovery of our shared values, a deep-seated belief in putting clients first, and an authentic approach to financial planning marked the beginning of a whole new chapter. Fast forward four years, the decision to merge our practices brought us together as two equals with similar, yet different backgrounds. This collaboration made MFG what it is today: a firm offering enhanced financial planning expertise built on more than 100 years of collective experience.
 
With the addition of Russ Wood, our team gained even further depth and a dedication to trust and authenticity. This choice to emphasize family and quality relationships aligns with our collective aim at Magnolia Financial Group to impact our clients’ lives positively, resonating deeply with our core values.

Our Philosophy

At Magnolia Financial Group, our philosophy is deeply rooted in personal experiences and the wisdom passed down over 100 years of combined experience. These stories and lessons drive our approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the reasons behind our financial decisions. We lead with insight and compassion, always mindful that our work is not just about the numbers, but about making each decision in a way that honors our shared values and goals. 

Our Commitment

At the heart of Magnolia Financial Group lies a deep-seated conviction to our clients’ well-being. Our dedication is as steadfast as the roots of the Magnolia tree that has inspired all of us in different ways throughout our lives. We never lose sight of what’s truly important — your best interests. With a foundation built on shared experiences, adversity, and unwavering support, we promise to guide you and your family toward a secure and meaningful future.

Our Client Success Process

Your journey with us as your financial guides starts with a warm welcome from our client success team. Whether you’re working with an advisor for the first time or transitioning from another firm, our team works hard to ensure the experience is as easy and stress-free as possible. It might be cliche to say – but we treat everyone that walks through our doors like family. In other words, clients might greet us with a handshake but after that initial meeting, they’re leaving with a hug.

Our Team

Trenton Adams, CFP®
Partner
R. Mark Smith, LUTCF
Partner
Russ Wood
Partner
Nikki Cape
Client Relationship Manager
Aundie Duckett
Executive Assistant | Insurance Coordinator
Joel Weitnauer
Retired Partner | Former Executive Council
Joel Weitnauer
Retired Partner | Former Executive Council
June Walker
Retired Partner | Executive Council
Trenton Adams, CFP®
Partner
R. Mark Smith, LUTCF
Partner
Russ Wood
Partner
Nikki Cape
Client Relationship Manager
Aundie Duckett
Executive Assistant | Insurance Coordinator
Joel Weitnauer
Retired Partner | Former Executive Council
June Walker
Retired Partner | Executive Council

Our Strategic Partners

ABOUT INTEGRATED FINANCIAL GROUP

At Magnolia Financial Group, our independence as financial planners empowers us to provide truly impartial and tailored advice. But our experience has shown us that independence doesn’t mean going it alone. Since 2014, the Magnolia team has partnered with Integrated Financial Group (IFG), a network of independent LPL financial planners nationwide.

At Magnolia Financial Group, our independence as financial planners empowers us to provide truly personalized and tailored advice. But our experience has shown us that independence doesn’t mean going it alone. Since 2014, the Magnolia team has partnered with Integrated Financial Group (IFG), a network of independent financial planners nationwide.

Established in 2003, IFG fosters a culture of collaboration among its carefully selected members, known as the Brain Trust. This collective wisdom enhances our service, offering clients the benefits of shared best practices and insights alongside our personalized approach. IFG, based in Atlanta, is a powerhouse with over $8.6 billion in brokerage and advisory assets, and it stands out as a beacon of excellence and collaboration among financial professionals.

ABOUT INTEGRATED FINANCIAL GROUP

Established in 2003, IFG fosters a culture of collaboration among its carefully selected members, known as the Brain Trust. This collective wisdom enhances our service, offering clients the benefits of shared best practices and insights alongside our personalized approach. IFG, based in Atlanta, is a powerhouse with over $1.5 billion in brokerage and advisory assets, and it stands out as a beacon of excellence and collaboration among financial professionals.

ABOUT LPL FINANCIAL

LPL Financial (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that the firm should work for the advisor, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve,* supporting nearly 22,000 financial advisors, and approximately 800 institution-based investment programs and 500 independent RIA firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-centered model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial advisor. At LPL, independence means that advisors have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services, and technology resources that allow them to run their perfect practice. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors, so they can take care of their clients.*No. 1 Independent Broker-Dealer in the U.S (Based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine 1996-2023); No. 1 provider of third-party brokerage services to banks and credit unions (2020-2021 Kehrer Bielan Research & Consulting Annual TPM Report); Fortune 500 Company as of June 2021. LPL and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. (35-LPL)

ABOUT LPL FINANCIAL

Established in 2003, IFG fosters a culture of collaboration among its carefully selected members, known as the Brain Trust. This collective wisdom enhances our service, offering clients the benefits of shared best practices and insights alongside our personalized approach. IFG, based in Atlanta, is a powerhouse with over $1.5 billion in brokerage and advisory assets, and it stands out as a beacon of excellence and collaboration among financial professionals.

It is one thing to make promises to an advisor to gain their partnership. It is another to fulfill those promises. At IFG, there is no gap between what is said and what is done. The culture of IFG is a throwback to the time when corporations treated their people like family, and it is more evident everyday that passes that IFG is a part of my family. The ability to practice independently and have an extended bench of my peers with more than 2,000 years of expertise to draw on is crucial to Magnolia Financial Group's success.
Trent Adams
Partner
READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY WITH US?

