Steve Small, AIF^®, AAMS^®

Steve has spent more than three decades helping individuals and families make confident financial decisions—especially as they approach and enter retirement. His passion for simplifying complexity, paired with a deep commitment to the people he serves, has shaped both his career and the firm he founded.

Born and raised in Napoleon, Ohio, Steve is the youngest of fourteen children, an upbringing that instilled in him a strong work ethic, personal responsibility, and an appreciation for practical, values-driven decision-making. He graduated from Napoleon High School and went on to study mathematics at the University of Dayton and political science at the University of Toledo. While still in college, Steve took an unexpected opportunity that would define his career—accepting a cold-calling position with a local stockbroker to help pay for school. With no prior background in investing, he discovered not only a talent for the work, but a genuine passion for helping people navigate important financial decisions.

At just 20 years old, Steve earned his FINRA registered representative license, and by 22, he was advising clients and helping them plan for their financial futures. He began his career with a major New York Stock Exchange firm, later spending more than nine years as a financial consultant and regional manager for the retail investment division of a large regional bank. In 1996, he became the company's youngest Vice President, overseeing offices in Toledo, Ohio and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

While Steve achieved success in leadership and management, he came to a defining realization: his greatest fulfillment came not from corporate advancement, but from working directly with clients. He loved listening to their stories, simplifying complex financial topics, and helping families gain confidence about the future. That clarity of purpose led him to return to Napoleon in 1999 and ultimately to found Claridence Wealth (formerly Northwest Capital Financial Group) in 2003.

From the beginning, Claridence Wealth was built around a simple but powerful idea: retirement planning should replace confusion with clarity and anxiety with confidence. Steve’s approach is thoughtful, forward-looking, and deeply personal. He is known for his ability to see the big picture while never losing sight of what matters most to each client. Rather than leading with products or jargon, he focuses on listening, educating, and building plans that align with clients’ goals, values, and desired lifestyle.

Steve has continued to invest heavily in his professional development, completing advanced studies in financial planning, investments, and insurance planning through The American College. He holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist® (AAMS®) designation from the College for Financial Planning. These credentials reflect his long-standing commitment to acting in his clients’ best interests and providing disciplined, well-reasoned advice.

In January 2026, Steve sold Claridence Wealth to Jordan Braun, ensuring the firm’s long-term continuity and future growth. While no longer the firm’s owner, Steve remains actively involved with clients and the practice, continuing to do what he enjoys most—serving families and helping them confidently navigate retirement.

Beyond his professional work, Steve has been deeply involved in the Napoleon community for decades. He served on Napoleon City Council from 2002–2008 and has held numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including President of the United Way of Henry County, President of the Napoleon Rotary Club, and trustee or committee member for several local foundations and organizations. He has also volunteered extensively as a youth sports coach and community leader.

Steve and his wife, Penny, live in Napoleon with their dogs, Sam and Tobin. Their son, Connor, lives and works in Napoleon, and their daughter, Hailey, lives in Dublin and works in Worthington. As a family, they enjoy spending time together at their place in Glen Arbor, Michigan, on the Leelanau Peninsula. Steve and Penny are members of Redemption Church in Monclova Township.

At his core, Steve believes retirement should not feel like a leap into the unknown. His role, as he sees it, is to walk alongside clients during one of life’s most significant transitions—providing clarity, steady guidance, and reassurance—so they can enjoy the life they’ve worked so hard to build.