There’s more to wealth than money. There’s your family’s security and well-being. The growth and success of your business. A worthy cause that’s transforming lives. At Wilfong Gage Group, we have the diversity of skills, education, experience and national reach to help you pursue your goals and greater ideals through meticulous planning and investing. With client relationships in states all over the US, through offices in both Memphis, TN and Dallas, TX, we focus our attention and energy on making a difference in people’s lives.  We work together as one cohesive team to simplify complex situations, to ultimately help you make a significant and lasting impact for good. It’s all backed by UBS—one of the world’s largest wealth managers.

We start by asking you one simple question: what is important about money to you? Your answer is a call to action for us.

Team photo 2022

Defining your priorities. Pursuing what matters.

Our experience and structured planning process drives a comprehensive financial plan and customized investment strategies. Depending on where you are in your life and the priorities that matter most, our planning conversations may focus on liquidity management, your cash flow needs, asset replacement solutions such as insurance, estate planning strategies, or tax and legal structures such as trusts and philanthropic vehicles.

Business owners and entrepreneurs

Donors and philanthropists

Women in transition

Investing focused on your goals

Planning based on your priorities

two men planning

Ready to sell your business?

The five hallmarks of a successful sale

Move forward with confidence in possibly the biggest venture of your life. We can help advise and orchestrate your entire team of experts throughout the sale process and beyond.

You. Connected.

As a UBS Private Wealth Management team, we connect you to firmwide experts, thought leaders and premier resources to address your most important goals.

You. Connected.

Your family

Your family

Your business

Your business

Your legacy

Your legacy

Younger generations are positioned to become more economically empowered than their parents, yet they face an increasingly fast-paced and volatile future. To help brave the unknown, UBS Private Wealth Management can support your family through all generations to plan for the next era.

72% of the world’s wealthiest people are self-made, and most tend to be business owners. Entrepreneurs have the drive to build something great, and we have the solutions to turn their aspirations into reality.

COVID-19 exposed economic disparities, so those with the financial means to help stepped up. UBS Private Wealth Management can help your giving have an even greater impact by connecting you with other like-minded donors.

Your primary source for financial advice

We are here to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. We concentrate on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service. You can rely on our personalized advice, first-class solutions, and extensive wealth management experience.

  • John

    John E. Wilfong, CEPA

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Certified Exit Planning Advisor

    • image
    • image
    • image
    • image
    • AK
    • AL
    • AR
    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • DC
    • FL
    • GA
    • IL
    • KS
    • LA
    • MD
    • MS
    • NC
    • NJ
    • NY
    • PA
    • SC
    • TN
    • TX
    • VA
    • WA
    • WY

    Serving clients. Improving lives. Impacting the world.
    As leader of the team since 2007, John oversees the investment management process to help pursue and reach client goals. He believes a solid investment strategy involves proper diversification, suitable risk limits, regular rebalancing, and tactical positioning depending on market conditions.


    To John, careful financial planning, investing and philanthropy can not only make a difference in the lives of clients, but can also positively impact the world.


    Educated in finance. And on the court.
    At the University of Memphis, John had the unique experience of playing in the NCAA Final Four as a member of their highly successful basketball team. He learned the importance of working together as a team and applies that experience today to best serve Wilfong Gage Group’s clients. After graduating in 1987 with a degree in finance, he joined the investment firm of Morgan Keegan, and later earned his M.B.A. to further his education.  John's diligence and success has led to being named Forbes / Shook Best-in-State Wealth Advisors of Tennessee. 2022, 2023


    A life of charity and family.
    Outside the office, John is involved in a number of impactful charities, including Champions for Literacy, (Board Chairman), the University of Memphis Foundation, (Vice-President), and the National Christian Foundation Memphis, (Founder).


    He and his wife Catherine have been married for thirty years. They are the proud parents of three sons, Jonathan, Bennett (Weldon), and Luke.

    CA Ins License #0F21977

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

    Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

    • The University of Memphis, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.A.) Finance: 1987
    • The University of Memphis, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.): 2004
    • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
    • Private Wealth Advisor
    Philanthropy
    Exit planning
    Business succession
    Investing
    Professional athletes
    Multi-generational families
    Business owners
    Entrepreneurs
    6070 Poplar Avenue
    Triad Center III
    Memphis, TN 38119
  • michelle 2022

    Michelle F. Martini

    Wealth Management Associate

    • image
    • image
    • image
    • AR
    • FL
    • MS
    • TN

    The personal touch of client service.
    As a Wealth Management Associate, Michelle’s role is to help ensure that every client receives exceptional and personalized service. She strives to make each individual feel special and cared for in a way that’s tailored specifically to their needs. Her other priority at the office is supporting the team—listening to what they need, solving problems and keeping everyone on task. She loves helping others and finds her job highly rewarding.

