Experience That inspires confidence

We are here to provide quality strategies customized to your needs–and to be your primary source of financial advice. We concentrate on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service. You can rely on our personalized advice, first-class solutions, and extensive wealth management experience.

Jeffrey S. "Jeff" Allen, CFP®, CTFA

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA)
Visit my personal page
864-241-8569
864-423-8931

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Jeff works closely with clients to help them live more and worry less about their finances.  He has been an advisor with UBS since 2007.  Prior to joining the firm, Jeff spent 7 years working at Bank of America US Trust where he served as a Vice President and Trust Officer. His experience advising hundreds of clients over the last 2 decades has allowed Jeff to develop a unique and specific skillset in the area of trust and estate planning strategies for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals and families. 

Jeff graduated magna cum laude from Campbell University in 2000 with a  B.B.A. in Trust Management and a Minor in Financial Planning.  Campbell University offers the nation's only undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Trust and Wealth Management. Additionally, Jeff is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional (CFP®) and has been awarded the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) professional designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers giving his clients peace of mind that the strategies Jeff and the team use and the advice that they give help them achieve their financial goals.

Jeff resides in Greenville, SC with his wife, Emily, and two children, Isabel (12) and Jake (9). In his free time, Jeff is an avid runner and enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family in the mountains of Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina.  Jeff also stays busy coaching U-10 boys soccer and leading a group of 9 men through a mentoring program at NewSpring Church.  Jeff supports and volunteers for a number of local non-profit organizations including NewSpring Church, 721 Ministries, Habitat for Humanity and the United Way of Greenville County. He is also a member of The Greenville Estate Planning Council.

 


Registered States:
AL, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA


Steve Armaly

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Wealth Advisor
864-370-4918

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Fueled by his passion for helping people and analytics, Steve oversees all new relationships and financial planning.  He joined UBS in 2004 following a successful career as a management consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers and serving as a financial analyst with Fluor Corporation. 

In recognition of his expertise, Forbes ranked Steve as a “Best-In-State Wealth Advisor” in South Carolina in 2020.  Steve is a 1996 graduate of The Citadel in Charleston, SC where he earned a B.S. in Accounting and Business.  He has the designation of Wealth Advisor, having completed over 150 hours of advanced training in a comprehensive blended learning program.  The Wealth Advisor program focuses on helping Advisors connect more deeply with clients and provides education and the following wealth management topics: investments, liabilities, insurance, executive compensation, protection strategies, qualified retirement plan and individual retirement account distributions, business succession planning, gifting to children and descendants, charitable gifting and distribution of wealth at death.

A resident of Greenville, SC, Steve supports and volunteers for a number of charities and public organizations.  Steve is a youth football and basketball coach, serves on the board of local schools, served as a Cabinet Member for the United Way of Greenville County and is a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church.  Steve is an avid outdoorsman who loves all the natural resources available in South Carolina.

Steve and his wife, Kristen, have four children Thomas, Elizabeth, Lauren and Matthew.


Registered States:
AL, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV


Brian A. Blackburn, CFP®

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Wealth Advisor
864-241-8573

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



 

Brian joined UBS as a Financial Advisor in 2000. Prior to his move to Wealth Management, Brian worked as a Commercial Banker with Wachovia Bank. He began his career in public accounting with Huges, Boan & Associates. Brian has been awarded the designation of Wealth Advisor, having completed over 150 hours of advanced training in a comprehensive blended learning program. The Wealth Advisor program focuses on helping Advisors connect more deeply with clients and provides education and the following wealth management topics: investments, liabilities, insurance, executive compensation, protection strategies, qualified retirement plan and individual retirement account distributions, business succession planning, gifting to children and descendants, charitable gifting and distribution of wealth at death.

Brian graduated magna cum laude from Clemson University in 1994 with a B.S. in Financial Management and a Minor in Accounting.  He holds Series 7 and 63 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and long-term care insurance licenses.  Brian is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM which allows him to help individuals pull their finances together, solve financial problems, and make a plan to achieve their financial goals. To achieve this designation, Brian had to complete a stringent educational program and pass a series of rigorous examinations.  Furthermore, he must fulfill annual continuing education requirements, which give him insight into the most current planning strategies and financial trends.

Brian and his wife, Lynn, reside in Simpsonville with their three children, Emma, James and Drew.  His daughter, Emma, has special needs, and this drives Brian to be an advocate for families with special needs children.  Brian and his family are active members of their church, Fellowship Greenville.  In his free time, Brian enjoys hiking, Clemson football and spending time with his family.


Registered States:
AL, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA


Michael S. Lee

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager
Visit my personal page
864-241-8562

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



As a Senior Portfolio Manager, Mike focuses on high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, families and private foundations.  During his 30+ years career at UBS and other financial services organizations, he has gained knowledge of the most sophisticated wealth management techniques and worked exclusively with a select group of clients to provide private planning, trust and estate planning, philanthropic services, concentrated stock management and tax minimization strategies.

