Meet Your Team
A LASTING PARTNERSHIP FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD
When you work with McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors, you know you have an ally protecting your legacy and helping you succeed now and in the future. We've intentionally established a multigenerational firm that's designed to last well beyond our founders, ensuring that your family will always have a trusted partner in their corner no matter how far down the road.
We believe the best work is done when many different people bring their unique skills and perspectives to the table, so we work collaboratively as a team on your behalf. As a group of experts with different areas of specialization and knowledge, we're able to address the most complex planning scenarios with the high level of expertise they deserve.
Mark founded McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors in 2018 alongside Thomas Willcox with a shared vision of creating an enduring, team-centric firm. Today, Mark serves as a partner in the firm while actively continuing his role as a Private Wealth Advisor.
Mark came to Greenville in 1990 as a freshman at Furman University, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Collegiate Educational Service Corporation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies and sociology in 1994, then immediately joined Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative.
Mark is married to Amy, a Greenville native, and they have three sons: Witt, Joey, and Carter. Mark is committed to and actively involved in the Greenville community. He is also a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he serves as an elder. Additionally, he has served on the boards of key organizations in the Greenville community, including United Way of Greenville, Community Foundation of Greenville, and Gateway House. Mark currently serves on the board of Presbyterian Retirement Communities of South Carolina and the board of Neighborhood Focus.
Designations & Memberships
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®)
- Member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA)
- Member of the Greenville Estate Planning Council
Fun Facts
- What is one fun fact most people don’t know about you?
- I’m a big 1980s rap music fan!
- What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
- Be an optimist and think abundantly about your future.
- If you could learn any new hobby, what would you chose?
- Elk hunting
Dave joined McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors as a partner in 2019 and is a dedicated Private Wealth Advisor. With an extensive career in the financial industry, his goal is to help clients find clarity and peace of mind about their finances.
Dave is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and he came to Greenville as a student at Furman University. He graduated in 1972, then went on to earn an MBA from the Clemson-Furman program in 1976. After five years in banking, Dave joined Northwestern Mutual in 1981 as a Financial Representative and has been with the company ever since. He served for 28 years as Managing Director of the Greenville office and retired from that position in 2010 to focus on his wealth management practice.
Dave is a long-time supporter of the Greenville Community; he served 7 terms over 23 years as a trustee of Furman University and is currently a director of Southern First Bank. He is also a past commissioner of the Greenville Housing Authority, a past trustee of United Way of Greenville County, the YMCA Endowment Corporation, and the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. He and his wife Frances are the proud parents of three grown sons Bill, David, and Joe and four grandchildren William, Eleanor, Lily and Grace.
Professional Experience & Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
- Member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
Fun Facts
- What is one fun fact most people don’t know about you?
- My four grandkids call me “Pal.” (Also, I can talk like Donald Duck!)
Jay Hatten CFP®, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
Jay founded a successful wealth management practice in 2002, which he merged with McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors in 2020. He serves as a partner and dedicated Private Wealth Advisor, helping clients gain confidence about their wealth by guiding them through their financial plans.
Jay is originally from Huntington, West Virginia, and he moved to Greenville to attend Furman University. Shortly after he graduated in 2001, he began his career as a third-generation Northwestern Mutual Advisor. Jay, his father, and his grandfather combined have served with NM for more than 100 years.
Jay and his wife Betsy married in 2002 and they have six children: Catherine, Will, Anna, James, Elizabeth, and Ben. Jay is an elder at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church and is active in orphan ministry through Miracle Hill. He enjoys exercising, reading, music, and all types of sports.
Professional Experience & Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
Fun Facts
- What is one book that has influenced your life, personally or professionally, the most?
- The Great Santini by Pat Conroy. This was one of the first books that I ever read for entertainment, and it began a lifelong joy of reading.
- What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
- I have jumped off many things that are way too high—rocks, bridges, airplanes...
- If you could learn any new hobby, what would you chose?
- I wish I enjoyed doing more handiwork.
As a co-founder of McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors, Thomas serves as a partner in the firm while actively continuing his role as a Private Wealth Advisor. With 25 years of experience guiding clients in the areas of wealth protection, accumulation, and distribution strategies, Thomas strives to provide a deep sense of security and contentment for the people he serves.
A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Thomas graduated from Wofford College in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in history. He joined Northwestern Mutual in 2015 and now enjoys living and working in Greenville, South Carolina. In 2009, Thomas was awarded The Order of the Palmetto by Governor Mark Sanford. This award is considered the highest honor a citizen of the state can receive, and it recognizes the achievements and contributions made throughout the recipient’s lifetime.
Thomas and his wife Amy have three daughters: Caroline, Roe, and Elizabeth. He serves on several nonprofit boards including The Roe Foundation and is the Board Chair of Neighborhood Focus. He also served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church and as the treasurer of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.
Professional Experience & Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
Fun Facts:
- What is one book that has influenced your life, personally or professionally, the most?
- The Bible
- What is one fun fact most people don’t know about you?
- I love the Grateful Dead
- What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
- Jumping from a 20-foot waterfall
Since the launch of McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors in 2018, Rachel has been leading and managing the operation and processes of the firm. As a member of the executive team, she is responsible for integrating the major functions of the business, overseeing special projects, human resource management, and finance. Rachel began her career with Northwestern Mutual working for Mark Clary in 1999, where she started as an Associate Financial Representative. Since then, she has played a part in nearly every area of the business.
Rachel and her husband David have deep roots in Greenville, where they are happy to be raising their three children surrounded by extended family and their community at Downtown Presbyterian Church.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & DESIGNATIONS
- South Carolina Life, Accident & Health license
- South Carolina Long-Term Care license
FUN FACTS
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
- Time travel or teleportation so I could avoid airplanes forever!
