William Abeles Jr., CFP ^® , CLU ^® , ChFC ^®

Managing Director – Investments

• 240.513.2713
• [email protected]

Professional:

The team has plenty of tenure, and Bill is certainly no exception. Bill joined his father in 1992 with previous experience, and now has over 30 years in the financial industry. Bill brings an expertise in employer 401(k) retirement and pension plans to the team.  He has worked with companies of all sizes. Bill’s thorough understanding of 401(k) development stems from assisting in the 401(k) plan design, installation and communication to both trustees and the participants. Bill believes employer benefits and investment strategies should be incorporated into a holistic approach which includes wealth management and investment planning.  The industry continues to evolve, so Bill has dedicated himself to education so his clients get precise and updated information. He became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant, and also earned professional designations as a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) and a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from the American College of Financial Services.  Bill is also a proud alumnus of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, earning degrees in both Economics and Business Administration.

On the Personal Side:

He and Beverly, his wife for over 30 years, live in Hagerstown Maryland. They are blessed to have four children—Will, Charlie, Maddie and Kevin.  Bill enjoys his family and often travels to visit them as they are spread across the map. Bill enjoys coaching youth sports and almost any outdoor activity.  Ironically, when feeling youthful himself, Bill participates in adult baseball tournaments in Cooperstown, New York and survived two Philmont High Adventure Boy Scout camping trips in the mountains of New Mexico with his Eagle Scout sons

Something you May not Know:

Bill loves to swing for the fence, and although he doesn’t always make contact, he hit a memorable homerun in 2008, figuratively speaking. Bill was manager of the 11-12 year old Federal All-Star Team, who went on a fascinating winning streak in the summer of 2008. Bill’s team went on a 6 game run in Bristol Connecticut to win the Mid-Atlantic Region, which punched their ticket to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Ryan Flurie, MBA, CFP ^®

Managing Director – Investments

• 240.513.2726
• [email protected]

Professional:

Senior Vice President – Investment Officer, Ryan Flurie began his professional career in the financial industry over 10 years ago before joining the Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group in 2011. He works with both individual and institutional clients to help them build, manage, preserve, and transition their wealth. He also assists with the oversight of the investment process and the development of strategies and services. Before joining the team in 2011, Ryan was a commercial lender/business banker for M&T Bank. Ryan is an active member of multiple non-profits, the Hagerstown Rotary Club, The Order of the Good Samaritan of Frederick Memorial Hospital and has served on the Board of Directors for Hagerstown Rotary Club, Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Leadership Washington County. In 2022, Ryan was a part of the Leadership Maryland Class and successfully graduated from the program. Forbes Magazine has recognized Ryan as one of America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors. *

Ryan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Finance from Salisbury University. During those four years, he was a member of the varsity soccer team and named to the All-Academic Conference Team, three times. Since then, Ryan has gone on to get a Master of Business Administration (MBA), became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP ®) professional. Ryan resides in Frederick, Maryland.

On the Personal Side:

Ryan is a native of Hagerstown, Maryland where most of his family still resides. His parents are local business owners and his Grandfather had a medical practice for over 61 years. He has one younger sister, who has a Doctorate in Pharmacy and works at the Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Ryan still plays soccer on the weekends and hopes to eventually get involved with the coaching side of the game. Ryan is a mentor for Washington County Public School students, where he helps teach financial skills to First Generation College bound high schoolers. Every year, since 2011, Ryan and the Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group coordinate a $15,000 donation from the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation to the local Habitat for Humanity.

Something you May not Know:

Ryan’s mother is a dance teacher and has owned her own studio since 1989. Though Ryan has never taken any formal dance classes, he did inherit the dancing gene from his mother. Given this background, Ryan was asked by his mother to participate in the annual Dancing with the ARC Stars, a fundraising event for the ARC of Washington County. Ryan and his dance partner took 1st place in the competition, and helped the community raise over $100,000. Ryan is now known for his theatrical style and grace, he thinks.

* The Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion.

