Our Team
Michael R. Smith, CLU
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Managing Member/Owner
Mike Smith is president of The Financial Partners Group (TFP), an independent insurance brokerage with deep-bench experience and expertise in advanced strategies for premium financing and estate planning.
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Wherever Mike’s journey lands, he is inspired to make things grow. First, as an agent for MetLife in 1983. Then, as branch manager, he grew the Roanoke office to number one in production and recruiting in Virginia.
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In 1990, Mike joined an independent financial advisory firm, Barham, Stilwell and Smith. John Hancock (JH) in Roanoke, Va., later awarded him a general agent contract.
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By 2003, he merged the JH Raleigh agency into his, then the JH Atlanta agency, where he relocated his management team. Soon, Mike grew a substantial network of ten JH agencies. However, he was drawn to building his own.
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Mike founded TFP in 2008 and went independent in 2010. He created a high-performance strategy, structure, and process that significantly improved premium financing, enabling advisors and brokers to uncomplicate the process of premium financing—the “most efficient way to fund life insurance that exists today.”
As educator-advocate, Mike values lifelong learning and speaking truth to clients. He authored Tread Lightly, an essential advisor resource on owning a complex life insurance portfolio.
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While he is a third-generation graduate from Virginia Tech, Mike is most proud of the fourth generation, Nick and Kennedy, his grown children. To relax, Mike tends to his occasionally plump tomato garden, motorhomes to the mountains of North Carolina with Dawn, his wife, or hits the links to improve his 4 handicap.
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Meredith Walters
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Concierge Desk
Meredith Walters Concierge Desk
Meredith Walters was born and raised in the Roanoke Valley area of Virginia. She has been a business owner and has always had a sharp mind for accounting. Merdie began working in financial services under the Michael R. Smith Agency in 1994 as the bookkeeper.
Her commitment and work efforts quickly earned her the position of Office Manager and eventually Director of Operations. Merdie moved to Atlanta in 2003 with Mike and was involved in the founding of The Financial Partners Group in 2008. She has experience in virtually every area of administration within a financial services firm.
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Merdie recently retired but was asked to come back to The Financial Partners as the Concierge to Brokers and Financial Advisors in the area of Premium Finance and large case placement. She works diligently with lenders paying very close attention to all details to see that these important cases are handled daily in the most responsible manner possible so that they are funded without delay. She assures cases are submitted with appropriate documentation, coordinates communication between the parties, keeps extensive records of all transactions and assures follow-up activities are carried out for new cases as well as renewals.
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Merdie enjoys gardening, travelling, and spending time with her son, daughter-in-law and her three grandsons.
Harris Vinson
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Harris Vinson is the Director of Logistics & Case Management for The Financial Partners Group (TFP). Harris is responsible for all aspects of new business oversight to assure our Brokers’ business is handled efficiently and with as much attention to detail as possible.
His many responsibilities include facilitating the licensing and contracting relationship between Advisors and Carriers, administering the pre-underwriting process, overseeing application review and submission navigation, ensuring compliance with premium finance carrier guidelines, management of underwriting processes, and reconciling policy issuance and delivery.
Harris is a native of Georgia and graduate from the University of North Georgia with a degree in Business Administration. Harris grew up in an entrepreneurial environment and spent several years growing his family’s business. He has worked in product development, freight management, and direct-to-consumer insurance sales.
He has a unique understanding of small businesses operations and ensures that every client is treated with respect and professionalism. His contributions to the company have had a direct impact on productivity and the satisfaction of Advisors.
Sean Vanhorse
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Business Development
Sean Vanhorse was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, educated in the Baltimore City schools where he became a standout student/athlete in football and track. His talents were recognized by various colleges in the region, but Sean eventually enrolled at Howard University where he received a full athletic scholarship and completed a successful 4-year college career. In 1990 Sean was drafted to play in the National Football League and at the time became Howard University’s highest draft pick in school history. In the same year, Sean received a degree from Howard University.
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After being drafted, Sean enjoyed a successful NFL career where he achieved various accomplishments, served the community, and realized his dream of playing in the Super Bowl with the 1994 San Diego Chargers. Following his NFL career, Sean assumed various leadership roles in business and insurance sales. As the consummate professional, Sean is committed to building strong relationships based on trust, exemplary service, and consistency with the goal of solidifying lasting and productive partnerships.
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Sean is a versatile talent with various interests. He has spent almost 20 years volunteering in his community as a youth coach, speed/agility trainer, and mentor to middle school students. Sean is passionate about using sports to help motivate youth to become productive citizens and leaders. His passion for learning and continued personal growth motivates him as he pursues a Master’s Degree at Tulane University.
Married to Juilee, his college sweetheart, for 26 years. Sean and Juilee are the proud parents of two children—Sydne and Solomon . The Vanhorse Family are active members in the community; they also enjoy sports, fitness, golf, and travel.
Sean will bring the same dedication and focus to working with you to increase the revenue in your practice as he did towards his successful football career. His efforts will drive the life insurance side of your business to GO PRO!
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Sean manages Legacy Six which is a financial consulting and education organization for professional athletes with a complete team of experts to help create a game plan for Life.
Kennedy Smith​
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Assistant to President Michael Smith
Kennedy Smith is the newest member of The Financial Partners Group and is the Assistant to President Mike Smith. Kennedy assists with premium finance renewals, supports Mike with miscellaneous tasks related to premium finance cases. She also provides guidance and illustration support for long-term care products for brokers and financial advisors.
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She recently obtained her Life and Health licenses and Long-Term Care certification. She also trains with Mike in premium finance case design.
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Kennedy was raised in north Atlanta and later graduated from Virginia Tech in Science of Nutrition. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog Cash, reading, and cooking.