Michael Embrescia

Wealth Advisor, President, CEO

Michael began his career with New York Life Insurance Company in 1995. In this role, Michael received the “Rookie of the Year” award as well as the prestigious Stan Liss Award. Michael left New York Life in 2007, to pursue his career as an independent financial advisor. Currently, Michael is the CEO & President of EmVision Capital Advisors. He loves helping business owners, recent retirees, and professionals with specialized wealth management and high-end estate planning. Michael works closely with his partners, alongside trusted advisors such as attorneys, accountants, and other financial professionals to develop “holistic” planning for our clients. He has crafted the ideal skillset to facilitate the transition process for advisors looking to retirement. He plays a pivotal role in our Mergers & Acquisitions services. A lifetime resident of northeast Ohio, Michael resides in Aurora with wife Diane of 24 years and their three children: Nicholas, Jameson, and Marissa.

Johnathon Opet, CFP®

Wealth Advisor, Director of Financial Planning, Partner

Johnathon Opet, CFP® is a Financial Advisor within the practice and has been a member of EmVision Capital Advisors since May of 2017. Johnathon plays a pivotal role in our technology/systems, client management, and acquisitions. He works with many different clients, but focuses primarily on Nurses, NPs, and PAs within the local hospitals including Cleveland Clinic, UH, & Mercy Health.

Prior to joining our team, Johnathon worked as a Financial Planning Analyst at Demming Financial Services Corporation where he received his Registered Paraplanner (RP®) Designation. He is currently Life Insurance and Series 6 Licensed. Johnathon also received his CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, in Spring of 2019. Johnathon is a Licensed Life and Variable Insurance Agent.

When Johnathon is not working in the office, he enjoys fishing on the Cuyahoga River, working out, and spending time with his wife and golden retriever, Cooper. They love to travel when they find the time.

James Artale

Wealth Advisor, Chief Financial Officer, Partner

Jim Artale is a Wealth Advisor within the practice and has been a member of EmVision Capital Advisors since December of 2019. Jim’s role as CFO includes monitoring cash flows and company financials, as well as creating efficient and strategic growth plans for the firm’s advisors to execute their practice at the highest level. Jim plays a pivotal role in the firm’s mergers and acquisitions strategy, where he works with our CEO to structure strategic partnerships with like-minded advisors and creates transition strategies for advisors looking to exit the business seamlessly. Jim is also responsible for the firm’s investment strategy, with a focus on implementation of research & evaluation of third-party portfolio managers, as well as continued analysis of risk. Jim is licensed with the Ohio Department of Insurance covering major lines of insurance products (e.g., Accident, Health, Life and Fixed and Variable insurance products).

Prior to joining our team, he was a Financial Advisor with AXA Advisors, LLC. During his time in college, he interned with Northwestern Mutual. He played college baseball and had two NCAA National Championship appearances.

When not in the office, he enjoys coaching his summer baseball team, working out and spending time with friends and family!

Stephen Frank, AIF®

Wealth Advisor, Director of Retirement Plan Services, Partner

Steve Frank, AIF®, is a seasoned financial advisor with over 35 years of experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a loyal client base of personal and corporate retirement plan relationships to the EmVision team. His career began at MetLife in Pittsburgh, where he honed his expertise with several insurance broker-dealers before joining Commonwealth in 2008. In 2009, Steve founded Frank Wealth Management, which later merged with Investment Partners in 2018. His journey with EmVision began through Commonwealth’s Succession Link, driven by his desire to ensure his clients’ financial futures as part of his succession planning.

Steve’s commitment to his clients is evident in his approach to financial education, empowering them to make informed decisions that support their long-term goals. Currently, he services 401(k) plans and manages client assets.

A graduate of Edinboro University (now Pennsylvania Western University) with a degree in Business and a minor in Finance, Steve is an active participant in professional groups such as the Summit Study Group and the Retirement Plan Advisory Group (RPAG). He also holds FINRA securities registrations: Series 6, 7, 22, and 63, along with the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation.

Beyond his professional life, Steve enjoys spending quality time with his family, including his three children, Abby, Stephanie, and Willem. Abby recently earned her master’s degree in education from The University of Pittsburgh and currently works as an admission counselor at Denison University. Stephanie is a recent graduate of Ohio State University and is pursuing a career in K-12 education policy and is currently working with Woolpert Inc. Willem plays for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets 18U team, while also taking some classes at Columbus State. Steve also has two beloved dogs, Bogey and Jagr, both named with a nod to his family’s love for hockey and their favorite vacation spot.

