Meet the Individuals

Our Managing Partner, Brad Small, co-founded CoActive Wealth Strategists in 2011 to serve our clients and empower them to reach their financial goals. In addition to leading the team, Brad offers our clients a variety of services including: fee-based financial planning, insurance (life, disability, income, and long-term care), as well as various personal, educational, and retirement investment strategies. He also holds several professional financial licenses: Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65. 

For decades, Brad has carried out his “serve first” philosophy for both individuals and corporations. What sets him apart from other financial advisors is his process—by truly understanding his clients’ needs, Brad is able to present unique solutions that fulfill each individual’s financial objectives. Additionally, he collaborates with his clients on an on-going basis to optimize their financial plan for lasting success.

His passion for financial literacy goes beyond the office. Brad earned his bachelor’s degree at Elizabethtown College where he is currently pursuing a Masters in Financial Planning and Wealth Management. Oftentimes you will find him guest lecturing on a variety of topics within the financial services industry. 

An active leader in the community, Brad has served as President of the Reading Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and board chair of the Berks County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was also a member of the Estate Planning Council of Berks County, the board of the IM ABLE Foundation, and the Hawk Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Brad is also the founder and curator of the Small Steps Scholarship Fund—which has given more than 20 stellar high school graduates the opportunity to further their education. 

Brad resides in Berks County with his wife Melissa, son Benjamin, and their dog Ivy. Outside of work you will often find him staying active, golfing, camping with the Boy Scouts, and gardening.

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Our Financial Consultant, Bill, has been educating and serving our clients at CoActive Wealth Strategists since 2013. He brings a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in insurance and financial services. On an average day, you will find Bill meeting with clients in-person or virtually, as well as managing their financial plans for optimal success. He also holds several professional financial licenses: Series 6, Series 63, and Series 65.

Prior to joining the team, Bill was a financial advisor at John Hancock Mutual, and then was a brokerage agent. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Lyndon State College and is also a graduate of the Leadership in Life Institute—a program specifically designed by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). 

Bill has always valued education, and in turn that has helped him build trust with his clients over many years. He finds genuine satisfaction helping people learn and teaching others how to be financially successful. 

Outside of the office, Bill has served as NAIFA – State of Pennsylvania President, board member, and remains an active member. He is also a member of the Jordan/Martin Lodge, F&AM (a 32nd degree member of the Valley of Lehigh Scottish Rite Consistory), the Rajah Shrine, Fraternal Order of Orioles Nest 22, Travelers Protection Association, American Legion, and the Vietnam Veterans Association.

Bill and his wife Cindy reside in Allentown. They share a son, Christopher, a daughter, Robin, and six grandchildren. In his free time, Bill enjoys the outdoors—including sailing, hunting, fishing, ice hockey, canoeing, playing golf and spending time at the beach.

Heather, our Office Manager at CoActive Wealth Strategists, is more than an administrative professional. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for excellence, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless day-to-day operations, providing invaluable support to both our clients and our team of advisors. Heather's commitment to efficiency and her drive for sustainable growth contribute significantly to our firm's success.

Certified as a public notary in the Commonwealth of PA, Heather joined CoActive Wealth Strategists in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience cultivated over 25 years. Prior to her tenure with us, Heather played a vital role in the expansion of Environaire Corporation, a Berks-based business where she collaborated closely with her husband, Craig, to establish the company as a premier distributor for Rexair, Inc. Her multifaceted responsibilities included overseeing financial operations, payroll, training, and championing exceptional customer service.

Heather's dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors into the community. Previously involved in various fundraising initiatives for Conrad Weiser and Easter Seals of Berks/Lehigh, she has served as an advertising coordinator, vice president, and volunteer for numerous charitable events. Heather continues to embody our firm's commitment to philanthropy, aligning her efforts with CoActive's vision for social responsibility.

Residing in Reinholds with her husband, Heather fills her time with family and friends, including 3 grown sons and grandchildren. She finds solace and joy in gardening, a passion that contributes to her commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Her homemade soaps, featuring loofas grown in her garden, are a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness. An avid reader and traveler, Heather also prioritizes staying active, often accompanied by her beloved dog Ellie.

Most recently, Heather completed the Penn State Extension Master Gardener program, further enhancing her expertise and dedication to environmental stewardship. With her diverse skill set, unwavering dedication, and boundless enthusiasm, Heather is an invaluable asset to our team and the community at large.

 

Wendy joined the firm in 2019 and works part time in the office. You will find her answering phones, maintaining our record repository, and assisting with other tasks as assigned.

Wendy enjoys helping people address their concerns, learning new things, understanding how things work and finding solutions.

She earned a B.S. in Secondary Education, focusing on mathematics, from Kutztown University. Due to health concerns, she realized that teaching was not in her future.  She then accepted a position as a full-time administrator at a church office. She was kept busy with a preschool, church programming, tenants, and a large facility to run. Everyday brought new challenges, and she found fulfillment helping people.

