Meet Your Financial Advocates

Jeff Wildes, CFP^®, CKA^®

Manuel Salazar III, EdD, MBA, CPA/PFS, CPWA®, CKA®  

Vice President of Client Stewardship

Phone: 843-574-8256

Manuel serves as Vice President of Client Stewardship at Wildes Financial Strategies, where he provides comprehensive financial planning. His passion is helping individuals and families align their financial decisions with their God-given goals through intelligent, values-based financial stewardship.

Manuel has over four decades of industry, leadership, and higher education experience. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-CA) and holds the professional designations of Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), along with advanced degrees in business (MBA), ministry (MA), and education (EdD). Dr. Salazar is the former Associate Dean of Jessup University and was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.  He currently teaches part-time at the Nielsen College of Business, Charleston Southern University and serves as the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the Buc Fund, a student-managed investment fund.

Manuel is a military veteran having served our nation during the Reagan years as a U.S. Army Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Away from work, Manuel enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa, their growing family, and enjoying outdoor activities along the South Carolina coast and North Carolina mountains. He and Lisa worship and serve at First Baptist Church Georgetown.

Brian Taylor, MS (Operations Research), Colonel US Marine Corps (Ret)

Vice President of Operations/ Chief Compliance Officer

Phone: 843-823-5186

Brian serves first and foremost as a Client Stewardship Advisor, helping clients thoughtfully identify and pursue their financial and life goals. In addition, he oversees the daily operations of Wildes Financial Strategies and serves as the Chief Compliance Officer, guiding the team’s efficiency and ensuring compliance with all SEC regulatory standards.

After graduating from Auburn University in 1996, Brian began a distinguished 29-year career in the United States Marine Corps. He served as a CH-53E helicopter pilot, completing four combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom before transitioning to an aviation acquisitions officer. His service earned him the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Strike/Flight Air Medal. Brian holds a Master’s degree in Operations Research from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and is currently completing the coursework required to become a Certified Financial Planner™ professional.

Outside the office, Brian and his wife, Debbie, are the proud parents of Clary and Grant, who are pursuing studies in microbiology and physics. They also share their home with three Labrador retrievers, enjoy playing pickleball, and take full advantage of all that South Carolina’s Lowcountry has to offer.

Kim Allred-Ford

Client Stewardship Associate

Phone: 843-353-0789

Driven by her commitment to client care and stewardship, Kim brings kindness and understanding to every conversation. Whether assisting clients with their day-to-day needs or helping navigate their specific financial situations, Kim ensures each client feels supported. 

Outside of the office, Kim enjoys traveling with her husband, Delvan, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. 

Sophia Lawson, FPQP®

Executive Assistant & Marketing Specialist

Sophia plays a key role in supporting client communications and internal initiatives at Wildes Financial Strategies to enhance the client experience. Through her work, she helps elevate the firm’s visibility and brand presence in addition to building meaningful connections with clients and the broader community, always striving to make each interaction feel welcoming and engaging.

Sophia is a proud Coastal Carolina University graduate, where she gained hands-on experience working in the university’s marketing and communications office. There, she helped develop tailored campaigns for a variety of audiences, an experience that now shapes how she approaches communication and connection with clients at WFS.

Outside the office, Sophia enjoys spending time at the beach, trying new recipes, crafting, and making memories with friends and family. She also regularly attends Wellspring Church in Myrtle Beach, SC, where she is involved in a ladies’ small group.