A native of Coastal Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay, Stuart now lives in Charlotte, NC, with his wife and two daughters. Stuart graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served for five years as an officer in the U.S. Army Rangers, 75th Ranger Regiment. He deployed twice to Afghanistan and completed more than 100 combat missions where he earned the Bronze Star Medal for leadership under fire. Stuart completed 26 parachute jumps, including a historic jump in 2014 into Normandy, France for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.
After the Army, Stuart became a financial advisor, and he holds two highly distinguished designations: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the Retirement Income Certified Professional®. Stuart is an Eagle Scout and active supporter of Boy Scouts in Charlotte. He and his family attend St. Gabriel Catholic Church, and he was the president of the Young Adult Ministry for several years. He is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying boating, SCUBA diving, backpacking, camping, fishing, hunting, and fitness.
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Woody graduated from University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After two years qualifying in tank gunnery, he attended the Initial Entry Aviation Course at Ft Rucker, AL where he graduated with honors in 1978. After a full military career in various aviation assignments, he retired as the Airfield Commander at Ft Eustis, VA.
Following retirement from the Army, he began a career in the financial services industry with First Command (originally called USPA/IRA). He joined DaVinci Financial Designs as a Financial Advisor in December 2014 until November 2024. He holds the Series 6, 7, 63 licenses held by LPL Financial, and North Carolina Life and Health licenses. He has a Series 65 License held by Independent Advisors Alliance.
He is married with two grown children. He and his wife, Leigh enjoy spending time with their family and friends at their home on Lake Gaston. When not working, he enjoys boating, wake surfing and paddleboarding, snow skiing, and wood working projects.
Marla lives in beautiful Charleston, SC with her husband, Bill and their Irish Setter pup, Sienna. She and Bill have three daughters and two grandchildren that live in Hampton Roads, VA. Their son is serving proudly in the US Army at Ft Bliss, TX.
Marla grew up in the low country enjoying the history, sunshine and beaches. She received her bachelor’s degree in art and architectural history from the College of Charleston, then went on to travel the United States with Bill, as he served 20 years with honor in the US Army. Marla spent time volunteering and raising a family until their move to Hampton Roads, VA. She began her career as an executive assistant in Financial Planning with Thomas H “Woody” Trant in January 2006 and merged with Stuart Vaughn in 2023. She is a licensed admin: Life & Health and Series 6,63, 65, and 7 held with LPL Financial. Marla is a talented seamstress, avid gardener and local historian. She loves spending time with her family, spoiling the grandkids, exploring Charleston and walking the local beaches with Bill and Sienna!
Originally from Massachusetts, Lindsay attended Clemson University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and a Master's in Human Resources and Development. She now lives in Charlotte, NC, where she lives with her husband, Stuart, and their two daughters, Emily and Abigail.
With over 15 years of experience in sales within the Human Capital industry, Lindsay recently transitioned to focus on operations, collaborating with Stuart, Woody and their team to enhance client engagement and grow the practice. She has been actively involved within her community over the years, serving as the Membership Advisor Chair for the Junior League of Charlotte, volunteering with Dress for Success, participating in local triathlons and races, and serving as secretary for her HOA. In her free time, Lindsay loves spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors.