Reflecting on his career, Steve says, “We’re here to help people from when they’re first starting out to retirement and beyond. I feel great when someone is able to accomplish their goals—whether it’s something like providing for a child’s education without acquiring debt, or enjoying their retirement without stress—because of the work we’ve done together.”

“We are incredibly grateful and honored to have Steve join our team,” said Michael Embrescia, president and CEO, EmVision Capital Advisors. “His extensive experience and deep commitment to his clients perfectly align with our values at EmVision. Steve’s dedication to ensuring his clients’ financial success is inspiring, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of our team.”

Steve Frank is more than just a financial advisor; he is a trusted partner dedicated to helping his clients achieve their financial goals, now and in the future.

RJ Swindaman III, CFP®, CPFA®

Wealth Advisor, Retirement Plan Consultant

RJ Swindaman has spent the last decade of his professional career serving as both an advisor and mentor. Working closely with business owners, C-Suite executives, and front-line employees alike, RJ brings a strategic, data-driven, and human approach to achieving each client’s goals. His passion for helping businesses thrive led him to found Fernweh, LLC, where he focuses on helping businesses get the most out of their employees and helping employees get the most out of their careers.

Now a valuable member of our wealth advising team, RJ specializes in retirement and financial planning, as well as consulting on employer-sponsored plans for business owners. His decade of experience allows him to deliver personalized strategies that drive long-term success. Partnering with Steve Frank, our Wealth Advisor and Director of Retirement Plan Services, RJ is dedicated to delivering top-tier service and education from our Columbus office,  helping clients achieve their financial goals and secure their future.

More than a traditional financial advisor, RJ’s flexible approach is designed to deliver sustainable, long-term results. His process is simple: live and breathe by your unique road map, supported by consistent training and reinforcement. He believes in uncovering the unique challenges facing each client and providing solutions that move their organization forward.

RJ graduated from The Ohio State University in 2008 and holds an MBA from Franklin University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA). Originally from Maumee, Ohio, RJ now resides in Westerville with his wife, Stephanie, and their three kids. When he’s not working, you might think you’d find him on the golf course—just kidding, there’s not much time for that! But, RJ does manage to carve out time for his second favorite hobby: cooking.

Dennis Spontarelli

Wealth Advisor

Dennis brings nearly 30 years of experience and more than 300 clients with him to our team. He began his investment career in 1994 as a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial, Inc. Through referrals, his client base quickly grew and in 1997 he began practicing on his own. Dennis holds Series 7, Series 65, and Series 63 Securities Registrations with Commonwealth Financial Network, as well as an Ohio Department of Insurance License for Life, Accident and Health, Variable Annuities, and Property and Casualty Insurance.

Prior to working in the financial industry, he worked in the MIS divisions of Progressive Insurance and Firestone Tire and Rubber.

Dennis is committed to maintaining the highest standard of integrity and professionalism and works hard to provide information, services, and products to best serve every client. He wants his clients to be involved in the transition period so they can gain trust in the team and be comfortable before he determines an official retirement date.

Dennis has always taken a strong interest in his clients and their lives. Being close to his clients is important because it helps him better understand their investment needs. Dennis spent several years looking for the right group to partner with. After a number of opportunities, he has chosen Emvision Capital Advisors. Dennis knows that our team approach will continue the great service he has offered his clients.

Jim Zidd, RICP®

Wealth Advisor

Jim Zidd joined the EmVision team in March 2023 as a Wealth Advisor. With him, he brought more than 40 years of experience and 200 clients. He received his MBA from Kansas University. Jim began his career at Blue Shield, worked through the Blue Cross Blue Shield merger, and then eventually left and started his own practice where he focused mostly on the group health, life, and financial services business.

“After countless conversations with Michael about business, ethics, work styles, and more, I decided joining EmVision was the right fit,” said Jim. “I want to make sure my family and my clients are taken care of.” By joining the EmVision team, Jim is hopeful to open the door to additional clients and have more products and services available that can help clients improve their financial situations. Jim feels that by adding a team, he will be able to expand his scope of services and free him up to spend more time with clients.

Jim resides in Hinckley with his wife. Together they have two grown daughters. One who is also in the group benefits business and one who is a civil engineer. In his free time, Jim enjoys working on his house, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Randal Mears

Wealth Advisor

Randal Mears joined EmVision in January 2025, bringing more than three decades of financial advisory experience to our team. With approximately 150 clients and over $85 million in assets under advisement*, Randal has built a thriving practice centered around personalized, attentive service. His decision to transition to EmVision was driven by the firm’s business model and seamless transition process, which aligned with his vision for his clients and his own retirement goals.

