David Merrell

Founder and Managing Member

TBH (Tortoise Beats Hare) Plan was founded in 2007 by David Merrell right before the Great Recession. Some might call that bad timing, but it was ideal for a company that prides itself on giving transparent and unbiased advice. David’s vision of serving clients on a truly independent, fiduciary basis came to fruition after working for various institutions over a 10+ year period. David has leveraged his vast experience in the markets and financial planning world to provide like-minded advisors and financial planners a platform with the freedom to do the same.

From David’s early days as a financial advisor to running an investment management and trust division and being part of a group that managed a multi-billion dollar portfolio, he learned the intricacies of the financial planning and investment world. Now, with over 20 years of experience stewarding clients through tumultuous market environments and economic cycles in various wealth management roles, David prides himself on providing exemplary service and wonderful client experience.   

A graduate of Sewanee, the University of the South, David currently resides with his wife, Holly, and their youngest son, Lincoln, on their farm in College Grove, TN. Beyond the menagerie of animals (way too many to list), David and Holly also have children, Bryce and Caroline, attending Clemson and SCAD, respectively. When David is not watching the markets or reading the latest economic reports, he enjoys traveling, horseback riding, running and simply relaxing on their farm.

Brett Walters, CFP®

Lead Financial Planner

With over 10 years of experience in financial planning, Brett brings a depth of knowledge and familiarity with complex financial strategies in his service to clients. Service has long been a defining characteristic for Brett and his unconventional path to his calling as a financial planner provides him with a unique perspective to serving his clients.

Soon after graduating high school, Brett enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed the arduous training to become a Navy SEAL. He had the honor to serve in the presence of heroes through two overseas deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Although few of the elite skills from the military translated over to his current profession, many of the traits he learned at an early age provide unique advantages in his current role as a fiduciary financial planner, among them attention to detail, disciplined process, dedication to the mission (the client) and a commitment to excellence.

After the SEALs, Brett graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a Bachelor’s in Finance, with honors. Brett resides in Nashville with his wife, Emily, and two young sons, Kingston and Troy. A lifelong learner, he attends West End Community Church and spends his free time in the outdoors with his family.

Holly Merrell

Client Experience Officer

Holly brings a personal touch and a wealth of knowledge to each client relationship. She instills a “control what you can control” philosophy and seeks to remove roadblocks and unknown obstacles, allowing her clients to find clarity and to focus on their desires.

Melissa Hines

Client Service Advocate

Melissa is our Client Service Advocate. The most rewarding part of her job is communicating with our clients to learn more about them, their family and where they call home. She comes to us most recently from the orthodontic industry, where she worked for nine years in both clinical and administrative roles. Melissa believed in treating every patient as if they were her child and she were their parent. As a result, she earned the loyalty and trust of her patients and co-workers. She brings this same philosophy to TBH Plan, where she works with a goal of showing every client that they are heard and valued.

Melissa’s background also includes administrative and marketing roles at a consulting firm for the accounting industry and group events for the Nashville Sounds AAA baseball team.

Melissa graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and has lived in Tennessee her entire life. She grew up in White Bluff and now resides in Nashville.  On the weekend, she enjoys cooking new recipes for her husband Allen, who is a good sport. She also enjoys playing pickleball, riding her bike, hiking and reading. She has a boy and a girl who are eight years apart. From superheroes and video games to ballet and tea parties, there are always a variety of activities going on at her house.

Melissa is passionate about animal rescue and has even served as a cat foster for a local animal rescue group. As with any animal lover, she has kept a few of her fosters along the way.

Nick Warf

Chief Compliance Officer

Nick joined TBH in July of 2015. He brings over 20 years of experience in the investment industry to the team. Nick’s role as a Financial Planner allows him to interact with clients and help them build comprehensive financial plans for their future. Nick also serves as the firms Chief Compliance Officer. 

He obtained his Certified Financial Planner™ designation while working with TBH in 2020.  Prior to joining TBH, Nick worked as an investment officer with Independence Trust Company in Franklin, TN and at Hays Advisory in Brentwood, TN.

Nick received his Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from Belmont University in 2000. He enjoys golf and all things Vanderbilt athletics. He is a lifelong Middle Tennessee resident and currently lives in Franklin with his wife and son.