Focus
Jim provides comprehensive investment planning. If a working relationship is developed, he can work with you to help address your goals.

Background and Experience
For over 2 decades Jim has helped clients by focusing on each individual’s specific needs. With extensive experience throughout major shifts in the markets, Jim has dedicated his career to delivering the personalized services clients deserve.

With a wide range of experience Jim has had unwavering dedication to the financial services industry since 1996. He thoroughly enjoys meeting with clients and getting to know them and their life ambitions. Jim specializes in money manager selection and individual security selection, along with client meetings and presentation of investment plan reports. As Jim says, “I pride myself on open communication, consistent availability and going the extra mile for my clients.”

Jim has worked his way up in the industry. He has experience on the trading desk, syndicate desk and OTC desk. He was a trading operations manager and compliance manager. Jim holds Series 7 and 66 securities registrations as well as his life insurance license.

Away From the Office

Marisa is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she earned a degree in Consumer & Family Financial Services. Marisa’s reputation on the team is that her keen intelligence is matched only by her quick wit. Marisa raises the bar on client service standards by making client money movement, account updates, and new account openings as easy-breezy as possible. She embodies our core values of teamwork, growth mindset, and enjoyment. Her attitude, attention to detail, and efficiency have made her a vital contributor to training new team members.

Splitting her time between Ohio and Illinois, Marisa enjoys exploring local thrift stores and discovering new restaurants. She finds it exciting to share both her professional and personal experiences in these two vibrant areas. She is a dedicated Columbus Crew fan and intense pickle ball competitor. She is also more than willing to use planes, trains, and automobiles to go on adventures with family and friends and/or assist in bringing new NEST offices online.

Leslie comes to us with many years of experience in office management within the technology sector, so helping our practices integrate technology for increased efficiency is second nature to her. Leslie leads our team of client service advocates who perform all administrative services to quickly solve all client needs, including: money movement, account openings and updates, transfers, IRA consolidations, 401k rollovers, and more! Beyond these important responsive services, Leslie and her team drive all proactive client service touches as well. This may come in the form of organizing group events and educational opportunities, along with both celebrating and mourning with individual clients as they navigate the ups and downs of life’s journeys.

Leslie has worked for us both in Ohio and Texas, and currently resides near our operations hub in Troy, Ohio. She often travels to other NEST Capital practices to coach, mentor, train, and strategize with their local team. When not at work, Leslie stays very busy entertaining her two children, Gwen and Alex, and their sweet kitties. Her family avidly enjoys outdoor activities that revolve around water, as well as trying to find the best street taco when given the opportunity.

Prior to joining our group in 2007, Kasey spent her days being a mom, her nights being a student, and her weekends parenting, studying, and working. She previously worked in inventory management and office administration. Needless to say, she sold us on her juggling skills (no, not literally!). Shortly after joining our group, Kasey obtained her bachelors of science in accounting degree from Wright State University. Then, she went on to obtain Series 7, 24, and 66 securities registrations; and life, accident, and health insurance licenses. Kasey handles all operations for every branch of the practice—from internal management to compliance to client outreach and special projects.

Kasey lives in Butler Township, Dayton, with her husband, Steve, and their sons, Kyle, Xavier and Lukas. Kasey and Steve spend the majority of their spare time indoors and outdoors playing sports, games, or watching movies with their boys at their sides. Their family donates their time and money to the local schools. Kasey also likes to travel, dance, and partake in beer tastings, all of which she looks forward to doing more and more of in the future.

Polina joined us in 2021 with 13 years of experience in the financial services industry. She works in a dual advisor and client servicing role, partnering closely with clients and advisors to help deliver clear, well coordinated investment planning.

As leader of the planning team, Polina oversees planning strategy. She also trains and supports advisors to help ensure consistent, high quality outcomes for clients. Polina manages relationships for some of our most complex clients and collaborates closely across teams to create a seamless, customized client experience. She also acts as a liaison among attorneys, CPAs, and other specialists, working with experts across disciplines to help support truly holistic planning.

Polina holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, with concentrations in Finance and International Business. She also holds her FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations as well as life insurance licenses.

Born in Ukraine and raised in Pittsburgh, Polina proudly considers herself a forever “Yinzer.” She now lives in Powell, Ohio, with her husband, Michael, and their children, Gabriel and Karina. Outside of work, she enjoys Lagree fitness, reading, traveling, supporting local breweries, and staying active with her family.

Moe Zayed is an accomplished finance professional with over 8 years of experience in the finance industry and a strong background in management spanning over 9 years. He has held various roles including Banker, Financial Advisor, and Director of Estate Operations before joining our team in 2023. As our Compliance Coordinator, Moe leverages his expertise to manage the daily compliance workload, ensuring adherence to all relevant rules and regulations by monitoring, reviewing, and approving/denying necessary supervisory and compliance materials. His proficiency is demonstrated through his possession of FINRA Series 7, 66, 9, 10, and 99 security registrations, showcasing his commitment to maintaining high standards in financial services.

Originally from Cleveland, Moe relocated to Columbus three years ago with his wife, Megan, and daughter, Sabrina. In May 2024, they welcomed another daughter, Leila, to their lovely family. Outside of work, Moe finds joy in fishing and exploring the world with his family, having visited captivating destinations such as Iceland, Jordan, Japan, Korea, Italy, and Spain. He continues to plan more adventures, embracing a well-rounded lifestyle that balances professional excellence with enriching personal experiences.