Expert Commentary

Expert Commentary

Investors Shift Toward Defensive Assets as Global Markets Cool

17 November 2025

With market sentiment cooling, investors are reallocating capital toward defensive assets, including dividend stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents. Analysts suggest this shift reflects uncertainty around interest rates and economic growth.

VIEW ARTICLE

High-Net-Worth Families Prioritize Multi-Generational Planning

11 November 2025

A new trend among high-net-worth investors shows an increased focus on legacy planning, tax-efficient asset transfers, and long-term trust structures. Rather than short-term performance, families are emphasizing long-term generational outcomes.

VIEW ARTICLE

Rising Demand for Personalized Wealth Strategy Sparks Growth in Advisory Services

02 November 2025

As financial products become more complex, demand for personalized advisory guidance is rising—especially among individuals nearing retirement or transitioning from business ownership to private investment.

VIEW ARTICLE

Let's Talk

Client Relationship Manager

Location: Greenwood, SC
Listed 02 November 2025

Cola Wealth Financial’s High-Net-Worth Division seeks a Client Relationship Manager to serve ultra-affluent and family-office clients. The ideal candidate will deliver exceptional service, build relationships, coordinate with advisors and ensure client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Act as the primary point of contact for assigned high-net-worth clients, understanding their financial goals and service expectations.

  • Coordinate with wealth advisors, portfolio managers, tax and estate specialists to ensure cohesive client service.

  • Prepare tailored client reports, investment reviews and regularly schedule strategy meetings.

  • Identify opportunities to deepen client relationships, support onboarding of new clients and assist with business development efforts.

  • Handle client inquiries, troubleshoot issues and ensure high-quality service delivery.

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Degree in Finance, Business, or related field; CFA/CFP or similar certification preferred.

  • 4-6 years of experience in private wealth, client service or relationship management in financial services.

  • Demonstrated ability to work with HNW clients, strong networking and business-development skills.

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and a client-centric mindset.

  • Ability to work autonomously, manage sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Salary:
Attractive remuneration package including bonus potential + benefits.

APPLY NOW

Data & Reporting Analyst

Location: Johnson City, TN
Listed 11 November 2025

We are looking for a Data & Reporting Analyst to join our Operations team. This role is responsible for maintaining and enhancing our data infrastructure, ensuring accurate performance reporting, and supporting advisory teams with trusted insights.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage data feeds from custodians, advisory systems and internal databases.

  • Perform reconciliation of portfolio data, verify accuracy and troubleshoot anomalies.

  • Create and maintain reports, dashboards and metrics for internal teams and clients.

  • Support system implementation and continuous improvement of reporting infrastructure.

  • Liaise with IT, advisory teams and external vendors to enhance data workflows.

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Degree in Business, Finance, Statistics, Information Systems or related field.

  • 2-4 years’ experience in financial services, data operations or reporting functions.

  • Proficiency in Excel, BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and familiarity with investment securities.

  • Strong analytical mindset, ability to learn new software quickly and manage data quality.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Salary:
Market-aligned package + hybrid work flexibility + professional development.

APPLY NOW

Senior Financial Analyst

Location: Lexington, SC
Listed 17 November 2025

Cola Wealth Financial seeks a Senior Financial Analyst to support our investment advisory team. This role involves deep financial modelling, performance analysis of client portfolios, and providing insights to inform strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Build and maintain advanced financial models, forecast performance and scenario-analysis.

  • Analyze investment portfolios and present dashboards to senior management and advisors.

  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), detect trends, flag risks and opportunities.

  • Collaborate with advisors and clients to align investment strategy with financial goals.

  • Assist with ad-hoc projects, preparing presentations and supporting business development.

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting or related discipline.

  • 5+ years of experience in financial services, investment analysis or portfolio management.

  • Strong Excel skills, comfort with database/query tools (SQL preferred).

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

  • Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Salary:
Competitive, commensurate with experience + benefits.

APPLY NOW

Darrell Mantei

Registered Representative

Darrell Mantei Jr was born and raised in Warner Robins, GA. In 2000, Darrell moved to Columbia to attend the University of South Carolina and enlist in the South Carolina Air National Guard. He has worked for Centaurus since 2009 and is Series 7 and Series 63 licensed.

Whenever Darrell is not at the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Caroline, watching USC events, traveling, and reading history. 

Atul Makharia

Registered Representative / Investment Advisor Representative

Atul Makharia attended the University of South Carolina where he received his MBA in finance. In addition to his MBA, Atul also holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. He has worked in the financial services industry for twenty-four years and is Series 7 and Series 63 certified. When he’s not supporting the Carolina Gamecocks, Atul enjoys traveling with his wife and daughter. Not only is he passionate about finance, he values working with clients to help them achieve their financial objectives. 