In recognition of this expertise, Mike was ranked as a "Top Advisor" in Florida by Barron's in 2009 and as a "Best-In-State Wealth Advisor" in South Carolina by Forbes in 2019 and 2020.  Mike is recognized as someone who has knowledge and perspective on investments, as Publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Palm Beach Post, The Sun Sentinel and Palm Beach Illustrated Magazine, as well as a variety of radio and television programs have asked him to provide insight and expertise on the markets.  In addition, he co-hosted a television program entitled "Wealth and Wisdom" focused on educating the community for 11 years, which aired in South Florida on WXEL (PBS).  Before joining UBS, Mike was a Managing Director at JPMorgan, where he held management positions as Regional Investment Executive for Michigan and Florida and Market Director for Florida and Georgia for Private Wealth Management.

Mike graduated cum laude from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1990 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He is a current Trustee of Palm Beach Atlantic University, a Director of the Albert E. and Birdie W. Einstein Fund, former Trustee for the Governor's School of the Arts Foundation Board, former board member for Impact Sports International and a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 38.

Mike moved to Greenville, SC in 2009 with his wife, Stacey, and daughter, Brooke.


Registered States:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA


Christopher J. "Chris" Newton, CFP®

First Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Visit my personal page
864-241-8570

email



Chris has over 30 years of investment experience in the financial industry. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business and Administration and was both a member of the Chicago Board of

Trade and the Chicago Board Options Exchange for many years.

As a former option specialist and market maker on the Exchange floors, Chris has a very strong and sophisticated knowledge of the fixed income and option markets. Chris holds the Certified Financial Planner ™ designation and follows a thorough and disciplined approach to investing. His focus is on asset allocation, fixed income, options strategies and risk diversification strategies for concentrated stock positions.

Chris approaches every client as an individual with unique values, desires and financial goals. His experience in developing sophisticated strategies helps him to create the appropriate strategy and solutions for even the most complex situations. In addition, when requested, he works closely with his clients' other advisors, including attorneys and accountants, to fully integrate his clients' tax and estate planning strategies.

Chris lives in the Keowee Key community on beautiful Lake Keowee. He enjoys golf, gardening and slow lake cruises with his wife Kim and their dog Maddie.


Registered States:
AL, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV


Christopher John "CJ" Newton II, CFP®

Account Vice President
Financial Advisor
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Visit my personal page
864-241-8560

email



CJ joined UBS in 2013 while at Clemson University pursuing his BS in Finance. After graduating in 2014, CJ teamed with Chris so that he could continue helping clients achieve their financial goals. CJ's focus is on the Financial Goal Analysis™ program - a very comprehensive report offering clients a complete picture of their financial plan and retirement years. As an important part of the planning process, CJ and Chris spend time with clients and their families to get to know each individual's goals and objectives. CJ then develops the plan and reviews the analysis so that each client may take comfort in and understand their financial and retirement picture.

CJ is also a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and is trained on retirement, estate planning, and investment strategies. He is responsible for implementing and monitoring the team's trading in individual stock positions that focus on dividend and growth stocks. He is passionate about helping clients and focuses on bringing forth the vast resources of UBS and his knowledge as a CFP® practitioner to each client relationship.

 CJ lives in Simpsonville and very much enjoys traveling and exploring new places with his wife, and high school sweetheart, Mallory.


Registered States:
AL, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI


Michael D. Shain

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager
864-241-8575

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Mike began working as a Financial Advisor with JC Bradford in 1991, which ultimately became UBS in 2000.  Prior to his career in Financial Services, Mike spent time working with Ford Motor Company, Maremont Corporation, and Leon Shain Company, his family's auto parts business, which gives him a unique perspective on family owned and small business.

Mike works to provide his clients with individualized portfolio solutions, designed to fulfill their specific goals and needs. He specializes in retirement planning, education funding, charitable giving, and estate planning.

Mike graduated with Honors from the University of Tennessee in 1973, with a B.S. in Business Administration, then went on to receive his Masters in Business Administration in 1976, also from the University of Tennessee.  He holds Series 7 and 63 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and long-term care insurance licenses.

Mike and his wife, Michelle, reside in Greenville, of which Mike is a native.  They have three children, Katherine, Lee and Dorothy, and five grandchildren, Leighton, Coco, Thomas, Lilian and Oliver.  Mike is an active member of the local community.  He has served as a Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Greenville, as well as worked with the Canterbury Counseling Center, Friends of the Zoo, the Mental Health Association, and the YMCA.  Mike is also a graduate of the Furman University Diversity Leadership Class of 2011.  In his free time, Mike enjoys watching college sports, playing with his dogs, hiking and cooking for family and friends.


