Our Story

A Note from Our Founders — John & Matt

Some stories begin with a defining moment in time, a new discovery or a realization that change is necessary to succeed. Our story started with a dash of each.

After years of working as independent financial planners, we were inspired by the teachings of Philip Palaveev, author of The Ensemble Practice. We discovered that, in an industry where isolation and individualism is the norm, we could be stronger for our clients together. Despite working together for 10 years and relying on each other’s breadth of financial knowledge, we realized that clients would benefit from a partnership where the goals were aligned, diversity was celebrated, and objectivity was paramount.

CandorPath is an ensemble financial planning practice with the intent to provide advice-based solutions for a vast range of financial services, maintain a disciplined approach to objectivity and honesty, and equip clients with the knowledge they need to achieve their version of financial success.

Made up of two CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ and an Enrolled Agent, CandorPath Financial provides services to help clients in all phases of their lives. We value honesty, removing all conflicts of interest, and we charge clients a clear, fair fee for our services. We have learned many things in our combined 60 years in the financial services industry. Our biggest lesson? Collaboration is the key to your success.

That’s our story; how can we help write yours?

Sincerely,

Meet the Ensemble Behind Our 'Ensemble Approach'

John Kennedy, CFP®

Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor

Matthew Marcoux, CFP®, EA

Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor

Brandon Hatcher

Wealth Advisor

Rainah Gadberry

Senior Client Concierge & Marketing Specialist

Megan Glass

Director of Operations

Renee Casey

Executive Assistance to John Kennedy

John Kennedy, CFP®

Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor

As Co-Founder, John’s passion is driven by a deeply-rooted desire to help others. While pursuing his education at the University of Central Florida, he decided exactly how he was going to align his passion with his profession. Immersing himself in the world of financial planning, John has spent nearly two decades motivating others toward their vision for financial success.

Graduating with honors, John earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business with a focus in Finance and later achieved the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. He also holds insurance and real estate licenses. His desire for continual growth and development eventually led to a specific emphasis in helping clients integrate Medicare and Social Security planning decisions into their financial life goals.

In addition to his work with clients, John is the host of The Above Board Podcast, a top 2% podcast globally. Through the show, he shares conversations and insights centered on financial stewardship, personal growth, and living with intention. His message extends beyond numbers and portfolios, encouraging listeners to build not just wealth, but a meaningful and purpose driven life.

A family man at his core, outside of the office John loves spending his time with his wife, Jaclyn, and their children, Ella and Hudson. Much of his free time is spent on the ball field, where he enjoys coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams. As a lifelong fan of the Atlanta Braves, that shared passion for baseball has become a meaningful thread woven into family memories and the lifelong lessons the game continues to teach about teamwork, patience, and discipline.

Matthew Marcoux, CFP®, EA

Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor

From an early age, Matt knew he wanted to do something that made a positive impact on the lives of other people. His innate interest in dissecting and understanding how things work, coupled with his passion for finance provided a clear path for what has become a very fulfilling career. He truly believes we as people rise by lifting others and approaches each unique client situation with the desire to do just that.

After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida and achieving the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, Matt began his career in the financial industry with an emphasis in tax planning and retirement planning. With more than two decades of experience, Matt co-founded CandorPath Financial with the vision of continuing to learn and help clients achieve financial security and success within an ensemble practice. Most recently, Matt passed the three part IRS Special Enrollment Examination (E.A.) and has earned the privilege of representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is one of Matt’s principle beliefs. When he is not working, Matt can be found fishing or boating throughout the beautiful Florida coast with his wife, Lauren, and their two sons, Bryce and Rylan. He also enjoys cheering on the UCF Knights as a long-time football season ticket holder. Charge On!

Brandon Hatcher

Wealth Advisor

From childhood, Brandon’s best memories were spending summers at his cousin’s lake house in Michigan. His cousin, a professional athlete, showed him that while money matters, the real reward comes from providing for your family and being present. That left a lasting impact on how Brandon views success.

After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2009 during the Financial Crisis, Brandon explored different roles before joining PNC’s Leadership Program. Over eight years, he built a strong foundation in finance, rotating through several departments and learning what drives both business and personal decision-making.

Over time, Brandon realized his true passion was about more than personal success. In 2020, he became a financial advisor, combining his skills and values to help individuals, families, and entrepreneurs achieve more than they thought possible.

Brandon and his wife Katie have lived in Lake Wylie, SC, a Charlotte suburb, since 2020, with their three children: Ella, Cassidy, and Brayden. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys boating, coaching his kids, dating his wife, traveling with his family, and cheering on the Steelers!

Rainah Fitzgerald

Client Services Specialist

As the Client Services Specialist, Rainah is well versed when it comes to delivering quality service to clients and helping along with the administrative tasks. Her main goal is to serve and help to whoever may need it, and making processes swift for anyone.

Rainah graduated from Polk State College with her Bachelors in Business Administration (BAS). She is positive that CPF will bring her more knowledge within the scope of Business, and even more so, finances.

Rainah is a proud Lakelander, and outside of work hours you can usually find her at the gym, Universal, or at home watching new movies/tv shows with her husband, Patrick and cat, Levi. Rainah is a fellow foodie that loves trying new restaurants and traveling to new places (to of course try new foods)! Rainah also uses her spare time to serve with Younglife Polk County where she gets the privilege to walk alongside and do life with high school girls.

Megan Glass

Director of Operations

Megan has been planning successful events for more than 15 years in the Central Florida Area. She is an expert in customer service and easy to work with. People often refer to Megan as honest (maybe too honest!), responsive, organized, creative, dependable, trustworthy and down to earth.

Megan has a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication with a concentration in Training and Development from Western Carolina University, Go Cats! As a Central Florida native she has experience working with homebuilders, non-profits, theme parks, telecommunications and, of course, financial planners.

When not working with customers or planning events Megan enjoys playing games or lounging by the pool with her husband, Michael, and daughter, Avery.

Renee Casey

Executive Assistant to John Kennedy

As Executive Assistant to founding partner John Kennedy, Renee brings a deep commitment to service and a knack for organization to everything she does. With a background as a Publix bakery manager and a Branch Office Administrator at Edward Jones, she blends her strong customer service roots with hands-on experience supporting advisors and clients in the financial planning space.

Originally from the countryside of Pennsylvania, she relocated to Florida 15 years ago and has built a life rooted in service and connection. She’s currently continuing her education and is especially interested in expanding her knowledge in financial planning, compliance and auditing.

When she’s not supporting clients, you can find her outside hiking or gardening, signing up for local pop-up classes, or looking for new ways to get involved in her community. She understands that life often brings change, and she’s passionate about helping others feel supported through every stage.