Connor Thomas

Branch Manager

Connor Thomas was born and raised in Warner Robins, GA. He attended Georgia College and State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in international relations. Connor began his career in Financial Services with Centaurus Financial in 2018 where he serves as Operations Manager. Connor currently holds Series 7, 66 and 24 licenses, as well as, Life and Health insurance.

 

In his spare time, Connor enjoys traveling, golf, and spending time with family and friends. Connor also enjoys spending time with his wife Carol Ann and their dogs,  Archie and Edith. 

Jason Jeanquart

Registered Representative / Investment Advisor Representative

Jason Jeanquart was born in Wisconsin and has resided in South Carolina since 2015. He attended Lakeland University in Wisconsin where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and business management. Jason began working in financial services in 2013 and became Operations Manager for Centaurus Financial in 2015. After serving as Operations Manager for 2 years, Jason decided to obtain his Series 7 and Series 63 license.

 

In his spare time, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife Jennifer and attending Gymnastics competitions with his Daughter. Jason says his favorite part of working in financial services is interacting with clients and their families.

Danny Klemm

Registered Representative / Investment Advisor Representative

Daniel Klemm was born and raised in Leesburg, Virginia. He moved to South Carolina in 2011 to attend the University of South Carolina where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in finance, risk management, and insurance. Danny began his career in financial services at Centaurus Financial in 2015 where he holds Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses, as well as an active Life insurance license.


In his spare time, Danny enjoys traveling, playing and watching sports and spending times with his friends and family. One day Danny hopes to run his own company and travel to all 7 wonders of the world on the same passport. His favorite part of working in financial services is his ability to help clients prepare and maintain financial integrity during their retirement.

Greer Thomas

Registered Representative / Investment Advisor Representative

Greer Thomas was born in Warner Robins, Georgia and moved to South Carolina in 2012 to attend the University of South Carolina, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in economics with a minor in political science. Prior to his time at USC, Greer attended Georgia Military College where he was a member of the Bulldog golf team. He has worked in the financial services industry since 2014 and holds a Series 7 and Series 63 license as well as a license in life insurance.

 

In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, kickboxing, traveling, and is an avid Carolina football fan. Greer believes working directly with clients is the most rewarding aspect of his job.

Hunter Walters-McCarthy

Registered Representative / Investment Advisor Representative

Hunter Walters-McCarthy was born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In 2009 Hunter moved to Columbia to attend the University of South Carolina where he received a Bachelor of Science in finance with a minor in economics. He has worked for Centaurus since 2013 and is licensed in Series 7, 63, 65, insurance and SMA.

 

Though he and his wife, Jennifer, love the Gulf Coast and Saints football, they are proud to call the Midlands home. Hunter takes great pride in his clients and enjoys working for those as hardworking as him.

Matt Hawkins

Registered Representative

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Matt Hawkins graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in finance. He is Series 7, 63 and life insurance licensed. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and mother, Matt began working in finance in 2001 and later joined Centaurus in 2009. With nearly twenty years of experience, his ability to problem-solve helps him to provide clients with unique solutions to complicated problems.

 

When he’s not in the office Matt spends time with his fiancé, Natalie Rosier; together, they enjoy being outdoors mountain biking, camping and kayaking.

Lisa Mantei

Registered Representative / Investment Advisor Representative

Lisa Mantei was born in Columbia, South Carolina and attended the Honors College at the University of South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in finance. She began her career in Financial Services at AG Edwards in 1991. Lisa brings over 25 years of experience in financial services to her clients and holds a Series 7 and Series 63 license. She is also licensed in Health, Accidental, and Life Insurance.

 

In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her two beautiful daughters Sara (13) and Scarlett (1). She is very active and enjoys biking, running, weight training and travel. She also enjoys attending church with her family and reading. Lisa has said on many occasions that nothing motivates her more than loyalty to her clients and her employees. She prides herself on being able to help the next generation achieve success and avoid pitfalls.

Katherine G. Nishnic

Registered Representative

Katherine G. Nishnic was born in Perry, Georgia and graduated from Troy State University with a Business Applied Sciences degree in resource management. Prior to university, Katherine worked extensively with the US Air Force, allowing her to travel across Europe for almost two decades. In 1992 she began her financial career at Merrill Lynch as an associate financial consultant and later joined Centaurus Katherine says the most important part of her job is working with clients to help them reach their financial goals and enjoy a comfortable retirement. 

 

She is licensed in Series 7, 63 and life insurance.

 

In her free time Katherine enjoys traveling, cooking, and looking after her husband, Mike and son, Nick.