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 multi-generational families and closely-held businesses. Brett is a West Point graduate and served 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 while serving as president of S&S Cycle, Inc.

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 earned his Chartered Special Needs Consultant® certification from The American College of Financial Services to more effectively support individuals with disabilities who can benefit from special needs planning. Through both professional experience and personal experience stemming from the challenges faced by his oldest son Max, he understands that families with special needs have unique considerations regarding the life-long care of their loved ones. He is dedicated to identifying and achieving goals for these families and educating them on pathways to help achieve a lifetime of financial security.

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 also served as a board member for the Advanced Institute for Development and Learning from 2015-2021.  Don actively supports Furman University athletics. Don is married to Jennifer and has three children Max, Lane and Abe. Don enjoys supporting his kids and attending their school, sports and extracurricular activities.

Designations:

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional 
• ChSNC®
• LL.M.
• J.D.
• MBA
• CLU®     

Chris serves as a lead advisor specializing in helping families and small businesses steward their resources effectively as possible in pursuit of their goals. In his role as lead advisor, Chris works closely with practice partners in support of client planning needs. He has an undergrad in Civil Engineering from the Virginia Military Institute, and a masters in Executive Leadership through Liberty University. Before joining Northwestern Mutual, Chris served in the Air Force as a Civil Engineer Officer, and he still serves as a Major in the Air Force Reserves. Chris and his wife have three children.

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 policyowner questions while delivering superior customer service.

Thomas supports Upstate Legacy Planning Group’s wealth advisors by researching and developing asset allocation strategies for clients and helps build custom portfolios tailored to clients’ financial goals. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Thomas enjoys playing basketball and watching sports in his free time. He and his wife have one daughter.

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.

Cammie prepares research, recommendations, and solutions supporting ULPG lead advisors and partners with client plan presentations and proposals with a focus toward family/household and retirement planning. She also specializes in assisting clients with insurance application and servicing needs. A graduate of Clemson University and a Greenville native, Cammie is married with two children. She enjoys traveling with her family and loves a great book.

Chris prepares research, recommendations, and solutions supporting ULPG lead advisors and partners with client plan presentations and proposals with a focus toward business owners and retirement planning. He also specializes in assisting clients with account implementation and servicing needs. Chris is a Florida native and graduate of Furman University with a degree in accounting. He enjoys strength training and hiking with his Carolina dog, Sadie.

Meredith is John Tripoli’s executive assistant, and she provides operational support for Upstate Legacy Planning Group and the district agency leadership team. She also oversees agency and client events. A graduate of Bob Jones University, Meredith enjoys meeting new people and supporting others. She likes traveling, especially to serve with her church, spending time with family and friends and discipling women.

Sarah provides administrative support ensuring exceptional client service, handles insurance case management and manages team marketing initiatives and events. She is a South Florida native and fell in love with the Upstate of South Carolina when she was a student at Clemson University. She earned dual degrees in communication and economics from Clemson and completed her master’s from the University of Florida. Sussie loves all things sports and exploring with her dog, Lincoln.