Karen Simms

Senior Client Associate – Assistant Vice President

• 240.513.2716
• [email protected]

Professional:

Karen has over 19 years of experience working in the financial services industry. She began her career with Legg Mason and worked with UBS in Bethesda Maryland before joining the Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group in 2011. One of Karen’s main responsibilities is to assist with administration of retirement plans, which has many facets. From helping clients ease the transition of a job change through assisting with rollovers, scheduling enrollment meetings, and engaging with clients when questions arise, she ensures a smooth process. Karen is also responsible for distributing marketing materials that keep our clients informed and educated, and she often discovers meaningful sponsorship opportunities for the practice too.

On the Personal Side:

Karen was brought up in a Navy family and was fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the U.S. while attending several different schools. Karen married her husband, Kevin, in 2005 and has lived in Hagerstown, Maryland for 12 years. She is a mother of two children, Kyle and Kayla and also the family dog, Blue. Karen spends most of her time driving her kids to soccer and horseback riding lessons. All the while, trying to maintain the house and keep everyone nourished. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking for her family, listening to music and loves to dance.

Something you May not Know:

Karen has a soft spot for horses. She used to partake in competitions and has plenty of ribbons to show for it. She hopes to begin riding again when her children are grown and finally start cooking for themselves, although we remind her – her children may always want mom’s cooking.

Erin Wevodau

Client Associate

• 240.513.2734
• [email protected]

Professional:

Erin’s a 2012 graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Public Relations and Communication. She is currently pursuing her MBA with a focus in Management Consulting at Colorado State University. She began her career with Fiserv, formerly known as First Data, before joining Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group in May of 2021.

On the Personal Side:

Erin was born and raised in Hagerstown, MD and attended North Hagerstown High School graduating the Class of 2008. Erin and her husband, Kyle reside in Hagerstown with their son, Harrison. Outside of the office, Erin enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Barbara K. Winters

Senior Registered Client Associate – Vice President

•  
• 240.513.2717
• [email protected]

Professional:

Barb has 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, and her time with Abeles Flurie Wealth Management dates back to 2006. As a fully registered client associate, Barb works closely with our Financial Advisors to support our clients’ financial needs. Not only is Barb dedicated to providing unmatched service on the financial front, but she also deeply enjoys getting to know the clients on a personal level. Prior to joining the Abeles Flurie group, she worked at Legg Mason. Barb is a proud graduate of Hood College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

On the Personal Side:

When Barb is free from the office, she loves traveling. Traveling normally involves her toes in the sand and plenty of sunshine. She also enjoys exercising and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

Something you May not Know:

Barb is a proud grandmother of three energetic grandchildren. She feels blessed to have them nearby so she can witness all their accomplishments. Ice hockey, lacrosse, volleyball and ballet are just a few sports Barb now attends for her grandchildren. The never ending cycle of sporting events keeps Barb plenty busy as their #1 fan.

Brittany Morton

Registered Client Associate

•  
• 240-513-2730
• [email protected]

Professional:

Brittany graduated from Kaplan University with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science with a specialty in Medical assisting in 2012. She juggled a career between being a medical assistant and working at Citi Corp for 6 years before joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2018. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources in 2022 and is currently working on completing her MBA with a focus in Finance with Southern New Hampshire University. Brittany is securities registered passing the Series 7, 66, 9 & 10.

On the Personal Side:

Brittany resides in PA with her husband DJ and three children , Braylin, Jaxsin and Derynn. She loves spending time with her family, although most of their year consists of juggling sports schedules between their three children. When she isn’t cheering her kids on from the sidelines of a soccer field or bleachers of the baseball field ( and soon to be gymnastics gym), you can find her at home cheering on her favorite professional sports teams the Dallas Cowboys or New York Yankees. Which sometimes leads to some loud Sundays as her two boys are Kansas City Chief fans and Philadelphia eagles fans. Her husband DJ is in his tenth year of serving with military and she is hoping to have him home full time by the end of next year.

Something you May not Know:

In Brittany’s free time- Which doesn’t happen often! She has a hobby…. That others who know her would call an addiction, of putting together Lego Sets. She started off putting her completed sets in her boy’s bedrooms but when they ran out of room there , her husband had to put up shelving in their basement for all of her builds. She’s always jokingly telling her husband, “If Lego had a job where I could sit and put Lego sets together every day, I would do that in a heartbeat!”

