Our Team
Austin Ferlita
Partner
As a co-founder and partner of Ferlita Nussel Dowell Financial Group, Austin’s passion is working with individuals and families to assist them in planning for their retirement income needs. Austin is also a Registered Investment Advisor with FND Wealth Management, A Member of Advisory Services Network, LLC, where he helps his clients with building and preserving their wealth.
Austin was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Oglethorpe University with a degree in business. At Oglethorpe, Austin played baseball, serving as a captain for two years, and was a member of the Honor Council.
Austin and his wife, Carolina, have a Weimaraner named Duke. In his spare time, Austin enjoys golfing, fishing and spending time with his wife.
Colton Nussel
Partner
Colton is a dedicated financial advisor who places great emphasis on tailoring his approach to each client. He carefully evaluates individual needs and objectives before crafting investment and retirement plans.
Holding an MBA from the University of Montevallo, Colton isn’t just academically qualified. He’s also a former collegiate baseball player, demonstrating his commitment and discipline both on and off the field.
Before co-founding his current independent wealth management firm with business partners Austin Ferlita and Matthew Dowell, Colton honed his experience at various Fortune 500 companies in Tampa and New York City. This experience, coupled with his personalized approach, makes him a reliable partner in navigating the complex world of investments and retirement planning.
Matthew Dowell
Partner
Matthew’s passion is working with individuals and families to assist them in planning for their retirement income needs and building a legacy.
A financial professional who can offer both insurance and investment products and services, Matthew uses the F.N.D. Financial Process that was developed by his team to help clients potentially achieve financial independence. He is also a Registered Investment Advisor with FND Wealth Management, A Member of Advisory Services Network, LLC, where he helps his clients with growing and preserving their wealth. Prior to co-founding Ferlita Nussel Dowell Financial Group, Matthew was a financial advisor at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for nine years. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation.
Matthew and his wife, Abigail, have two young children, Emory and Monroe. Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, fishing and playing golf.
Anthony “Tony” Ferlita
Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Tony is responsible for all the firm’s financial functions, including accounting, audit, and treasury. He also oversees and manages human resources. His career spans more than 40 years of varied experience in banking, financial management, business leadership, and corporate strategy. Prior to joining Ferlita Nussel Dowell Financial Group, Tony served as President & CEO of a large community bank in Tampa, President & CEO of a multi-store home furnishings company and CFO of a start-up professional employer organization.
During his free time, Tony enjoys traveling with his wife Patti and their three children Anthony, Austin, and Alissa. He also enjoys fishing, golfing, and hiking the numerous trails in the area.
Bailey Coolican
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations, Bailey is charged with ensuring the efficient and effective management of all aspects of operations and client-facing communications. Bailey has been with FND since its inception and oversees the daily operations of the firm. She works closely with the executive team to develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure smooth delivery of services to our clients. Bailey is passionate about helping our clients achieve their financial goals and is committed to delivering exceptional service and results.
Bailey is originally from Melbourne Beach, Florida, and holds a degree in public health and hospital administration. In her off time, she enjoys trips to the farmers market and the beach with her son, Jackson, and their pup, Tucker.
Kaleb Bridgemohan
Investor Advisor Representative
Kaleb began his career at a Fortune 500 company before deciding to leave the big box firm world behind and pursue his true passion as an independent investment advisor representative. Kaleb works directly with clients and prioritizes their best interests above all else. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Kaleb provides help in retirement planning, investment management, and estate planning. He takes the time to understand each client's financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance to create a plan that aligns with their objectives. With a commitment to always acting in the best interest of his clients, Kaleb is dedicated to helping individuals and families towards achieving their financial goals and building a secure future.
In his free time, Kaleb enjoys staying active by cheering on his favorite Tampa Bay teams and the occasional round of golf.
Connor O’Brien
Insurance Agent
As a licensed Life and Annuity insurance agent, Connor is determined to help his clients feel confident as they navigate the complexities of retirement. He enjoys meeting with his clients face-to-face, listening to their life stories and understanding their retirement goals. He is driven by customer care, relationship building, and helping others.
A man for others, Connor attended Tampa Jesuit high school and then continued his education at the University of Southern Miss where he graduated “cum laude” with a BSBA in Accounting. He was also a member of the school’s baseball team. Prior to joining Ferlita Nussel Dowell Financial Group, he worked in investment banking and cyber-security.
In his free time, Connor loves attending Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ games, playing softball, and hanging out with his dog, a shepherd named Hazel.
Kelsie Moody
Operations Specialist
Kelsie has enjoyed a long career in operations management and has a proven track record in corporate recruitment, leadership, public relations and communications. A proud graduate of Auburn University, she brings a unique blend of academic excellence and real-world experience to her role. Additionally, she has earned her 2-14 license, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and professionalism in her position with the firm.
In her free time, Kelsie enjoys trips to the local beaches and a good book. Kelsie and her husband, Rob, have an English Cream Retriever named Ridge (named after the Blue Ridge Mountains).
Carolina Ferlita
Director of Marketing
Bio coming soon!