    Dedicated to leadership training.
    Michelle attended Mississippi State University and currently holds the Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses. She’s attended several workshops in leadership training and time management.

    Putting others first.
    Michelle volunteers annually with Service Over Self and Project Transformation. She’s also coordinated the team's "Season of Service" efforts at UBS branch in 2018 and 2019.  In 2019 this included helping the homeless with meals and clothes.

    She’s been married for more than 30 years and has two children and two dogs. She loves reading, photography, and spending time with her family.

      Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

      • Mississippi State University
        6070 Poplar Avenue
        Triad Center III
        Memphis, TN 38119
      • Keri 2022

        Keri T. Gage

        Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

        Financial Advisor

        • image
        • image
        • image
        • image
        • AK
        • AL
        • AR
        • AZ
        • CA
        • CO
        • DC
        • FL
        • GA
        • IL
        • KS
        • LA
        • MD
        • MS
        • NC
        • NJ
        • NY
        • PA
        • SC
        • TN
        • TX
        • VA
        • WA
        • WY

        A career of helping others.
        It didn't take Keri long to learn that the thing she loves most about her career is helping people make wise decisions about their money.  Keri holds herself to the highest standard of staying in the know on the latest market trends, while offering the most informed analysis toward risks and rewards for her clients.  

        Starting as a trust officer at SunTrust in 1993, she discovered the key metrics necessary to generate income and protect client assets. Five years later, she moved to Regions Morgan Keegan and served as a Trust Officer and Private Wealth Advisor—learning the best practices to use wealth and leverage to benefit her clients.  Bringing all her knowledge and experience, Keri has served clients of UBS since 2012, making a name for herself as one of the best in her field. 

        Education, backed by experience
        With a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Keri also graduated from Southern Trust School in 1996; Cannon Financial Comprehensive Wealth Management School in 2003; and the Leadership Memphis Executive Program in 2014. She utilizes her wealth of education every day at UBS in pursuit of client goals, combining her skills with fellow team members to serve clients at her highest level.  Keri has been recognized as Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor, 2022, 2023 and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor, 2022, 2023.  Keri also holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses.  

        A passion for theatre. A heart for leadership.
        Keri currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Orpheum Theatre Group in Memphis and has been on the executive committee the last eleven years. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Diocese of West Tennessee and the Board of Directors for Madonna Circle. 

        Keri enjoys yoga, theatre, fitness and cooking with her family. She and her husband Doug have been married for over 30 years and have two daughters, Grace and Anna.

        CA Ins License #0L58004

        • Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in February based on information from a 12 month period ending September of the prior year.
        • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
        • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

        Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

        • University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Accounting
        • Southern Trust School: 1996 - 1996
        • Cannon Financial Comprehensive Wealth Management School: 2003 - 2003
        • Leadership Memphis Executive Program: 2014 - 2014
          Investing
          Banking
          Lending services
          Cash management
          Securities-backed lending
          Multi-generational families
          Women investors
          Family Offices
          6070 Poplar Avenue
          Triad Center III
          Memphis, TN 38119
        • Ryan 2022

          S. Ryan Viner

          Financial Advisor

          • image
          • image
          • image
          • image
          • AK
          • AL
          • AR
          • AZ
          • CA
          • CO
          • DC
          • FL
          • GA
          • IL
          • KS
          • LA
          • MD
          • MS
          • NC
          • NJ
          • NY
          • PA
          • SC
          • TN
          • TX
          • VA
          • WA
          • WY

          Deliver the firm. Focus on the future.
          Ryan provides a comprehensive, family office wealth management approach to entrepreneurs and families with multi-generational wealth. Specifically, Ryan focuses on delivering the extensive resources of UBS to support Fintech founders and their businesses. He believes each client needs a foundational financial plan that drives goals-based investment recommendations. Ryan offers strategic wealth management advice on a wide range of issues including investment planning, philanthropy, trust and estate planning strategies, family governance and education, financial planning, business succession, and liabilities.

          Past experience.
          Ryan has a strong passion for philanthropy and education. He remains deeply involved in the work of Champions for Literacy, a nationally recognized childhood literacy organization, where he formerly served as the Executive Director for six years.

          Education and credentials.
          Ryan earned a B.B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi in 2010 and is a graduate from the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi, 2011. Ryan also holds Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses.

