Meet the Team

“At Provista, we want to be the last financial advisor you will ever need. We will create a financial roadmap to put you on a course to provide for those you care about most.”

Josh Paddock
Partner & Director of Financial Planning

Josh's Story

From pitching balls to calling strikes (the investment kind), Josh spent the early part of his career as a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. But his magnetic personality and genuine desire to serve people lead him to pursue his second passion: helping people make the best use of their money to accomplish their goals. Having graduated with a degree in financial management and international business, Josh began his second career on a banking team as a financial advisor alongside Derek and Jason. Over the years, their camaraderie grew, and they decided, with Clarke, to join forces in co-founding Provista.

Josh and his wife Amy are proud to call Greenville home and enjoy playing baseball, basketball, and golf while active in their church ministry with their three children Charlotte, Piper, and Noah.

Recognition:

• Named Wells Fargo Advisors Premier Advisor - 2020-2021

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn

“We guide clients in creating goal-based financial plans that seek to maximize wealth to make the most impact for the people and causes they care about.”

Derek Oglesby
Partner & Director of Investment Strategy

Derek's Story

Always attracted to the outdoors, Derek, his wife Emily, and their two children Luke and Kate enjoy skiing together, whether waterskiing on the lake or skiing Western peaks. Plotting the best and safest path for the family (including varying degrees of risk tolerance) down a snowy mountain slope takes a lot of experience, foresight, and careful attention to the landscape, much like an investment strategy. Learning to recognize the dips and rises and navigating a careful path around them is what makes for a smoother experience.

After graduating from Clemson University with a degree in finance, Derek went directly into investment management with Bank of America. Several years later he joined the team at a large commercial bank being nationally named repeatedly most years as a top advisor. After a few years he began to surround himself with a team of advisors who also cared for clients as he did under the mantra: “Always do the right thing for the client.” Derek, which originally connected each of the partners together, is the longest-standing member of the Provista foursome. Each partner is dedicated to a goals-based approach that maximizes the impact of each client’s wealth for the people and causes they care about most.

Recognition:

• Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors from 2018-2022
• ”Top 40 Under 40" - OnWallStreet.com for 2016
• #6 Top 50 Bank Advisors in the U.S. - Bank Investment Consultant Magazine, - 2015 
• Wells Fargo Advisors Premier Advisor - 2012-2021

Connect with Derek on LinkedIn

“I love helping people find a purpose for their money, not just managing investments and picking stocks, but finding purpose to make the most impact with what they have accumulated.”

Clarke Smith
Partner & Managing Director

Clarke's Story

If you ask Clarke about his passions he would say people (including his wife, Shea, and two daughters, Savannah and Madeline), non-profits (including volunteering at his church), and the outdoors - specifically hiking the Appalachian Trail. Much like the goals individuals have with their finances, for Clarke hiking the Appalachian Trail was a pinnacle he has wanted to achieve since college. Like he advises his clients, he is currently working away at that goal, one mile at a time, alongside some of his best friends from college.

Before joining the team to co-found Provista, Clarke began his career with Ameriprise, then worked for Axa Advisors, and Principal Financial Group before ending up on the relationship banking side of a large, commercial bank. His love for helping people find their purpose to make the most impact with their money connected him with Derek, Jason, and Josh and the rest was history. Today, Clarke focuses on the relationships Provista has with its clients and within each relationship, coming alongside to help individuals and families identify their goals and achieve them, one step at a time.

Connect with Clarke on LinkedIn

“With Provista we are raising the standard in the financial services industry by offering customized customer experiences and tailored financial solutions.”

Jason Buckley
Partner & Director of Client Experience

Jason's Story

To some, finishing a marathon may feel like an impossible achievement. While in college, Jason was inspired by a High School mentor, Donny, to consider registering, and on Chicago’s hottest October day on record (the heat index was over 100°), they pushed on to complete the Chicago Marathon together. Similar to the world of investments, having Donny coach and advise him during his training was invaluable to reaching this goal.

After graduating with a business degree (and later an MBA), Jason eventually found himself working in the office next to Derek as a licensed banker at a commercial bank. The two shared many conversations during those years and when Derek shared an opportunity to expand the advisory team, Jason jumped at the chance. 

Outside of work, Jason enjoys playing (and watching) sports with his wife, Ashley, and their children, Mallory, Emmie, and Liam. They love being part of the Greenville community and are active in ministry at their church.

Recognition:

• Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors - 2019
• Wells Fargo Advisors Premier Advisor - 2020-2021

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

"Our approach focuses on providing outstanding, expert care. We are dedicated to ensuring that every client leaves our office feeling genuinely heard, thoroughly understood, and supported by a trusted advisor."

Brandon A. Long
Principal | Financial Advisor

Brandon's Story

A Clemson University graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering, Brandon began his career as a licensed structural engineer, applying his analytical skills to complex projects. His professional journey then took a pivotal turn into the non-profit finance sector, where he honed his expertise in managing financial resources for impactful causes.

Transitioning into finance, Brandon discovered his passion for crafting personalized financial strategies and guiding clients toward their goals. His diverse experience across engineering, finance, and the non-profit sector provides him with a unique perspective on achieving financial success and fostering growth.

Outside of his professional life, Brandon treasures time with his wife, Meagan, and their three children—EllieClaire, Kennedy, and Bennett. An avid outdoors enthusiast, he enjoys working on their small farm, biking, camping, and tackling challenging hikes. Brandon’s commitment to a balanced lifestyle is reflected in his active community involvement, including service at their local church and contributions to various nonprofit boards. This engagement underscores his dedication to both personal and community growth, enriching the holistic approach Brandon brings to financial planning.

Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn