Affiliates
Thomas H. Ables, FRC®, NSSA®
ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE
Tom has been in the insurance business for 28 + years. He was also in the investment business for 15 years. For the past 13 years, he has concentrated on the federal benefits industry, as well as working with social security clients. Tom received his bachelor’s from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington before working at MetLife as a registered rep and AXA Advisors as a 403(b) financial professional. As a result, Tom is no stranger to the products and challenges pre-retirees, retirees, and specifically, federal employees have in retirement. Tom truly enjoys the challenge of finding the right strategies to meet his clients’ needs and takes the responsibility of their retirement income futures very seriously.
Tom has the NSSA Social Security Certification, through which he serves as a National Social Security Advisor. He is also a member of Council of Financial Educators (COFE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing the public with the knowledge to confidently navigate the ever-changing retirement landscape. He presently focuses on serving Federal Post Office employees in the New England region. He also works with Post Office employees throughout the south. Additionally, he works through the Veteran Administration (VA), as well as helping whom-ever needs his help. Tom has over 170 federal employee clients in New England; he also serves clients in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, plus many other states. He feels that relationships are the key to his success.
Tom also has advanced training with the federal benefits market, leading to a designation of (FRC) Federal Retirement Consultant. Tom has achieved the MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table), for the last 4 years – only 2-3% of insurance agents and financial advisors in the world are members of this elite group.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time at his karate dojang where he teaches Christian karate at his church. He is very involved in his church and enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as doing yard-work and traveling.
His motto: People buy from people; therefore, integrity and strong relationships are the key!
*SSA Disclaimer: Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government agency.
*FFEBA Disclaimer: FFEBA is not affiliated or endorsed by the Federal Government.
- (704) 616-6639
- 9815 Rockwood Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215
- mconner@brookstoneadvisor.com
Matt Conner
INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE
- (704) 999-6543
- Scottsdale, AZ
- rob.bryson@rtagwest.com
Rob Bryson
FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL / ESTATE PLANNING SPECIALIST
Originally from North Carolina and now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Rob Bryson is a financial professional who helps individuals and families feel clear and confident as they navigate life’s most important financial and estate-planning decisions.
After years supporting clients at Vanguard, Rob saw how overwhelming estate planning can feel without the right guidance—so he focuses on making the process simple, approachable, and rooted in genuine trust.
As a member of Retirement Transition Advisory Group – West, Rob works closely with clients to create plans that protect what matters most and ensure their wishes are carried out the right way. His style is calm, direct, and supportive, making complicated topics feel manageable and straightforward.
Rob enjoys tennis and spending time with the people who matter most to him. His goal is simple: to help others move into their next chapter with clarity and peace of mind.
- (704) 813-8505
- Scottsdale, AZ
- ben.conner@rtagwest.com
BEN CONNER
FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL / ESTATE PLANNING SPECIALIST
Ben grew up in Gastonia, North Carolina, and began his professional career in Charleston, South Carolina, working with State Farm as a life insurance agent, helping individuals and families protect their financial future. After moving out west with his family, he now focuses on estate planning and wealth protection, guiding clients in creating wills, trusts, and strategies to safeguard both assets and loved ones. He takes a practical, solutions-oriented approach to planning, helping families feel confident that their wishes will be honored and their loved ones protected.
Faith plays a central role in Ben’s life, shaping the values and principles he brings to both his personal and professional work. He believes that estate planning is not just about finances, but about stewardship, responsibility, and leaving a meaningful legacy for the people you love.
Ben and his wife live with their newborn son and their two dogs. In addition to spending time with his growing family, he is passionate about photography and exploring the outdoors through backpacking and hiking. Hefinds balance in helping families plan for long-term security while embracing the present.
