Our Team
Dr. Scott McDonald, CFBS
Principal / Owner of Innovative Financial Planning, LLC
Insurance and Investment Specialist
Dr. Scott O. McDonald is a financial advisor and insurance professional with Innovative Financial Planning. He received a Bachelors's degree in Biology and a Doctorate degree in Optometry from The University of Houston and practiced Optometry for 27 years in Asheville, NC. He holds a North Carolina Real Estate Brokers License. He is also the co-founder and principal of Asheville Property Management, Inc., and Innovative Financial Planning, LLC.
Scott started working in the Securities and Insurance Industry because he felt that most people he knew were poorly advised and or poorly prepared for market volatility, economic certainty, and future retirement. He felt that with his knowledge of the financial industry, its products, and his strong business background he could build a client centered business based on honesty, communication, and hard work to help people reach their financial goals. Scott's financial services methods emphasize a conservative investment management approach utilizing various forms of securities and insurance products to help meet his client's financial goals.
Scott is very experienced in the use of living benefits of whole life insurance to help secure your retirement, build family wealth, land leave a legacy to your kids.
Scott enjoys golf, tennis, and mountain biking. He is involved in many areas of local and glaobal mission work and feels fortunate to have met and gotten to know many wonderful people in those times.
Matt Pawlowski
Financial Planning Specialist
Matt began his career in upstate New York in the financial services industry, where he obtained his series 6 & 63 license. He, then moved into the banking industry as a personal banker, which ultimately led him back into the financial services industry. He has been with HF Financial since 2011 working in both the Wealth Management Department and Financial Planning Department, building his knowledge base under well tenured officers of the company.
As an integral part of the financing planning department, Matt assists the advisors in the financial planning process including guidance on the products the firm distributes. He is responsible for inputting data into the software and then working with the Director of Financial Planning to prepare observations and recommendations. He also teaches advisors how to use the firm’s needs analysis software and comprehensive planning software. He acts as a resource to the advisors in many different aspects that occur during the planning process.
Lou Galletto
Investment Specialist
Lou Galletto is a specialist in investments and retirement planning. He received his degree in Business Management from Marietta College in Ohio. His career in finance began as a retail broker on Wall Street before becoming a financial advisor. He is currently the Wealth Management Services and Retirement Plan Specialist at HF Financial. He serves as the liaison between a seasoned team of investment planners and the private wealth managers that work directly with local clients.
Lou currently resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife and four children. He is an avid sports fan and serves as the team captain for a local hockey club. He dedicates some time to community service through sports ministries and support group facilitation at Calvary Church in Charlotte
Megan McDonald
Megan McDonald Is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Pamplin College of Business. She is Insuranced Licensed and currently serves as th office manager and administrative assistant for the the firm.