MEET
The Team
RICHARD MUNCASTER, AIF®, LUTCF®
PRESIDENT | PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISORY
As Founder and Principal of Muncaster Financial Group, Richard aims to deliver personalized care and financial expertise as our clients pursue and achieve their unique financial goals. After spending 10 years as a financial advisor with a regional and a national firm, Richard established Muncaster Financial Group in 2005 after listening to his clients and recognizing the public’s desire for a truly independent financial services firm.
Richard has extensive experience in the financial services industry working with high net worth individuals, business owners, and upper level management of successful corporations. He is a Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Series 7, 6, 63), an Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. (Series 65), LUTCF® (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow), holds an LA&H (Life, Accident and Health) license, a P&C (Property and Casualty) license and numerous industry planning designations.
Passionate about the Upstate of South Carolina, Richard gives back to the Greenville community through his work on the board of Meals on Wheels of Greenville, by serving as a director of the Greenville Clemson Alumni Club and by supporting many local charities annually including Meals on Wheels and the Cystic Fibrosis Kick Off For A Cure.
He is also a member of Greenville Country Club and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, through which he completed Opportunity Greenville. Beyond serving his clients and community, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife, Sheri, his son, Mills, and step-daughter, Sophia, family and friends, in addition to supporting Clemson University athletics, playing golf, snow skiing and traveling.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
- Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Series 7, 6, 63)
- Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. (Series 65)
- Named Top 10 Advisor with Organic Growth among Transamerica Financial Advisors
- Graduate of Clemson University – Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a concentration in Financial Management
- LUTCF® (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow)
- LA&H (Life, Accident and Health) License
- P&C (Property and Casualty) License
- St. Francis Forum, Class 20
THOMAS SIMMONS, CPA
PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISORY
Thomas serves as Private Wealth Advisor at Muncaster Financial Group. His highest priority is to deliver exceptional advice and value to our clients, diligently seeking to understand their personal circumstances, resources, needs, and goals.
Thomas joined Muncaster Financial Group in 2017 after spending three years at Elliott Davis, the Greenville-based public accounting firm. He offers extensive client services such as wealth management, tax planning, estate planning, and philanthropic planning.
A Greer native, Thomas is passionate about the Upstate and is committed to giving back to his community. He serves as Endowment Trustee for Meals on Wheels of Greenville, Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee for Memorial United Methodist Church, Board member for the Greenville Police Foundation and is an active member of the Greenville Estate Planning Council.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Series 7)
- Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. (Series 66)
- Certified Public Accountant (SC #9123)
- LA&H (Life, Accident and Health) Insurance License
- Master of Professional Accountancy, with a Concentration in Taxation – Clemson University
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance – Wofford College
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting – Wofford College
- Three-year letterman wide receiver for the Wofford Terriers
- Member of the Southern Conference Academic All Conference Team
- St. Francis Forum, Class 21
- Greenville Business Magazine’s Best & Brightest 35 and Under, Class of 2022
Tricia Smith, AIF®
Retirement Plan Specialist
Tricia manages the day-to-day operations of our Retirement Plan Division. Working in conjunction with our advisors, she assists in crafting plans that are specific to the desires and needs of each retirement plan sponsor. She designs and conducts education meetings to help retirement plan participants understand and maximize the available plan benefits. One of her greatest strengths is supporting plan sponsors and participants by utilizing available resources to provide the best guidance and solutions.
Tricia’s expertise is the result of over thirty years of financial services and retirement plan experience.
Prior to joining Muncaster Financial Group, Tricia worked with 401(k) plans across an extensive and varied book of business. Born in Asheville, North Carolina and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, she is a Carolina girl through and through. Outside of the office, Tricia enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. As a former competitive swimmer, Division I coach, and current gym enthusiast, she exudes dedication and determination to all of her endeavors, both personal and professional.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics – Davidson College
Bryan Newton
Private Wealth Advisory Associate
As a Private Wealth Associate, Bryan supports the lead advisors with designing comprehensive financial plans for individuals and families, participating in client meetings, performing client services, and regularly reviewing clients’ portfolios.
Bryan has been in the financial/investment industry since 2014. Bryan started his career as an Agent with Mutual of Omaha and a Financial Services Representative with New York Life. During this time, he worked with clients and their families on their insurance and retirement income planning needs. Starting in 2017, Bryan transitioned to the commercial real estate industry with RealtyLink where he was an Investor Relations Manager and Property Manager. As an Investor Relations Manager, he worked closely with individuals and institutions across the country that were seeking commercial real estate investment opportunities that matched their investment criteria.
Bryan graduated from Lander University in 2010 where he majored in Business Administration (Accounting Emphasis) and was a member of the Men’s Golf Team. He met his wife, Rachel, at Lander, and they now live in the Five Forks area of Simpsonville, SC, with their two sons, Wells and Wyatt. Bryan enjoys playing competitive golf, swimming, and coaching the Masters Swim program at the Caine Halter Family YMCA.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Registered Representative of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Series 7)
- Investment Advisor Representative of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. (Series 66)
- GSA’s Forty Under 40, Class of 2023
Debbie Brown
Administrative Associate
Debbie fulfills the role of Office Manager and Client Services Representative, working alongside our financial executives as they deliver first-class customer service.
Her role is key in performing administrative duties for clients, while keeping the team on track with her attention to detail.
With a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina, Debbie brings over a decade of experience in the financial services industry to the Muncaster team. Her background and education make her an impressive and comprehensive resource, and her communication and adaptive skills allow her to navigate the complex nature of the wealth management and insurance business, always keeping our clients’ welfare at heart.
Debbie was born and raised in Walterboro, South Carolina, and she and her husband, Jim, reside in Downtown Greenville, enjoying all of the amenities offered with the location, including easy access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Debbie enjoys being active and going to the beach with her two grandchildren.
James Wells
FINANCIAL SERVICES INTERN
James serves as a Financial Services Intern at Muncaster Financial Group. His highest priority is assisting in the day-to-day operations for the firm as well as providing help to both our Private Wealth Advisors and our Retirement Plan Specialists with anything they may need.
James is a native of Chapin, SC and a recent graduate of Wofford College where he majored in Business Economic and minored in both Accounting and Finance. During his time at Wofford, he was a member of the football team and was part of the 2019 SOCON Championship Team that played in the FCS Playoffs.
During his final semester at Wofford, he began interning with Muncaster Financial Group then joined the team full-time in June 2023 after graduation. James is currently furthering his education at North Greenville University where he’s pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. While at NGU, James will be finishing out his NCAA football eligibility as a linebacker for the Crusaders. James looks forward to expanding on his Wofford and NGU connections to become more involved in the Greenville community.
Licenses and Degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Economics – Wofford College
- Three-time member of the Southern Conference All-Academic Team
- Member of the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team