Registered States:
AL, AR, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NC, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA


Anissa Gail Calhoun

Team Administrator
864-241-6335

email



Anissa has spent her entire career helping clients with their financial lives.  She has over 23 years' experience in the financial services industry.  As Team Administrator, a few of her daily responsibilities include working closely with the Advisors and Associates to make sure the team maintains reasonable deadlines, follows up with clients in a timely manner, and provides the best service to each and every client. Prior to joining UBS in 2009, Anissa worked with Merrill Lynch for ten years and Global View Investments for two years, gaining knowledge as a Client Service Associate as well as a Financial Advisor. 

Anissa graduated Converse College in 1997 with a B.A. in Economics and a Minor in Business Administration.  She holds Series 7 and 66 security licenses in SC, NC, MA, GA & FL, as well as life, health and long-term care insurance licenses which allow her to back-up the team's Portfolio Managers with client trading needs and provide excellence service to their insurance needs.

Originally from Anderson, SC, Anissa moved to Greenville in 2004.  Anissa has been involved in many charities in Greenville and is a member of Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson where she is a part of the Honduras Mission Team and the Dental team lead.  In her free time, Anissa enjoys attending Clemson football games, traveling, spending time with her family, boyfriend Chad, dog Jake, cat Toby and friends.


Registered States:
FL, GA, MA, NC, NY, SC


Jennifer M. "Michele" Cockram

Wealth Management Associate
864-241-6340

email



Michele joined UBS in 2013 as a part-time Associate and turned her passion for helping wealth management clients purse their goals into a full-time role in 2015. As a Wealth Management Associate, Michele supports the Advisors with their holistic wealth management services and marketing efforts that include Financial Planning, Banking, Insurance and all aspects of delivering a wealth management plan.

A native of the upstate, and graduate of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Michele returned to Greenville in the fall of 2012. Michele obtained her B.M. in Violin Performance cum laude with honors in music and her M.M. in Violin Performance from Converse College in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Michele works closely with Anissa, Molly, and Ashley to ensure clients receive the highest level of service. She holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.

In addition to her work at UBS, Michele is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honors Society and performs with the Spartanburg Philharmonic, Brevard Philharmonic Orchestra, and Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra. You can spot Michele cycling through Greenville and beyond on her bike "Ruby". Occasionally you might find her in pursuit of a big bass on Lake Jocassee with her husband, Hunter Cockram.


Registered States:
SC


Molly Steers Dunlap

Client Service Associate
864-241-6339

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Molly grew up in Charleston, but fell in love with the upstate after graduating from Clemson University in 1998 with a B.S. in Financial Management. She has been with UBS since 2005. As a Registered Client Service Associate, Molly focuses on helping clients, providing administrative support and leveraging her ability to enter unsolicited trades for clients. She holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses in SC & NC. She works closely with Anissa, Michele, and Ashley to ensure clients receive the highest level of service.

Molly and her husband, John, moved to Simpsonville in 2004. They have two teenage daughters, Riley and Maggie, that keep them busy.  Molly enjoys giving back to the community whether it be through the United Way, helping in the schools or working in the church nursery.  Although a beach girl at heart, Molly loves spending time at the lake with friends and family and watching Clemson football.


Registered States:
FL, NC, SC


Ashley Ann Fowler

Client Service Associate
864-241-8517

email



Ashley’s professional career with The Alpha Group at UBS began in May 2018 as an intern, her career since has transitioned to being hired as a full–time Client Service Associate. Her innovative skills and devotion to continue assisting clients in reaching their financial objectives and helping the team with business operations led her to work closely with advisors, administrators and wealth management associates. Ashley’s collaboration with Anissa, Molly, and Michele ensures clients receive the highest level of service UBS has to offer.

Ashley is a native of Liberty, South Carolina and has spent her time giving back to the community she grew up in. She is a 2019 graduate of North Greenville University, where she obtained a B.S. in Accounting.

In addition to her work and education, Ashley contributes to over four organizations and has volunteered with the United Way in Greenville as a Tax Preparer as well as, volunteered by gathering school supplies for underprivileged children throughout the upstate.

When Ashley is not working, expanding her education, or volunteering she is spending time with family, friends, and using her background as an ambassador to travel. A fun fact about Ashley is that she loves Clemson Football.


Graham Gracen Holt

Client Service Associate
864-241-6330

email



Graham joined UBS as a Client Service Associate in 2019. A 2015 graduate of the University of Georgia with degrees in Finance and Sport Management, Graham started his professional career in sports business, specializing in client service and operations. As a member of The Alpha Group, Graham is able to combine his passion for helping people with his interest in Finance. In his role, he is responsible for servicing each client relationship and assisting with day-to-day operations to ensure client needs are taken care of in a timely manner. He is passionate about making sure each client feels valued every day.

Graham and his wife, Tory, have a son, Gracen, and currently reside in Simpsonville.