          Committed to community and family.
          Ryan's contribution to community and dedication to family are his driving forces. Ryan currently serves on the Board of Directors for Believe Memphis Academy, a tuition free, college preparatory charter school, preparing students in grades K-8. Ryan enjoys spending quality time with his family, coaching his son’s soccer team, and participating in his local church community at Redeemer Presbyterian. He and his wife Madeline have been married for 8 years. They are the proud parents of two sons, Levi and Bowen and one daughter, Arlo.

          • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

          Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

          • The University of Mississippi, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Marketing
          • Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, University of Mississippi, Honors Scholar, Business Administration: 2006 - 2011
            Financial planning
            Philanthropy
            Professional athletes
            Multi-generational families
            Business owners
            Entrepreneurs
            Professionals
            Corporate executives
            6070 Poplar Avenue
            Triad Center III
            Memphis, TN 38119
          • ds22

            Darrell Smith

            Financial Advisor

            • image
            • image
            • image
            • image
            • AK
            • AL
            • AR
            • AZ
            • CA
            • CO
            • DC
            • FL
            • GA
            • IL
            • KS
            • LA
            • MD
            • MS
            • NC
            • NJ
            • NY
            • PA
            • SC
            • TN
            • TX
            • VA
            • WA
            • WY

            Staging a global sporting event takes precise coordination amongst many key stakeholders.  Those same principles are the foundation of Darrell's approach in helping clients achieve financial success.  Darrell recognizes and accepts his role as a trusted advisor and works to make every experience rewarding and beneficial.  

            A financial hole-in-one

            As a member of Wilfong Gage Group, Darrell assists clients with implementing a plan focused on their financial goals.  Darrell begins every new relationship by listening and understanding goals for clients and their families.  Understanding what is important to the client allows Darrell the ability to build an investment portfolio suited to accomplish the client's goals.  Throughout the relationship, Darrell guides and tracks progress to make certain the plan in place to best suited to achieve financial success. 

            Past experience

            Before joining Wilfong Gage Group in 2021, Darrell served as the Executive Director of the FedEx St. Jude Championship.  During Darrell's tenure, the event would be reimaged alongside title sponsor, FedEx, to become a marquee event on the PGA TOUR schedule.  Darrell led a rapid transformation over a four-year period, where the event experienced increased attendance, increased revenue, and ultimately increased exposure and charity contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  

            Education and credentials

            Darrell is a 2005 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  He is a 2018 Memphis Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree.  Darrell also holds Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses.    

            Family, it is what matters.

            Darrell enjoys playing golf, traveling and spending time with his wife Libby and their son, Holston and daughter, Millie.

            CA Ins License #4210359

             

             

               

            • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

            Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

            • The University of Tennessee, Bachelor of Science, Education (B.S.): 2001 - 2005
              Business succession
              Professional athletes
              Professional entertainers
              Multi-generational families
              Business owners
              Entrepreneurs
              Professionals
              Corporate executives
              6070 Poplar Avenue
              Triad Center III
              Memphis, TN 38119
            • heather

              Heather Stephens

              Client Associate

              • image
              • image
              • image
              • image
              • TN

              Measuring success by service.

              Heather’s love for the financial industry began during her years as a branch manager for SunTrust Bank. During her tenure as a branch manager, Heather’s leadership skills and dedication earned her the distinction of Top Performing Branch Manager of the Year in 2006. As a Registered Client Associate, Heather embodies her nurturing personality that makes every client feel like her only client. Providing professionalism and attention to detail is how she measures her success.

              Dedicated to work and motherhood.

              Heather has always devoted herself to both work and motherhood.  She and Dale, her husband of 24 years, are proud parents of two sons, Skylan and Joyner, and two daughters, London and Halana. Prior to joining UBS, Heather most recently served as the financial secretary at her children’s high school, satisfying her desire to be available for her children while remaining in finance.  She has also penned a book on parenting entitled, “Mama Didn’t Half-Step, A Mother’s Role in Restoring the Family.”

              Back to her roots.

              Now that Heather’s children are entering college, she is excited to be back in the financial services workforce.   Heather holds the Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses.  A proud graduate of Lane College, she is active in leadership at her church and she loves writing, acting, and inspiring others.

                Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

                • Lane College, Bachelor of Science and Biology (B.S.): 1991 - 1995
                  6070 Poplar Avenue
                  Triad Center III
                  Memphis, TN 38119

                The proof is in our numbers

                18

                Years in business as a team

                92

                Collective years of experience

                6 person

                seasoned team


                Backed by the strength of UBS

                A global leader in wealth management

                $5+ trillion

                In invested assets globally 
                As of 11/07/2023

                Global leader

                UBS is a world-leading wealth manager

                #1

                Philanthropic Advice

                Euromoney Private Banking and Wealth Management Survey, 2011-2022

                Insights