Founded by tax professionals, we deliver wealth management that’s personal, strategic, and always aligned with your best interests.
As tax professionals, we’ve worked closely with business owners and retirees who’ve spent a lifetime building something valuable — whether it’s a company, a career, or a nest egg for the next chapter. Time and again, we saw the same challenge: their investment advice wasn’t aligned with their tax realities.
We founded our wealth management firm to bridge that gap.
By combining deep tax expertise with disciplined investment management, we help our clients grow and preserve wealth in a holistic way that’s intentional and tax-smart. For business owners, that means aligning financial planning with the complexities of ownership transitions, income structuring, and long-term planning. For retirees, it means managing distributions, minimizing taxes, and preserving what’s been earned for future generations.
We believe wealth management and tax strategy shouldn’t exist in silos. When integrated, they create powerful opportunities—and greater peace of mind.
Our Clients Asked for More—So We Built It
Clients increasingly have asked for more holistic guidance—support that not only addressed their investments but also made sense in light of their tax situation. They wanted advice that considered the full picture, not just isolated financial products or market performance.
In building a wealth advisory firm we chose to remain independent so we can always put clients first. We’re not affiliated with any parent company, tied to proprietary products, or influenced by sales quotas. As independent, fiduciary advisors, we’re legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. That means our advice is objective, our recommendations are conflict-free, and our focus stays where it belongs—on helping you reach your goals with clarity and confidence. That independence gives us the freedom to offer advice that is truly objective, deeply personalized, and fully aligned with your best interests.
Matthew Coons
Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor
Matthew is the Managing Partner of API Capital where he combines long-standing investment experience with a strong background in accounting, tax and regulatory compliance. He leads the firm’s efforts to deliver fiduciary-focused, forward-looking financial guidance tailored to each client’s goals.
In addition to his role at API Capital, Matthew serves as President of API Accounting, Tax & Advisory, Inc., where he leads a team of professionals delivering tax preparation and advisory services to individuals, families, and business owners.
Prior to leading API Accounting and the founding of API Capital, Matthew spent over a decade at DWS Group, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, most recently serving as Vice President where he advised institutional clients on portfolio strategy and asset management. He began his career at Ernst & Young, where he earned his CPA license and developed a solid foundation in tax and assurance services.
Matthew holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California. He brings together a unique blend of investment and regulatory experience to help clients make confident decisions across every stage of their financial lives.
Kelby Houston
Senior Partner, Wealth Advisor
Kelby is a Partner at API Capital, where he combines extensive expertise in tax planning with a strategic approach to investing. As an Enrolled Agent and seasoned tax advisor, he helps clients build long-term wealth through tax-smart investment strategies that align with their broader financial goals and maximize after-tax outcomes through every stage of life.
In addition to his work at API Capital, Kelby advises individuals, families, and business owners through API Accounting, Tax & Advisory, Inc., focusing on complex tax matters, regulatory compliance, and forward-looking planning. His background in both tax and finance enables him to deliver advice that thoughtfully integrates investment strategy with real-world tax implications.
Kelby earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Cal Poly Pomona and is federally licensed by the IRS as an Enrolled Agent. He is recognized for his practical insight, approachable style, and commitment to delivering personalized advice grounded in data, experience, and a strong understanding of how taxes impact financial success.
Our Strategic Partnership: Independence with Strength
To deliver the highest level of service to our clients, we’ve chosen to partner with Focus Partners Advisor Solutions, a trusted platform that supports independent, fiduciary financial advisors like us.
Most importantly, working with Focus Partners allows us to stay focused on what matters most: you. It enables us to dedicate more time to personalized planning, proactive tax strategies, and long-term wealth management—while maintaining the freedom to act solely in your best interest.
Focus Partners provides critical infrastructure—technology, compliance support, investment research, and back-office resources—that allow us to remain fully independent while enhancing the depth and quality of the services we offer. This partnership ensures we have access to institutional-level capabilities without compromising the personal, client-first approach that defines our firm.
Kevin Grogan, CFA, CFP®
Chief Investment Officer – Systematic Strategies
Kevin analyzes the latest research in investment and finance to draw practical applications and apply findings to help clients improve the structure of their portfolios and achieve their goals. He has co-authored three books about investing. He holds an MBA from Saint Louis University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Missouri State University in Springfield. Kevin also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Sheldon McFarland
Director, Investment Strategy
Sheldon manages the Investment Strategy group, overseeing the work they do researching, implementing, and monitoring investment solutions for the firm. He holds an MBA from Santa Clara University and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Brigham Young University.
Brian Haywood, CIMA®
Investment Strategy, Advisor
Brian works closely with clients and advisors to help them understand and implement evidence-driven investment solutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University and is a CIMA® professional.
Jonathan Scheid, CFA, AIF®
President, Focus Partners Advisor Solutions
Jonathan uncovers insights from academic research to inform forward-looking investment strategies and recommendations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce, with an emphasis in finance, and a minor in computer engineering from Santa Clara University. Jonathan also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations.
Blerina Hysi
Director, Fixed Income
As Director of Fixed Income, Blerina works with Focus Partners fixed income and advisory teams to help construct and maintain customized client bond portfolios, all with an eye toward finding the best way to implement the client’s comprehensive financial plan. Her duties include fixed income analysis, bond trading, and building tailored, client-focused portfolio solutions. Blerina holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Doug Buchan, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
As a Wealth Advisor, Doug seeks to help clients make smart choices with their money so they can live the life that is most important to them. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Richmond. Doug also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Michael Clayman, CFP®, ChSNC®
Wealth Advisor
Mike works with families to gain a clear and deep understanding of
their unique goals, needs, and concerns. He then collaborates with families to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to their individual circumstances. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Purdue University and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Mike also serves clients who have a loved one with a disability or special need, and is a Chartered Special Needs Consultant®
Carl Nadwodny, CFA, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Carl enjoys helping clients with objective decision-making and his experience includes implementing an investment discipline combining behavioral finance and asset- liability management. He holds an MBA in finance from Drexel University and a bachelor’s in finance from Villanova University. Carl also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.