Team

John is “others minded” and “forward focused.” He consistently ranks as one of the top advisors in the country and is often a requested featured speaker across Northwestern Mutual and industry platforms. John is past president of Northwestern Mutual’s Managing Directors Association and the Greenville Estate Planning Council. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Greenville County.

Brett is a Business & Estate Planning Specialist. He assists clients who desire to develop a comprehensive financial plan and steward their assets for themselves and/or future generations – with a focus on families and business owners. Brett is a West Point graduate and served five years in the XVIII ABN Corps at Fort Bragg, NC. Brett received his masters from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business MBA Program and joined Northwestern Mutual in 2012. He has a wealth of business management experience and was an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005.

With over twenty five years of combined experience as a wealth management advisor (2006 – present), investment banker (2004 – 2006) and estate planning/business attorney (1995-2004), Don is passionate about helping business owners, executives, professionals and their families clarify their financial goals and achieve financial security. Based on his diverse background and experience, Don is uniquely qualified to advise clients regarding their investment management, retirement planning, business planning, estate planning, risk management and asset/income protection and distribution needs.

Don also has experience providing financial services for families of individuals with special needs. Through both professional experience and the personal experience of addressing the challenges faced by his oldest son Max, Don understands that families with special needs have unique concerns and challenges regarding the life-long care of their loved ones.

Don received his undergraduate degree from Furman University, received his joint JD and MBA degree from the University of Tennessee and earned his LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University. Previously, Don was a partner with the law firm of Gallivan, White and Boyd, PA where he specialized in estate planning and business planning. While Don no longer actively practices law, he holds professional memberships with the South Carolina Bar and the Greenville Estate Planning Council. Don is also a board member for the Advanced Institute for Development and Learning.  Don actively supports Furman University athletics.  Don is married to Jennifer and has three children Max, Lane and Abe.  Don enjoys coaching his kids and attending their school, sports and extracurricular activities.

Cassie Glover joined Northwestern Mutual in 2001. She is an Associate Financial Representative and is licensed in life insurance, disability insurance, annuities and long-term care insurance. She is also securities licensed. Cassie is responsible for client scheduling, assisting with new business underwriting, and policy-owner questions while delivering superior customer service.

Joanne has lived in the Upstate for over a decade and joined our practice shortly after moving to Greenville in 2010. Joanne is an Associate Wealth Management Advisor who has earned her FINRA Series 7/63 securities registrations as well as the Life, Variable and Accident/Health insurance licenses and the Long-Term Care licensing.  She assists in coordinating Don Clardy’s calendar, prepares customized client financial plans, generates investment and insurance paperwork, underwriting inquiries, portfolio rebalancing, equity research and coordination of client reviews. Joanne enjoys cooking, hiking and outdoor adventures with her husband and two dogs.

Thomas supports ULPG’s wealth advisors by researching and developing asset allocation strategies for clients and helps build custom portfolios tailored to clients’ financial goals. He also specializes in fee-based planning, which uses a combination of insurance, brokerage, advisory and private client platform solutions. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Thomas enjoys playing basketball and watching sports in his free time. He and his wife welcomed their first child this year.

Meredith is John Tripoli’s executive assistant, and she provides operational support for ULPG and the district agency leadership team. She also oversees marketing, agency and client events. A graduate of Bob Jones University, Meredith enjoys meeting new people and supporting others. She likes traveling, especially to third world countries with her church, spending time with family and friends and mentoring college students.

Elliott assists with daily workflow management to ensure office operations and logistics run smoothly between the ULPG team members and clients. He also supports the team with financial planning strategies and solutions and assists with policy reviews and changes, servicing, billing and back office logistics. A graduate of Clemson University, in Elliott’s free time he enjoys playing tennis and watching Clemson football.

Brooke supports the ULPG wealth advisors with meeting preparation and securing materials and documentation for client meetings. She enjoys delivering and maintaining a superior level of client service. An avid Disney fan, Brooke loves spending time with her family and dogs, playing golf and going to the lake.

Robin handles marketing activity for ULPG and supports the district agency’s PR and communication needs. She is a SC native, has lived in Greenville since 1997 and is married with one son. In Robin's free time, she is a special needs advocate and active in her son's school.