meet the team
The only place Ben would rather be other than on the water with a cool sea breeze is with his growing family. Yet another seasoned member of the Solas Financial crew, Ben has worked in the financial planning sector for over 20 years and has been authorised to provide advice since December 1998.
Ben holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, Diploma of Financial Services (Kaplan Professional) and the Foundation Diploma of Financial Planning (Financial Planning Association of Australia). He is a Financial Planner who specialises in comprehensive Superannuation, Investment and Retirement planning strategies for clients with retirement on the horizon or who have already retired. Ben can also assist with insurance protection strategies for clients still engaged in the workforce looking to safeguard against the unknowns that life can sometimes deliver.
Ben is a Financial Planner AFP® Member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia, a Registered Tax (Financial) Adviser with the Tax Practitioners Board and has passed the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) National exam.
Married with two boys, when Ben’s not at the helm of his clients’ financial futures he enjoys spending time with family, sailing and has a keen interest in aviation.
The landlubber of the Solas crew, Susan prefers dry land to the call of the open sea. Susan has been an Authorised Representative with Professional Investment Services since 2000 giving her over 21 years experience in the financial services field. Susan specialises in Superannuation and Retirement Planning, Investment Planning and Life Insurance.
Susan is a Financial Planner AFP® Member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia, a Registered Tax (Financial) Adviser with the Tax Practitioners Board and has passed the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) National exam.
Susan has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Tasmania, an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning with Kaplan Professional and a Diploma of Financial Planning through the FPA with Deakin University.
When she’s not at work, Susan enjoys spending time with her daughter, family and friends and avoiding light-hearted jokes from the rest of the team about her ability to get seasick on wet grass.
Joe enjoys the coast. He has been fishing, diving and surfing for most of his adult life. He has recently started learning to sail and loves being out on the water with his young family. Joe has worked in finance for over 15 years being a senior manager with the CBA and more recently an authorised financial adviser since early 2016.
Joe has a Bachelor of Economics with Honours, and also holds a Diploma of Financial Services and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning. He can provide comprehensive advice on Superannuation, Investment Planning, Retirement Planning, Cash Flow Management, Centrelink Strategies and Personal Insurance needs.
Joe has a passion for forging meaningful connections with his clients and going on the journey with them as their life circumstances and needs evolve over time. He feels it is a privilege to assist clients in meeting their personal and financial goals and objectives.
Joe has a wife and two young kids, and when not spending time with his family or at work he enjoys the ocean, playing music and golf.
Drew has been working with Solas Financial since 2002 and is another able seaman of the Solas crew.
Drew is our Paraplanner preparing our detailed advice reports for clients and assisting with general information and client calls. Drew has completed the Diploma of Financial Services (Kaplan).
Drew has previously been an Authorised Representative with Professional Investment Services, however has decided to take a step back and concentrate on administration and client support within our business.
When not working Drew enjoys sailing and spending time with family and friends, running and cycling.
Kate is an essential part of our team joining our office in December 2014. Kate is our Client Services Administration officer whom performs a range of duties including client review recommendations, valuation reports and keeping up to date with legislated reporting.
Kate supports with managing the office and can assist with all general administration queries. Kate is currently undertaking study in the Diploma of Financial Planning.
Laura started working with us in April and is now a valued member of our team. Laura is our cheerful Receptionist / client administration officer who greets you on arrival to our office and is able to assist you with arranging appointments and general administration queries including valuation reports.
