OUR TEAM
About Us
For over 25 years, VanWeelden Retirement Advisors has had the pleasure of working with individuals and families as they prepare for a confident and intentional retirement.
We’re not just advisors. We’re educators, coaches, and fierce advocates for our clients’ lifestyles, and the legacies they leave behind.
From our main office in Greater Cincinnati, we endeavor to leave a positive impact, both as a firm and as individuals. As a retirement-focused organization, we know life is about so much more than work. Our passionate professionals are also engaged community members, volunteers, and lifelong learners.
Meet the Team
JOHN VANWEELDEN, MBA, CAP, AIF, Principal
As Founder and Principal of VanWeelden Retirement Advisors, it’s my job to guide you through a truly holistic planning process, developing comprehensive solutions that integrate every aspect of your financial situation.
My role is to fully understand your circumstances then provide you with information and advice to make the best possible decisions. Working together, we’ll focus on your unique, personal objectives; analyze your situation; develop strategies for you to consider; implement your plan; and then review it regularly to ensure you stay on track.
Professional Background
John earned his MBA with an emphasis in Finance, as well as two undergraduate degrees from Miami University, Oxford. He holds the designation of Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, a post graduate degree combining advanced studies in Estate and Charitable Planning, as well as that of Accredited Investment Fiduciary*. John has spent over twenty five years teaching and advising clients about retirement and recently published the bestselling book “The Real Deal on Retirement.” Check it out!
*The AIF designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care. The designation is the culmination of a rigorous training program, which includes a comprehensive final examination under the supervision of a proctor, and agreement to abide by the Code of Ethics.
DIANE VANWEELDEN, Managing Partner & Retirement Life Coach
As Managing Partner, I oversee the intricate details that keep our firm running smoothly as well as create strategic plans that keep us headed in the right direction.
As Retirement Life Coach, I work with my clients to process the changes associated with retirement, set goals, establish new lifestyle habits, and re-establish their identity outside of their professional career job titles. Read more about her Retirement Life Coach services.
Professional Background
Diane earned a Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications from Miami University, Oxford. She worked for many years in both the for-profit and not-for-profit arenas in Public Relations, Marketing Communications, and Organizational Management. Diane is also a certified Life Coach. Her life coaching practice ARISE is located next door to VanWeelden Retirement Advisors. For over 25 years, Diane has offered one-on-one sessions, facilitated groups, taught classes and led retreats.
BRANT OWENS, CFP, CLU, Retirement Advisor
As a Retirement Advisor at VanWeelden Retirement Advisors, I help clients navigate a truly holistic financial planning process. My role is to understand your full financial picture—your goals, concerns, and opportunities—so I can provide clear, informed guidance tailored to your life.
Together, we’ll define your personal objectives, analyze your current situation, explore strategic options, implement a customized plan, and revisit it regularly to keep you on track toward long-term success.
Professional Background
Following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Reserves, Brant began his career in the financial services industry as a young professional. Over the decades, he built a successful practice grounded in integrity, insight, and long-term client relationships. Today, he brings that experience and dedication to VanWeelden Retirement Advisors. Brant holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation from the CFP Board and the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation from The American College of Financial Services.
*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
BRITTANY SMITH, Client Service Advisor & Practice Manager
Brittany brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial services industry, with a deep background in practice management, advisor coaching, and client-centered planning. Throughout her career, she has supported advisors and clients alike by improving systems, strengthening relationships, and ensuring that financial strategies are executed with clarity and care.
As Client Service Advisor at VanWeelden Retirement Advisors, Brittany focuses on bringing clarity and strategy to every stage of your financial life. Her approach centers on understanding the technical and personal factors that shape your decisions—your priorities, family dynamics, tax considerations, and long-term goals—so she can help you build a plan that truly supports your future.
As Practice Manager, Brittany plays a key role in delivering a seamless client experience by overseeing firm operations and continuously refining systems and processes so advisors can focus on what matters most: helping clients retire with confidence. She is known for her detail-oriented approach, strong communication skills, and genuine commitment to service.
Professional Background
Before joining VanWeelden Retirement Advisors, Brittany held multiple leadership roles at Wells Fargo Advisors, where she led productivity and planning initiatives across multi-state regions, managed teams of consultants, and partnered closely with advisors to enhance planning adoption, client experience, and operational efficiency. Her experience spans retirement planning, investment management support, advisor training, compliance coordination, and day-to-day branch operations.
Brittany holds her Series 6, 7, 9, 10, and 66 licenses and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from the University of Central Florida.
ZACHARY ROOT, Client Services Associate
As Client Services Associate at VanWeelden Retirement Advisors, Zachary serves as a vital touchpoint for clients and prospects alike. He manages the day-to-day operations of the practice with professionalism and care, ensuring every client interaction, from the first phone call to ongoing account maintenance, reflects the firm’s commitment to white-glove service.
Zachary handles a broad range of client service activities, including account opening and funding through Schwab and Envestnet, processing distributions and transfers, tracking Required Minimum Distributions, and maintaining accurate records across all platforms. He also manages calendars, prepares client files for upcoming appointments, oversees database management in Redtail, and keeps the office running smoothly so advisors can focus on what they do best: helping clients retire with confidence.
Professional Background
Zachary brings several years of hands-on experience in both RIA and bank environments. At Private Client Services, he supported a team of four advisors managing $60–85 million in AUM and 700–800 clients, handling everything from account onboarding and client maintenance to RMD tracking and vendor coordination across platforms including Redtail, DocuPace, NetX360, Pershing, and Fidelity. Most recently, he served as a Universal Banker II at Truist, where he sharpened his client-facing skills and deepened his knowledge of compliance, operations, and financial services in a high-volume environment.
JUNO VANWEELDEN, Operations Specialist
As Operations Specialist, Juno supports back office operations including designing and maintaining systems, technology, website, and social media management.
As our daughter, Juno has been personally invested in VanWeelden Group even when pursuing dreams outside of the financial industry. When she has a break from her work, you’ll find her absorbed in a book or art project, experimenting in the kitchen, or exploring the wide world.
Professional Background
In 2017, Juno earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, focusing on creative drama and applied theater in educational and community contexts. She is a recent graduate of New York University with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. Prior to joining our team, Juno worked as a Subject Matter Expert at Orion Trading and a Client Service Specialist at Virtual Outsource Solutions. Her understanding of financial technology and client services is robust. In 2023, Juno passed the NASAA Series 65 Exam, making her a qualified Investment Advisor Representative.
Strategic Partners
The robust in-house team is complimented by a network of allied professionals with unparalleled expertise. Bring your estate, legal, and healthcare planning questions to any of our strategic partners – they’ll know how to help.