We are
We exist to make your life better.
We are a company built on an appreciation for the individual, whether in relation to one another, business owners or each individual employee. Both internally and externally, we understand everyone defines success differently, and each of our employees acknowledges and appreciates the person, family or corporation behind each plan we safeguard.
Tripp Welch, CFP®, AIF®
Principal
Tripp co-founded Match Grade Advisors in 2018. He has three decades of experience in insurance, employee benefits and financial planning. His main focus is working with corporate retirement plan sponsors and providing holistic financial planning to businesses and individuals. The most rewarding part of Tripp’s job is the long-standing relationships built on trust and the many clients he now calls his friends.
Education
- The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, BS
- University of South Carolina Upstate, BS
Certifications
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
J. Carson Vaughan, QKA, CPFA®
Principal
Carson co-founded Match Grade Advisors in 2018. Prior to Match Grade, he spent 15 years specializing in all aspects of qualified plans including investment advisory services (Retirement Funding Advisors), third-party administration, and recordkeeping services (Vaughan & Associates, Inc. and The Retirement Plan Company). He brings a deep level of expertise in plan design, administration, and fiduciary compliance. Carson is a natural people person and easily communicates retirement plan provisions with plan participants and executives alike.
Education
- Clemson University, BS
Certifications
- Qualified 401(k) Administrator®
- Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®
Richard C. Vaughan
Enrolled Actuary - 401(k) Consultant
Rick is an Eagle Scout and has over 35 years in qualified plan consulting, defined benefits, recordkeeping, and government reporting. He has worked with countless business owners and financial advisors to create retirement programs that fit unique plan design needs. Today, he is the “go-to guy” when it comes to discrimination testing or helping employers correct problems within their plan.
Education
- Clemson University, BS
- Clemson University, Masters in Mathematics
Certifications
- Enrolled Actuary
Bobby Edwards, CFP®, CPA®
Financial Advisor
Bobby has been an accomplished CPA and financial advisor for 34 years. Prior to Match Grade he was a partner of Edwards & Hendrick, CPA. He has served a diverse group of clients, providing accounting, auditing, and investment management services. His unique dual practice gave Bobby the ability to provide versatile advice to clients on the management of their overall finances.
Education
- The University of South Carolina - BS
- The University of South Carolina - Masters
Certifications
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor®
Laura Bedford
Client Manager
Laura is task-oriented and a caregiver at heart. As the Client Manager at Match Grade, she is responsible for delivering the white glove experience our clients have come to enjoy. She is highly adept at creating processes so that client’s specific needs are met timely and accurately.
Education
- University of South Carolina, BS
Certifications
- Life / Accident / Health Insurance License
Achieve the Goals You Desire.
Make our high standards and pursuit of perfection your advantage.
Contact Us Today