Our Team

Our Team

We believe our teamwork approach adds a broader perspective to all we do and provides increased benefits to our clients.

 

Our team of financial professionals can help you address:

  • Investing principles and strategies
  • Retirement investing and distributions strategies
  • Estate conservation issues
  • Risk management

 

We also can answer your questions, including:

  • Can I retire early?
  • Are my investments working hard enough?
  • What's the best approach for college savings?
  • What are the elements of a sound estate strategy?
  • Do I have enough life insurance for my family?

 

Our experienced professionals have helped many people just like you with similar issues and concerns. We specialize in creating an approach that is designed to address your individual situation.

Ronald Scharer

Senior Financial Advisor

Professional Positions

Senior Financial Advisor, Whetstone Financial, LLC

Investment Adviser Representative: Acts as an Investment Adviser Representative through Commonwealth Financial Network, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Branch Manager and Registered Principal,

Services Provided

  • Investment advice and money management services (including fee-based accounts and privately managed portfolios)
  • Strategic asset allocation
  • Retirement plan funding per ERISA standards (including 401 (k) individual account plans)
  • Employee benefit plan design and consulting
  • Personal financial planning and estate planning (including information gathering, defining objectives, analysis, plan design, and implementation)
  • Retirement income planning

 

Academic Designations and Professional Designations

  • JD Juris Doctor, 1973. Admitted to the practice of Law in Ohio, 1973
  • CLU Chartered Life Underwriter, 1975
  • CEBS Certified Employee Benefit Specialist, 1980
  • ChFC Chartered Financial Consultant, 1983
  • CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, 1988

Professional Organizations

  • Financial Planning Association
  • Marion County Bar Association
  • Ohio State Bar Association

 

Additional Background

Mr. Scharer has provided financial planning services since 1974 when he first registered to offer investment securities. From 1977 to 1987, he owned and operated Custom Benefits, Inc., which provided a full range of administrative, consulting, and actuarial services for employee benefit plans. Since 1987, he has specialized in financial planning and portfolio management for individuals, corporations, and retirement plans.

Scott A. Crawford

Financial Advisor

Investment Adviser Representative:
Acts as an Investment Adviser Representative through Commonwealth Financial Network

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor: 

 

Academic Designations and Additional Background

  • Bachelor of Arts: Mount Vernon Nazarene University

 

Having entered the financial services industry in 2002, Mr. Crawford has worked with individuals as well as small business owners. His practice focuses on the advantages of asset management and “wrap-fee” programs through Commonwealth Financial Network. Dedication and a willingness to listen play key roles in helping Scott’s clients more effectively work toward their financial goals.

Services Provided

  • Personal financial and estate planning
  • Money management services—wrap-fee accounts and privately managed portfolios
  • Retirement funding and distribution
  • Corporate retirement plans
  • 401(k) and pension rollovers
  • Full-service brokerage
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term care insurance
  • College funding planning
  • Retirement income planning

Danielle M. Landon

Financial Advisor

Investment Adviser Representative:
Acts as an Investment Adviser Representative through Commonwealth Financial Network

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor

Academic Designations and Additional Background
  • Bachelor of Science in Business, Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University
Dani joined Whetstone Financial, LLC, in November 2007 and holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations and a State of Ohio Life, Health and Annuity license. Prior to joining the firm, Dani had three years of experience in the banking industry. In May 2018, she graduated from the Leadership Marion Program through the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.

Being independent and without proprietary alliances, Dani focuses on developing financial plans tailored to the unique goals of each client whether it be an individual or a business. She enjoys helping others achieve their financial goals whether they are just starting on the path to retirement, looking to turn hard-earned retirement savings into income, or working with a business to implement the appropriate retirement plan.
 
Services Provided
  • Investment advice and money management services (including fee-based accounts and privately managed portfolios)
  • Strategic asset allocation
  • Retirement plan funding per ERISA standards (including 401(k) individual account plans)
  • Employee benefit plan design and consulting
  • Personal financial planning and estate planning (including information gathering, defining objectives, analysis, plan design, and implementation)
  • Retirement income planning

Thomas E. Savage

Financial Advisor

Investment Adviser Representative:
Acts as an Investment Adviser Representative through Commonwealth Financial Network

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor: 

Academic Designations and Additional Background

  • Bachelor of Science: University of Rio Grande
  • Masters of Business Administration: Otterbein University

Thomas joined Whetstone Financial, LLC, in September 2022 and holds the FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations. Prior to joining the firm, Thomas was the director of Internal Sales and Services, Annuity, Life and Retirement Plans for Nationwide Financial Services. He was a registered representative for Morgan Stanley from 1999 to 2001. Prior to his experience in the financial industry, Thomas was a U.S. Army Commissioned Officer and served three tours in the Persian Gulf for which he was awarded the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

Thomas has lived in many places throughout the world including Europe, Central America, and the Middle East. He now lives in Westerville, Ohio, with his wife and best friend, Lissa. They love spending time with their daughter Elizabeth, son Thomas Jr., and daughter-in-law Nicole.

Thomas likes to spend his free time with his family, and enjoys many outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, and kayaking. He and Lissa also enjoy an occasional ride on his motorcycle. When he’s not doing that, he can probably be found at home working on one of his many projects around the house.

Services Provided

  • Investment advice and money management services (including fee-based accounts and privately managed portfolios)
  • Strategic asset allocation
  • Retirement plan funding per ERISA standards (including 401 (k) individual account plans)
  • Employee benefit plan design and consulting
  • Personal financial planning and estate planning (including information gathering, defining objectives, analysis, plan design, and implementation)
  • Retirement income planning

Megan Simmermon

Office Manager

Megan supervises all services offered by our office and offers assistance to the financial advisors by preparing for client meetings, processing orders, and obtaining investment-related research. She also provides training and compliance updates for the staff.

Megan is a General Securities FINRA Series 7 registered representative through Commonwealth Financial Network.  She has a BA in English from The Ohio State University.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys hosting tea parties, gardening, bicycling, and studying ancient Hebrew.  She has two cats, Sweet Pea and Violet.

Penni James

Client Relations Manager

Penni is our initial contact associate. She handles client requests and promptly addresses concerns with precision. In addition, she has extensive experience in retirement planning and administration.

Penni is a General Securities FINRA Series 7 registered representative, holds a FINRA Series 66 Combined State Law registration through Commonwealth Financial Network, and is licensed in variable annuities, health, and life insurance.