Stephanie Kennedy

Senior Registered Client Associate – Vice President

• 240.513.2708
• [email protected]

Professional:

Stephanie has been providing excellent customer service with the firm since 2006. She was originally hired as a receptionist for Wachovia Securities prior to the merger with Wells Fargo Advisors.  As time passed, Stephanie continued to impress colleagues and her roles with the firm transformed. Stephanie became an Operations Specialist providing operations support to four separate offices in the complex before joining the Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group. Just recently, Stephanie was honored as 2016 Team Member of the Year. This award recognizes team members with distinguished passion for service, commitment to high values, and excelling at helping our clients. Stephanie is also securities registered, passing both the Series 7 & 66.

On the Personal Side:

Stephanie was born and raised in New Oxford, a small town in Adams County, Pennsylvania. She attended college at Shippensburg University and made her way south to Hagerstown, Maryland. Stephanie, her boyfriend Steven and their son Chase are enjoying making memories in their recently purchased home in Hagerstown.  Stephanie is a huge sports fanatic and loves watching football and baseball.  As an Eagles and Phillies fanatic she enjoys visiting and attending games in her favorite city – Philadelphia!

Something you May not Know:

Stephanie makes the best buffalo chicken dip in the tristate area. For football events, picnics and office parties - buffalo chicken dip is demanded by friends and colleagues. Some may argue that “you don’t know buffalo chicken dip until you’ve tried hers!”

Carol Gillespie

Senior Registered Client Associate - Vice President

• 240.513.2719
• [email protected]

Professional:

Carol, the most tenured teammate on our roster, has been working in the financial services industry for over 40 years. She began at Robert Garrett & Sons in Baltimore in the late 1960’s as their receptionist and has since been devoted to the industry. Carol works closely with all members of the team to assist in the preparation and ongoing servicing for clients. Carol became fully registered in 1995 as she passed her Series 7, Series 66.

On the Personal Side:

Carol was raised in a military family. She was even born in Camp Lee, an army base outside Richmond, Virginia. She firmly recognizes Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as her home; we think this is derived from her love of the Steelers. She met her husband while they were teens in Baltimore, Maryland but they have lived in Fairfield, Pennsylvania since 1987. Their lovely home in Pennsylvania has a beautiful view as it is tucked next to Ski Liberty and Carroll Valley Golf Course. She begrudgingly gave up skiing a few years back, and now relies on football to fill the void. Her favorite teams are the Redskins and of course, the Steelers. Carol enjoys the beauty in nature and adores all animals. She has rescued five cats and six turtles, and loves them all.

Something you May not Know:

Although Carol believes her football fandom filled the void when she gave up skiing, it appears football has always had a special place in Carol’s heart. In the mid 1970’s, Carol sold her grand piano to raise funds for the purchase of season tickets to the Baltimore Colts.

Kimberly Blenckstone

Senior Registered Client Associate - Vice President

• 240.513.2728
• [email protected]

Professional:

Kim joined the firm in 2001 and has been a committed team member ever since. Kim is general securities registered and her 23 years of industry experience is a true asset to the team and clients, alike. She takes great pride in developing long lasting relationships through a personal approach. She works closely with the advisors to assist in all facets of the client experience. Prior to Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group, she worked at Legg Mason in Hagerstown, Maryland. Kim earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. Kim previously worked in broadcasting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and at WHAG TV in Hagerstown.

On the Personal Side:

Kim is a native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and moved to Hagerstown in 1992. Interestingly, The Hagerstown Suns brought the Blenckstone family to Maryland when Kim’s husband David and her father in-law, Winston, purchased the Hagerstown Suns franchise. Even though the team was sold in 2001, Kim and her family continue to call this community home. She has a son, Adam, a graduate from the University of Delaware with a Sports Management Degree. Adam also played for Bill Abeles’ Little League Team, which qualified for the Little League World Series. Her daughter, Taylor, plays D-1 lacrosse at Longwood University. Kim is also involved with Habitat for Humanity. She coordinates volunteer efforts to help with the construction of new homes for a deserving family. In her spare time, Kim enjoys playing tennis, going to the gym, and cooking.

Something you May not Know:

Sometimes you may say the phrase, “I wish there were two of me.” Well, Kim can say this truthfully, at least somewhat. Kim has a twin brother, Kenny. He still resides in Myrtle Beach. Kim hopes to retire down there so she can see her brother and enjoy the beach whenever she pleases.

