About Us
Clients are at the center of everything we do.
We succeed only when our clients are happy — when goals are met and they are down their path to financial freedom.
We honor our fiduciary duty above all. We practice transparency and full disclosure and foster the highest level of two-way communication. We are here for our clients through every phase of their financial lives — to identify and set goals, create an operational plan and provide the highest level of support along the way.
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.”
— Alan Lakein
Having the right partner to help plan and implement your financial strategy is crucial.
As we get to know our clients, we present questions that get them thinking beyond typical financial advisor rhetoric. While retirement planning is critical, we may ask about other things that are important to you — college savings, tax implications on real estate transactions, wealth transfer, or estate planning down to wills and health care directives. Ultimately, we want to be looking at your complete picture. That’s when we can help best.
Jeff Diamond
An Atlanta native, Jeff is an avid runner and, in his free time likes to read, play guitar, travel, and hit the open road on his Harley.
He is a co-founder and wealth advisor at Paces Ferry. Jeff has over three decades of financial services industry experience, having started his career in 1985 at PaineWebber. Most recently, Jeff served as managing director at J.P. Morgan Securities, a wealth management division of J.P. Morgan, and a partner in the Diamond Morris Group.
Throughout his career, Jeff has served on many honorary councils, including receiving the honor of being named a Five Star Wealth Manager by Atlanta Magazine.
Jeff is an honors graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the honorary business fraternity. Additionally, he has been very involved with several charitable organizations.
Jeff is married with two daughters. When he’s not playing his guitar or reading a good book, he loves spending time with his family.
Zachary Morris CFP®
Having traveled to over 35 countries, Zach is a believer in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s statement that Life is about the journey, not the destination. Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ provides Zach the opportunity to help clients define and realize their journey, and co-founding Paces Ferry Wealth Advisors, an independent firm, allows the freedom to define the client experience along the way.
Previously, Zach was a partner in The Diamond Morris Group and a Financial Advisor with J.P. Morgan Securities, a wealth management division of J.P. Morgan. Before becoming a Financial Advisor, Zach started as an Associate with the firm in 2011, where he developed skills for building lasting relationships with clients. Later, Zach developed and oversaw a training and mentorship program for J.P. Morgan Associates.
Zach supports a number of organizations including Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, The Shepherd Center, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, and NewStory.
Zach received a B.S. in finance, with a minor in economics, from Elon University in North Carolina. He was a member of The Kappa Alpha Order and has served on the board of the Elon Alumni Association’s Atlanta chapter. Zach speaks Spanish and is an Atlanta native. He and his wife live in West Midtown’s Underwood Hills neighborhood and his parents and two of his three sisters and their families live nearby. In his spare time, Zach golfs, plays tennis, rides his mountain bike and travels.
Solomon Dodson
Solomon grew up in Marietta but currently resides in Smyrna, GA. In 2020, he graduated Cum Laude from Kennesaw State Cole’s College of Business with a B.B.A. in Finance. During his time there, he was involved with the student-managed investment fund for six semesters and advanced to the CEO position. This experience provided him with knowledge and practical application of earned equity analysis and portfolio management. Solomon mentored new fund members and competed in the 2018 CFA Research Challenge, an annual global competition that provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics.
From a young age, he has had a passion for the financial industry. He began working for Paces Ferry during the Summer of 2021 and is happy to be building relationships with clients.
In his free time, Solomon enjoys bodybuilding, golfing, and traveling with his wife.
Jack Metzger, CIMA®
Jack grew up in Johns Creek, GA and currently resides in the Vinings area. In 2021, he graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Jack also led as a captain for the varsity men’s tennis team during his time there. Prior to joining Paces Ferry Wealth, he served as an investment analyst for a long/short Hedge Fund in Nashville, TN and more recently as a Portfolio Analyst for an RIA in the Atlanta area. Jack also serves on the board of directors for the Financial Planning Association of Georgia.
Jack is very passionate about portfolio management and aims to leverage his unique skills to further the exceptional client experience. He joined the team at Paces Ferry in May of 2024 and is happy to be a part of a team that continually puts clients first.
When Jack isn’t working, he is an avid outdoorsman. He also speaks fluent Spanish and enjoys spending his free time fishing, golfing, and playing tennis.
Kristy Hundt
Kristy Joined the Paces Ferry team in October 2023, and she serves as Client Service Associate. An ATL native, Kristy studied music, French, and Business Administration in college before traveling the world in her career as a flight attendant. She later settled in the Midwest and raised three children before entering the financial services industry in 2012.
Kristy is passionate about building client relationships, and she has a particular interest in supporting and reassuring clients during uncertain or intimidating times. In her past roles, she has managed offices, focused on building client relationships, and engaged in community outreach.
Now an empty nester and back in Atlanta, Kristy is chasing all the dreams she put on hold to raise her family. She enjoys learning new things, and she is gratified to serve on a team that works hard for the common good – serving clients and helping them achieve their goals.
Beth Conklin, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Beth joined the Paces Ferry team in early 2024 as an Associate Wealth Advisor. She holds the Certified Financial Planner™, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Chartered Life Underwriter® designations.
Beth earned her B.S. in Financial Management from Clemson University. She brings more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, including client service, employee benefits, and financial planning. Beth enjoys building and maintaining long-term client relationships. She is excited to leverage her comprehensive financial planning knowledge and passion for helping others to provide customized guidance to Paces Ferry clients.
Beth lives in Sandy Springs with her husband and daughter. Outside of work, she is active with various organizations that work to feed the hungry: Lasagna Love, Backpack Buddies, Bagel Rescue, and the JF&CS Kosher Food Pantry. She also volunteers with her daughter’s school PTA and her neighborhood HOA. She enjoys running, reading, and cheering on the Clemson Tigers.
Ashton Walters
Ashton Walters, originally from Montgomery, AL, has found his home in the vibrant Vinings area of Atlanta. In 2023, he proudly graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in finance, where his dedication extended beyond academia as an active member of FarmHouse Fraternity throughout his college years.
From an early age, Ashton’s passion for investments and the financial industry has been unwavering, shaping his career trajectory. With previous experience in Finance and Accounting at Hyundai, as well as serving clients at a financial firm in Atlanta, Ashton’s expertise is multi-faceted. Joining the esteemed Paces Ferry team in June 2024, Ashton’s enthusiasm is for cultivating new relationships and providing top-tier service to those he works with. His ability to instill confidence in his clients, ensuring their well-being in any circumstance, is a testament to his dedication.
In his leisure time, Ashton indulges in his love for golf, a cherished hobby since high school. He passionately supports Auburn football and spends as many gamedays on the plains as he can. These interests mirror his dynamic personality and underscores his affinity for teamwork and precision.
Ben Laufer
Ben Laufer grew up in Smyrna, GA, and began his college journey at Berry College before transferring to Birmingham-Southern College to complete his undergraduate studies. He majored in Psychology, minored in Business Administration, and concentrated in Health Sciences, blending his passion for understanding human behavior with a strong foundation in business. During his college years, Ben was an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and played lacrosse all four years, leading his team as captain in his senior year.
In August 2024, Ben joined the Paces Ferry team, bringing his enthusiasm for financial planning to the forefront of his career. He is currently working toward his ChFC and CFP designations, driven by a commitment to providing top-tier service to his clients. Outside of work, Ben enjoys weight training, learning about the markets, and is a dedicated supporter of Florida State football and Liverpool FC. He also values spending quality time with friends and family.
It’s never too late to take the first step or get a second opinion.
Schedule a call with a wealth advisor today.