Randal was born and raised in Ashtabula. He is a graduate of Edgewood High School and holds a degree in Business Management from Kent State University, an education he self-funded by working in a titanium factory.

Initially starting his financial career at IDS in Beachwood, Randal quickly moved on to start his own firm, Mears Financial, in 1993 in Concord. Today, his clientele spans Ohio and several other states including Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and Florida.

Known for his dedicated service style, Randal emphasizes timely and effective client support. Joining EmVision allows him to gradually transition toward retirement while ensuring his clients experience minimal disruption, maintaining the familiar comfort and reliability they’ve come to trust.

Away from the office, Randal is a dedicated dog enthusiast. He and his partner frequently attend dog shows and proudly own a Gold Grand Champion Swiss Mountain dog named Sage, as well as two other Swiss Mountain dogs and a spirited smaller mixed breed. Randy is also an accomplished golfer with an impressive six hole-in-ones to his name, most notably achieved at Little Mountain, his home course. Additionally, he enjoys farming activities, such as planting wildflowers and trees, and caring for his 65 chickens.

^{*As of 2/28/25}

Noah Anthony

Wealth Advisor, Financial Planning Associate

Noah Anthony joined EmVision Capital Advisors in May 2022 as an intern and quickly demonstrated his passion and talent for financial services. After graduating from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Consumer and Family Financial Services, he was hired full-time as a Client Service Specialist in May 2023. His dedication and skills led to a promotion in July 2024 to Wealth Advisor and Financial Planning Associate, where he continues to excel.

In his current role, Noah is responsible for managing client portfolios, developing personalized financial strategies, and providing knowledgeable investment advice. He also oversees back-office operations, streamlines communications between advisors and clients, and plays a key role in the firm’s financial planning division. Noah holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and is actively pursuing his Certified Financial Planner® certification.

Noah’s journey at EmVision began with an internship under the mentorship of Dennis Spontarelli, one of the firm’s seasoned wealth advisors. His positive experience as an intern solidified his decision to build his career at EmVision. “After interning, I knew I wanted to come back and be part of this team,” Noah says. “EmVision’s innovative model has been instrumental in solidifying my role as a wealth advisor and driving our firm’s success. I’m excited about the future and grateful for the opportunity to grow with such a dynamic team.”

A Hudson High School graduate, Noah now resides in Tremont. Outside of work, he enjoys playing cards, listening to music, attending concerts, golfing, fishing, and following all Ohio State sports.

AJ Kimes

Wealth Advisor

Strong relationships are the key to developing long term client loyalty, and AJ demonstrates his ability to build and maintain them on a daily basis. As a trusted advisor, he seeks to uncover the unique challenges his clients face, so he can in turn offer relevant and timely solutions. As one of two advisors recognized in EmVision Capitals’ second generation, AJ wears several hats. As a team, developing financial models, preparing retirement plans or employer sponsored plan documents, and positioning assets for generational giving, ALL EmVision Capital team members strive to help families find comfort on the journey to a secure financial future.

AJ cherishes his daily commute across town and uses it as an opportunity to set the tone for his day by humming his favorite songs (please ask, he will give you a long-winded answer) and practicing gratitude. When not spending time with clients, you will find AJ resolving client inquires, monitoring markets, preparing documents or data for future meetings, and periodically acting as the firm’s social director! He thoroughly enjoys his time connecting with individuals and appreciates the opportunity to learn about each client’s unique personality and experiences. When AJ wraps up his time in the office, he finds himself checking in on his loved ones while on the way to the gym, sand volleyball, or to coach The University School Preppers Varsity Baseball Team. As a proud Alumni of the University of Dayton, you might also catch him taking in some Flyer hardwood action come basketball season!

AJ is an adept resource, consistently doing what is in the best interest of the client and ensuring they have a clear understanding of their options when making financial decisions. His strong moral compass proves his sincerity and devotion to the client, acting in their best interests without fail. AJ often is recognized by clients for having an infectious personality and ability to make often mundane conversations interesting, informative, and inclusive.

When curious about rolling over employer 401(k) plans, retirement or family planning, best strategies when preparing for financial windfalls, or other generic financial questions, please reach out to AJ. He will be sure to hit a home run and you’ll be dancing to your favorite song on your way to a secure financial future.