- If you could learn a new skill in an instant, what would it be?
- Dancing
- If you could learn any new hobby, what would you chose?
- Painting—I love art, and it would be so fun to create my own!
As Director of Private Wealth Planning, Kelly leads and manages the creation of personal financial plans, trade processing, and investment portfolio and account needs. She is also responsible for the execution of investment strategies across our clients’ accounts.
Kelly graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in economics and business administration. After working as Client Service Advisor for a private wealth management team in New York City, she joined McBee Avenue in February of 2016.
After living and working in Charlotte for three years, we were thrilled to welcome back Kelly and her husband Joe (and their dog Tommy!) to Greenville in mid-2022.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & DESIGNATIONS
- FINRA Series 7 & 66 licenses
FUN FACTS
- What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
- I moved to India to study abroad and travel by myself for six months when I was 19.
- If you could learn a new skill in an instant, what would it be?
- The ability to speak another language/be bilingual
- What is something you want to do in the next year that you have never done?
- Run a full marathon
Rob enjoys helping our next generation of clients grow by building relationships and showing them how they can enjoy their life now as they prepare for the future. Before joining McBee as an Advisor in July of 2020, he served on Jay Hatten’s team for four years as an Investment Operations and Planning Specialist.
Rob is a native South Carolinian and a graduate of Presbyterian College. He enjoys living and working in Greenville with his wife Elizabeth and their four children: Quinn, Anne Shealy, Manning, and Mabel Grace. He also serves as a deacon at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church.
Professional Experience & Designations
- FINRA Series 6, 7 & 63 licenses
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
Fun Facts
- If you could learn a new skill in an instant, what would it be?
- Playing the piano or speaking another language
- What is one fun fact most people don’t know about you?
- I have had a fishhook go all the way through my lip!
- If you could learn any new hobby, what would you chose?
- Welding/metalworking
Kevin is joining McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors in October 2023, merging his existing Northwestern Mutual practice with ours while continuing his role as Private Wealth Advisor. Kevin is passionate about supporting families in creating financial wellness, advising closely held business owners, and working with professionals who need to solve for the complexity of fluctuating incomes.
Before coming to Northwestern Mutual in 2018, Kevin had a 15-year career in the golf industry as a certified PGA Master Professional. A position as Director of Golf at Thornblade Club brought Kevin and his family to Greenville in 2006. He and his wife Lauren enjoy serving at Grace Church as well as caring for and coaching their two daughters Gracyn and Piper who are very active in sports. Kevin and his family love spending time at the lake, and he also still enjoys the occasional round of golf!
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & DESIGNATIONS
- FINRA Series 6 and 63 registrations
- South Carolina Life, Accident & Health License
FUN FACTS
- What is one fun fact most people don’t know about you?
- I am a huge fan of '70s & '80s country groups, The Oak Ridge Boys & Statler Brothers
- What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
- “As long as your last name is Schreel, you will never give less than 110%” Charles Schreel, Sr., my grandfather (after not cleaning the tractor to his standard).
- If you could learn a new skill in an instant, what would it be?
- Playing the guitar. I tried it once only to find out I do not have a musical bone in my body.
As our Client Experience Manager, Melissa is passionate about serving our clients with excellence in onboarding, communication, support, claims, and scheduling.
Melissa worked at Northwestern Mutual with Jay Hatten’s team for ten years before joining McBee Avenue in 2020. She earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Clemson University.
Melissa loves calling Greenville home and being close enough for regular visits to her alma mater. She and her husband Jon (also a Clemson grad) have two children and are members of Covenant United Methodist in Greer.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & DESIGNATIONS
- South Carolina Life, Accident & Health license
FUN FACTS
- What is your favorite quote?
- The Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
- If you could learn a new skill in an instant, what would it be?
- I’d want to learn American Sign Language. I’ve always found signing fascinating.
- What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
- I’m pretty adventurous about trying new and unusual foods. You never know if you’ll like it until you try it! (I don’t recommend chitlins or chicken feet—I now know for sure I don’t like those!)
As Director of Insurance Operations and Services, Elaine leads and manages in the areas of insurance new business and underwriting, while also helping our clients with their insurance policy needs. She also provides critical operations support to the team in communication, workflow, and database management.
Elaine came to McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors in early 2022 with three years of insurance service experience at Northwestern Mutual. A Greenville native, Elaine attended Clemson University earning a degree in Health Science. She spent 10 years working with special needs children and in corporate wellness programs before taking a break to raise her three children.
Elaine and her husband Kirk stay very active with their kids’ sports, mountain biking, hiking, and exploring as a family with their sheepadoodle, Mary Poppins!
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & DESIGNATIONS
- South Carolina Life, Accident & Health license
FUN FACTS
- What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
- Moved to another country with a 2 year old and a 4 month old
- If you could learn any new hobby, what would you choose?
- How to play the piano
- What is something you want to do in the next year you have never done?
- My husband and I are planning a trip to visit Zion National Park to hike the Narrows and Angels Landing!
In late 2022 we welcomed Lyndsey to McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors as our Client Service Administrator. She is primarily responsible for opening new accounts, money movement, and investment client service.
Lyndsey is a career-changer who came to our firm after three years as an educator. A Greenville native, she graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She and her husband Cale live in Greer (along with their dog Nash and soon to be baby girl) and currently enjoy working on renovation projects and spending time with family, especially their brand new niece!
FUN FACTS:
- If you could have any super-power, what would it be?
- Teleportation for sure! I dream of all the places I could go if travel costs and time restraints were no longer an issue.
- If you could learn any new hobby, what would you chose?
- Playing violin or piano. We’ve been gifted a piano, so I’m at least a step closer!
- What is something you want to do in the next year that you have never done?
- Travel outside of the country