Parallel Equity Advisors, Ltd.
About Our Team
Chris A. Gardner: Practicing Investment Adviser Representative (IAR), Partner/Owner Operator, Chief Compliance Officer
Chris began his career in consulting, working on a short-term engagement with McKinsey & Company at Ashland Chemical, before spending several years in financial services with Huntington Bancshares, Inc. and Lutheran Brotherhood.
At age 28, he co-founded Gardner Stoneburner Ltd. in Dublin, Ohio. As his family grew with the arrival of triplet daughters—born prematurely and requiring special care—Chris stepped back to focus on family, continuing his work with TFSN.
Chris later helped build another privately held advisory firm and now spends most of his professional time at Parallel Equity Advisors, Ltd.. He values thoughtful conversation about business and community, enjoys competitive shooting, fishing, car detailing and is an avid car enthusiast.
Ryan A. Smith: Practicing Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) Founding Partner/Owner Operator, Chief Financial Officer
Ryan has been in the Financial Service industry since graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2001. He began his career as a Financial Advisor. In 2009, Ryan teamed up with a group of associates to form their own independent Financial Planning Firm. Ryan currently acts as Chief Financial Officer for Parallel Equity Advisors Ltd..
Ryan resides in Bexley Ohio with his wife Elizabeth and their two children, Alec and Parker. Ryan is a member of Christ Lutheran Church and is extremely active in the community.
Cameron P. Ladd: Partner
Cameron has been in the financial services industry since 2010. He attended The Ohio State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Family Financial Management. His focus is to help each of his clients with their individual financial needs and develop financial choices suited to their specific goals and needs.
In his spare time, Cameron enjoys working out, golfing, and Ohio State sports. He resides in Delaware, where he can be found spending time with his son, Grayson.
Jennifer Loeffler, Partner
Educated at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, she began her career in research at Battelle, followed by OSU. In 2007, she joined the financial services industry, and in 2016 made the move to Parallel Financial Group.
Understanding that no two financial journeys are alike, Jennifer provides personalized advice carefully structured around each client's unique goals, responsibilities, and longterm aspirations. Whether planning for retirement, optimizing pension benefits, or designing employer-sponsored worksite programs, the approach is thoughtful, strategic, and grounded in experience.
For clients seeking broader financial coordination, Jennifer works in collaboration with High Net Worth Clients to assemble a dedicated team of professionals. This cohesive approach ensures that every aspect of a client's financial life — from retirement income and tax efficiency to estate considerations and risk management — is aligned and working together seamlessly. Known for a balance of technical expertise and genuine care, Jennifer believes financial planning is not only about numbers, but about people. Jennifer lives with her family in Canal Winchester, and enjoys the outdoors, biking, travel, and reading a good book.
Vance Bennett, CFP®, Associate Partner
Vance started out helping people at his church and quickly realized that ordinary people—even very successful ones—were often at a disadvantage when it came to money because they lacked the right information. I saw that people needed help in several key areas:
• Seeing beyond perceived limitations
• Understanding how money really works
• Learning the language of money and financial institutions
• Having a trusted partner to help them stay on track
If you are age 50 or older, I help you answer two critical questions: “Will I make it?” and “Do I have any financial blind spots?” Answering these questions brings clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
While I specialize in working with those in the 50-plus age range, I want people of all ages to experience these benefits. I believe anyone who is willing to be coachable can reach their ideal future.
I wish I could say people choose me as their partner and coach because of my overwhelming good looks—but as you can see, that’s not the case.
Instead, clients tell me:
• “You are a good advisor who talks to me, not at me.”
• “You take the time to understand my concerns, fears, and dreams.”
• “You give me the time I need to understand the solutions without fear of asking, ‘Could you explain that one more time?’”
The bottom line is this: you matter to me as a person, not just your money.
I believe in the saying, “What you do to get ’em is what you’ve got to do to keep ’em.” Like dating, relationships often start with extra effort, but over time that attention can fade. With me, it doesn’t. After you become a client, I continue doing the extra things—because strong relationships are built on consistent communication and genuine attention. You deserve that at every stage of life.
I don’t just discuss money. There are seven non-financial topics that every person should address and take action on. If ignored, these areas can become catastrophic financial events. You are the sum of all your parts—financial, physical, spiritual, legacy, and values—and I plan and strategize around the whole of you.
And for clients who want to, we also seek the Ultimate Advisor—God.
I am a Certified Financial Planner with 24 years of experience, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Financial Planning and a minor in Business. I am a Licensed Insurance Agent, a Licensed Registered Representative with FINRA, and a Certified Tax Preparer with the IRS.
Bart M Fisher, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, Associate Partner
Born and raised in Tiffin, Ohio, Bart grew up in a small neighborhood with his parents, Mike & Jeanie and his younger sister, Andrea. The Fisher household was incredibly competitive, which drove Bart to be a year round athlete, playing baseball, basketball and football. Of the three, football was his passion. He is a die hard Green Bay Packers fan, and was All-Ohio most of his high school career, setting multiple state records by the time he graduated. After high school, he attended Tiffin University where he played football, and studied business, graduating with his BA's in Marketing, Human Resources and Business Management and his MBA in Business Management. In 2010, Bart met his wife Bianka, and they have two daughters, Aricka and Ellie. Their family resides in Findlay, Ohio, where Bianka was born and raised.
Bart started his financial services career in 2014 when he received his property and casualty license. Since then, he has earned his Series 6, Series 7, and Series 63 licenses along with his Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Consultant, Retirement Income Certified Professional, and Chartered Life Underwriter designations. Bart joined the Parallel team because of their focus on a holistic planning process but more importantly, because he is treated like family.
Bianka Fisher, Associate Partner, Practicing Investment Adviser Representive (IAR), Onboarding Client Specialist / Marketing Support
Bianka was born and raised in Findlay, Ohio, where she graduated from Findlay High School in 2007. After that, she attended cosmetology school to become a hairstylist which she did for 10 years, enjoying attending hair shows and learning new and exciting trades of the industry. Bianka developed a love for business and customer service at the age of 14 when she started working at a local ice cream shop. Since then, she has been in customer service, and helping manage businesses. Most recently, Bianka was helping manage a successful optometry practice before obtaining her Ohio health & life license, series 6, 63 and 65 certifications.
Bianka has been married to her husband, Bart, since 2013. Together they have 2 daughters, Ellie and Aricka, who keep them busy. Bianka spends her free time being a dance and cheer mom! She loves golfing with her husband, watching Ohio State Football, and the Green Bay Packers. Bianka joined Parallel because of her love for business, helping others and the family environment feel of the firm.
Matthew Cecala, Associate Partner
I am born and raised in Lima, OH as the youngest of 5. I graduated from Xavier University is 2022 with my bachelors degree in Finance. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching the Buckeyes, and Browns, and playing basketball.
I have always had a passion for numbers and helping others. As a member of Parallel, I have the privilege of working with individuals and their families to create plans that help them achieve their unique financial goals.