Schedule a consultation today, and join the Magnolia Financial

Group family, where your finances are our priority.

Trenton Adams, CFP®

Partner
Trent Adams is dedicated to mapping out financial futures for both families and businesses. With a Business Administration degree from Auburn University and certification as a Financial Planner, Trent has over two decades of experience in the financial sector. His approach revolves around understanding client needs thoroughly to create personalized financial plans. Trent’s own life experiences, including overcoming a brain tumor, underscore the value of financial preparedness. Beyond advising, Trent also contributes to the financial community by teaching CFP® classes, guiding aspiring advisors. He resides in Peachtree Corners, GA, with his with his wife, Brittany, and twin boys, Hunter and Mason.
Your journey with us as your financial guides starts with a warm welcome from our client success team. Whether you’re working with an advisor for the first time or transitioning from another firm, our team works hard to ensure the experience is as easy and stress-free as possible. It might be cliche to say – but we treat everyone that walks through our doors like family. In other words, clients might greet us with a handshake but after that initial meeting, they’re leaving with a hug.

R. Mark Smith, LUTCF

Partner
Mark Smith works hard to empower families and businesses to achieve their financial aspirations. A proud alumnus of the University of South Carolina, Spartanburg, where a soccer scholarship led him to a Bachelor’s in Business and Finance, Mark’s financial advisory journey began over three decades ago. Starting at John Hancock, he soon embraced the role of an independent advisor, prioritizing client interests above all. Mark’s expertise spans comprehensive financial strategies, from insurance to retirement planning, ensuring holistic support for every client. Home for Mark is Sandy Springs, where he enjoys life with his wife, Megan, and daughters, Lucy and Tatum.
Your journey with us as your financial guides starts with a warm welcome from our client success team. Whether you’re working with an advisor for the first time or transitioning from another firm, our team works hard to ensure the experience is as easy and stress-free as possible. It might be cliche to say – but we treat everyone that walks through our doors like family. In other words, clients might greet us with a handshake but after that initial meeting, they’re leaving with a hug.
Russ Wood has joined Magnolia Financial Group (MFG) after nearly 20 years with Jackson National Life Distributors, where he excelled as a wholesaler and Regional Vice President. Known for his ability to simplify complex financial products and his client-centered approach, Russ easily transitioned to financial planning. He leads with his passion for connecting with people, believes in listening more than speaking, and in providing clear, personalized financial strategies. Russ is certified with a series 7 and 63 through LPL Financial and is an Investment Advisor Representative with IFG Advisory, LLC. Beyond finance, Russ dedicates his time to his family, coaching multiple baseball teams, and sporting clays. He lives in Maine with his family but frequently visits the MFG offices in Roswell, GA. An enthusiast of New England sports and a supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs, Russ blends professional expertise with a personal touch.

Aundie Duckett

Executive Assistant | Insurance Coordinator
Aundie has worked in the financial industry since the early ’90s. She began her career with Sun Life as a New Business Underwriter. In 1999 she started working with Joel Weitnauer and has been working with Mark Smith since 2010. Her primary focus is seeking to provide superior client care and supporting advisors with insurance services. Aundie is a Georgia native. She lives in Kennesaw with her husband, Jeff, and has two children; Abbie and Patrick. When she’s not working, she enjoys running and cheering on the Atlanta Braves.

June Walker

Retired Partner I Former Executive Council
Joel Weitnauer was born in Atlanta. Upon graduating from Georgia Tech in 1965, he began his career with John Hancock. His practice specialized in business and estate planning. Joel was a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table and served as chairman of John Hancock’s Agent’s Committee. He is also a past president of the Life Leaders of Georgia and the Atlanta Association of Life Underwriters and a current member of the Atlanta Estate Planning Council. Joel and his wife, Rachel, have two sons and four grandchildren. Joel enjoys playing golf, hunting, and spending time with his family. Joel Weitnauer is not affiliated with Magnolia Financial Group, IFG Advisory, LLC, or LPL Financial.

June Walker

Retired Partner | Executive Council
June Walker is a Retired Partner and member of the Executive Council for Magnolia Financial Group. Accumulating nearly 50 years’ combined experience in financial planning and retail sales and management June brings a wealth of knowledge to the Magnolia Financial Group family, offering business guidance and strategic operations support. June has been married to his wife, Sandra for over 50 years. They have 2 sons, 3 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. June is a deacon, teaches Sunday School, and directs the choir at Stedman Baptist Church in Tallapoosa, GA. Sandra plays the church piano and organ. They live in Douglasville on their family homestead.

Nikki Cape

Client Relationship Manager
As Magnolia Financial Group’s Client Relationship Manager, Nikki Cape excels at maintaining a level of service that doesn’t disappoint. Nikki works closely with clients and strategic partners, providing comprehensive service for each account. After receiving her Bachelor of Science from Auburn University in 1995, Nikki gained valuable experience as a Convention Services Manager for the Renaissance Atlanta Hotel, later working in retail sales before joining Magnolia Financial Group in 2015. Nikki’s talent and willingness to serve others allows Magnolia Financial Group to provide clients with the attention they deserve. Nikki lives in Peachtree Corners, GA with her husband, Jeff, and twin girls, Evie and Ella.