Wendy currently serves on the board of the West Berks Mission District and is a board member, board secretary, and singer with Opus One: Berks Chamber Choir. 

Until last year, she served on and was a founding member on the board for the Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry where she helped to grow the program from serving six families its first month to serving more than 160 families monthly.

For 30 years Wendy organized blood drives in her community, holding four drives yearly, and is also a frequent blood donor. She encouraged people to try donating as a way to be of service to others. 

She served as a member of the advisory group for Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity in Berks County, where she assisted in raising funds and organizing construction of over 12 homes. 

Wendy has always enjoyed music, performing in high school musicals, her church choir, and a hand bell choir and also in small ensembles. She enjoys the challenge of mastering difficult pieces and the satisfaction that it brings. That love of music now shows in her involvement in Opus One: Berks Chamber Choir singing in the main choir as well as a select choir, ECHO.

Jaden is a dedicated member of the Coactive Wealth Strategists team since August 2023. With a solid foundation in finance, Jaden is committed to guiding clients towards their financial goals.

Graduating from Berks Catholic High School in 2019, Jaden embarked on his journey into the world of finance at Penn State University. During his time at Penn State, has was an active member of Phi Gamma Nu, a business fraternity, and was also involved in club lacrosse and club golf.

In 2023, armed with a degree in finance, Jaden joined Coactive Wealth Strategists, eager to put his knowledge into action. He has achieved an important milestone by passing the SIE exam and is currently working towards obtaining additional certifications to become a licensed advisor.

Driven by a passion for finance and a desire to help others succeed, Jaden brings enthusiasm and expertise to every client interaction. With a focus on personalized solutions and ongoing support, he is dedicated to making a positive impact on the financial lives of those we serve.

Outside of work, Jaden enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, and pursuing his interests in sports and outdoor activities.

Jim began his non-profit career as Field Executive at the Southern New Jersey Council, Millville, NJ holding several positions including Senior Field Executive, District Director, and Finance Director.  He moved on to become the Director of Finance and later Chief Operating Officer with the Baltimore Area Council, Baltimore, MD managing over 20 full-time and 25 part-time staff. He was promoted to Scout Executive/CEO of the Virginia Headwaters Council, Waynesboro, VA in 2010 where he served successfully for seven years.   In 2017, he was promoted to Scout Executive/CEO for the Hawk Mountain Council, Reading, PA.  Jim served in this role for six years and retired from the Boy Scouts of America on May 15, 2023.

As CEO of the Hawk Mountain Council, Jim was responsible for the administration, financing, marketing, motivation, recruiting, and staffing required for a successful council with an operating budget of $2 million.  He worked with a board of directors of over 50 committed community leaders who helped give direction to over 2,000 volunteer leaders who delivered the Scouting program to 6,500 youth annually in central Pennsylvania.  Jim strongly believes that Scouting is volunteer-driven and professionally guided.

Jim and his wife, Margie, have three children – Emily, Abby, and James.   

Jim is an OA Vigil Honor member, who enjoys hunting and the outdoors.  He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for his son’s troop where his son earned the rank of Eagle Scout last year.  Both of his daughters served on Summer Camp Staff at the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation and were active in the Scouting program.  Margie is a teacher for the Reading School District and teaches 9th grade Ecology at Reading High School.

Jim is an active Rotarian in the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club.  Jim is the chairman of the Adopt-A-Highway clean up program and is the incoming Vice President of Program. Jim also serves as the Conservation Easement Chairman for the Hawk Mountain Council and is an active member of the Properties and Maintenance Committee at HMSR.  

Ellie is more than just a canine companion; she is a dedicated Happiness Manager with a paw-sitive attitude and boundless enthusiasm. With a wagging tail and a heart full of joy, Ellie is committed to spreading cheer and uplifting spirits wherever she goes.

Born and raised in rural Reinholds, Ellie quickly found her calling in bringing smiles to people's faces. Her natural charisma and gentle demeanor make her a beloved figure in both professional and personal settings. Whether it's greeting visitors with a friendly wag or offering a comforting smile, Ellie's presence never fails to brighten the day.

As the designated Happiness Manager at CoActive Wealth Strategists, Ellie takes her role seriously. She understands the importance of creating a positive work environment and fosters a sense of camaraderie among her human colleagues. With her intuitive sense of empathy, Ellie knows just when someone needs a pick-me-up and is always ready to lend a listening ear or a comforting paw.

Outside of her duties as Happiness Manager, Ellie has enjoyed agility competitions, indulging in her favorite activities which includes long walks in the park, playing fetch with her favorite ball, and indulging in delicious treats. Her boundless energy and zest for life serve as an inspiration to all who have the pleasure of knowing her.

With her infectious spirit and unwavering dedication to spreading happiness, Ellie is not just a dog; she is a valued member of the team and an indispensable asset to any organization fortunate enough to have her.