Thomas Trimble, CMFC®

Financial Consultant

• 240.513.2729
• [email protected]

Professional:

As a Financial Consultant of the Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group, Tom works with individual and institutional clients by providing a high level of service and advice to help clients achieve their financial goals. In addition, Tom is a member of the team’s investment committee, which develops and reviews investment strategies and processes. Prior to joining Abeles Flurie Wealth Management Group, Tom was the Operations Liaison for the Wells Fargo Advisors hub serving the Leesburg, Warrenton, Winchester, and Hagerstown offices.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics and Finance from Stevenson University. Tom continues to add depth to his knowledge base. He earned his Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC ^®) certification from the College for Financial Planning.

On the Personal Side:

Originally from Eldersburg Maryland, Tom moved to Williamsport Maryland after meeting his wife Stefanie in 2011. Tom and Stefanie also welcomed Chelsie, their first daughter on July 20th, 2016. Tom is engaged in the community and dedicates time to his church. Currently, he is chairman of the scholarship committee which awards scholarships to students pursuing higher education. He also loves sports! Tom plays softball every Friday during the summer months for his church league, and spends time on the basketball court when he can.

Something you May not Know:

Before entering the financial industry in 2008, Tom went to culinary school in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania at the Le Cordon Bleu Institute. There he received his culinary degree. Even though not working in the restaurant business, Tom still dabbles in the kitchen. Tom’s specialty is his irresistible lasagna. He claims the secret is in his homemade tomato sauce.

Shane Fritts

Registered Client Associate

• 240.513.2747
• [email protected]

Professional:

Shane’s a 2016 graduate of Stevenson University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Management with a focus in Finance. He has been with the practice since February 2017 as an Intern and then being brought on board as a team member in January of 2018. Before then, he held a collection of jobs throughout college at Smith Elliott Kearns & Company to Hagerstown Kitchens, Inc. to Fountain Head Country Club. He currently helps in the team in many capacities…partnering with Jimmy and Zane as they expand their roles as well as leading the PIM ® Program along with Tom and being an integral part of our Retirement Plan services. Shane also maintains our website and social media interfaces. Shane is securities registered, passing both the Series 7 & 66.

On the Personal Side:

Born and raised in Reston, Virginia ‘til his family moved to the Hagerstown area shortly before he turned 3. Shane grew up in the same neighborhood throughout his childhood despite living in different houses and attended Smithsburg High graduating the Class of 2012. Whilst in college he was a student-athlete on the Men’s Golf team that made two trips to NCAA Nationals in his four years. To accompany his love of the game of golf he’s also an avid sports fan of the Los Angeles Rams and LSU Tigers, being a fan since his early childhood.

He currently lives in Frederick and when he isn’t at the office, you’ll find him traveling, on the golf course or on the beach and relaxing with a laid-back view on life trying to enjoy every bit.

Something you May not Know:

Shane attempted to follow his father’s footsteps into the public accounting space world but after a few semesters in college realized he had too much creativity, which comes out in his interest in golf course design and landscape architecture, a passion he dreams of accomplishing in his lifetime.

Zane Schreiber

Vice President - Investment Officer

• 240.513.2714
• [email protected]

Professional:

Zane enjoys working closely with his clients to help bring clarity to their financial picture and incorporating a plan to help navigate retirement. He believes this begins by building a personal relationship with each client and taking the time to understand each unique situation. Zane is also actively involved with the engagement and employee education of the team’s institutional retirement plans. Before joining the Abeles Flurie Group, he was a student-athlete at The George Washington University in Washington, DC where he double majored in Finance and Organizational Sciences.

On the Personal Side:

Zane was born and raised in Hagerstown, MD with a family of five. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time playing slow pitch softball and exercising at the YMCA. Zane sits on the board of several non-profits throughout the community such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and formerly, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Whether it is coaching at Federal Little League or mentoring his little brother, he wants to help the next generation of Washington County’s youth succeed.

Something you May not Know:

Zane’s parents did not deviate from the letter ‘Z’. His siblings, Zach & Zoe, make it very easy for others to get their names confused. Family competition reigned true within the Schreiber household - all three Z’s went on to play Division 1 sports. Zach played football at Liberty University and Zoe played volleyball at Marshall University.