Our Associates

Growing up in San Antonio, and graduating from Alamo Heights High School, Brandon headed north for college and graduated from Syracuse University, where he studied finance and accounting. Brandon then moved to New York City, where he worked in the Financial Services division of American Express Tax & Business Services. During his time with American Express, Brandon got to see the inner workings of hedge funds and broker/dealers, including some that owned a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2004 Brandon decided to move back to Texas. Having always enjoyed helping people with their money and investments, Brandon took a position as a Financial Advisor with UBS Financial Services, formerly Paine Webber. Brandon earned his series 7 and 66 securities licenses in the spring of 2005 and has been serving as a Financial Consultant to many happy clients for over 15 years now.

Brandon married his wife Jawina in 2005 and they have 4 children: two boys and two girls. Brandon loves spending time with his family and attending the many sports activities his kids are involved in; football, soccer, basketball and baseball, to name a few. Besides being an outstanding wife and mother, Jawina also makes wonderful cakes, elaborately decorated with her homemade marshmallow fondant and many beautiful colors and designs.

Joan has worked in Financial Services and Asset Protection since 2008. From 1982 to 2008 she was licensed and practiced in the field of Medical Imaging. Both careers afforded her to work one on one with the public. Both fields, while quite different, have given her vast knowledge about planning for the future while living and experiencing life with its many unexpected changes. She has a desire to educate people in the area of finance and estate planning. She also teaches Social Security and Financial workshops to all ages.

Her goal is to be of service to those who are looking for ways to help secure their financial future and to be a part of the strategy to the questions and or obstacles that may seem to be in the way of achieving your personal goals, especially in a time of economic uncertainty. She also understands how important every financial decision is for those who are retired or are nearing retirement.

She is licensed in the State of Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina with the Department of Insurance. She helps people understand that a true financial strategy consists of three main components – Income Strategies, Tax Strategies, and Estate Strategies. Leaving even one of these three out of a financial plan can result in devastating consequences to individuals as well as to their heirs.

Larry Welder, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and went on to obtain his Masters in Business Administration, MBA at Drake University, in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated in the top of his class and earned induction into the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Graduate Honors Society. Larry has more than 30 years of business experience with the past several years focusing on the advising of medical professionals and military personnel. Larry decided to pursue his passion for helping individuals, families, military personnel, small business owners and in particular, medical professionals, with their financial planning. This is accomplished through the creation of a series of financial strategies. Larry believes that planning is more than just numbers; it takes commitment, effective communication and trust between the Advisor and the Client, to plan out, implement, and monitor the progress of each strategy.

Professional Experience
Larry provides consultative services that include retirement planning, disability income, life insurance, wealth accumulation, and college savings plans. Larry lectures and briefs medical college students, as well as medical residents, about the benefits of working with a professional advisor when planning for their financial futures.

Educational Background
Larry earned his BS in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University, and later his MBA at Drake University, graduating in the top 20% of his class and as a result he was inducted into the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Graduate Honors Society.

Larry and his wife Karen are active in local and regional mission work and are kept active with their four grown children and their eight grandchildren.

Granite Financial Solutions, LLC
Midwest Regional Office
1200 Valley West Drive, Suite 403
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (210) 880-2758
Fax: (515) 805-2990

Southeast Regional Office
4571-B Cox Road
Evans, GA 30809
Phone: (706) 364-4625
Fax: (515) 805-2990

South Central Regional Office
10715 Gulfdale Street., Suite 225
San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: (210) 281-4281
Fax: (515) 805-2990

John is in his fifteenth year as a financial planner, and is a Registered Representative and Registered Financial Consultant. He believes that whether the client is an entrepreneur, professional, or a dedicated employee, each is responsible for one's own financial success, and each has the potential to benefit from the systems, strategies, and products that John employs. Prior to becoming a financial professional, John enjoyed a career in commercial construction sales and management. He utilizes much of what he learned in that life experience when working for his clients' benefit.

John is committed to facilitating the financial planning process, and enjoys educating the client as the process unfolds. He believes that knowledge is indeed power, and that the more the client knows the better one will be able to succeed in the creation and implementation of one's personal financial plan. John believes in what he calls "intelligent diversification," which can be defined as the coordination and integration of differing financial components that should create not only potential growth of wealth, but also protect existing wealth from the eroding factors of over-exposure to market loss risk, taxation, and inflation.

John knows that sound financial planning is built upon an on-going relationship between him and his clients. Financial plans may need adjustment over time and John (or his successors) will be there when those adjustments are required.

Melissa Endsley has assisted professionals in both accounting and finance for over 20 years. She is passionate about serving people, and she does so with a great attitude and excellence.

Melissa grew up in Southern Louisiana. After high school, she moved to Texas to attend school near Houston, and this is where she discovered her passion to help and serve in an administrative role. In 2021, her journey has led her to Granite Financial Solutions, and we believe she is a vital part of our team.

Melissa is also a Certified Life Coach and has been mentoring women of all ages for over 20 years. Melissa and her husband pastor a church in Corpus Christi, TX. She serves as the Executive Pastor and Women’s Director. She enjoys hosting events in her church, entertaining in her home, and spending time with her family.

Aretha is a former elementary teacher, and a valuable member of the Granite Financial team. She brings a broad range of information and organizational skills to the job. Aretha is associated with AIC in a non-registered capacity.

Previously, Aretha was the volunteer head of fundraising and spirit sales for her children's middle school, and has served on leadership teams in church and women's small group ministries. She was also a volunteer bookkeeper for an international missions organization.

A lifelong Texan (though she still struggles with the heat), Aretha loves a good cup of tea, great Mexican food, and almost anything with cream cheese!

Aretha believes in Faith, Family, and helping people whenever she can. She's been married more than 20 years, and with two grown children, she is transitioning into the "Empty Nest" stage of life. In her free time, Aretha enjoys reading and scrapbooking.

Misty Maphis has worked as an Administrative Assistant in our Evans, GA office since May of 2023. She is associated with AIC in a non-registered capacity.  Before that, she was a licensed HOA manager for 5 years and the owner of an in-home daycare for 20 years. Misty loves the work she does, and she loves the people she gets to meet and greet.

Misty and her husband, Roger, have been married for over 34 years. He recently retired from the Army after 33 years. They have 3 children and one granddaughter. Aside from spending time with her family, she likes to travel and serve in the women’s and marriage ministry in her church.