Hunt Valley, MD

Buna B. Cumbie II, who grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., joined the U.S
Army at age 19 and served three years with the Third Armored Division in West Germany as an armor crew member.

Returning home to further his education, he studied at American University and the University of
Maryland to obtain a B.S. degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance and Marketing. He
subsequently earned the Chartered Life Underwriter ®  and Chartered Financial Consultant ® professional
designations from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.

Buna has over 50 years of experience in the financial services industry, having started in January 1969.
He currently has an office suite at 9891 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 103, Columbia, MD 21046. 

With several Court of the Table qualifications, Buna is also a Life and Qualifying Honor Roll Member of
the Million Dollar Round Table, considered The Premier Association of Financial Professionals. He has
over 36 years of MDRT qualifications.

He is a past president of the Columbia Howard County Association of Life Underwriters, a graduate of
Leadership Howard County, and a past board member of the Kings Contrivance Village Association.
A frequent speaker at industry and community meetings, Buna has addressed organizations such as the
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, The Maryland Association of CPAs, and the Howard County Chamber
of Commerce.

He has been a resident of Columbia, MD since 1979. He and his wife, Joanna, have been married for
over 54 years, have two grown sons, Buna III, and Trajan, who have both graduated from college and are
currently establishing their careers. They enjoy playing with their grandsons, Trajan II and Roman. When
not working, Buna and Joanna enjoy biking, hiking, and traveling. 

Buna has asked, "How do you define financial success?" thousands of times and still finds most answers
have not been about money. Issues such as freedom, security, and lifetime financial independence
predominate. Today, he is proud to say his clients cover a broad spectrum of individuals, from multimillionaires to families of modest means. 

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities.

Caroline Michaels is a Relationship Development Associate at Financial Growth Partners, bringing a passion for empowering clients to navigate their financial journeys with confidence. Growing up in Bel Air, MD, her father instilled in her the importance of managing money wisely, from budgeting basics to investing, sparking a lifelong passion for personal finance that she now shares with her clients.

Caroline specializes in supporting professionals in the medical field, sales, and those experiencing life transitions. She believes in meeting people where they are and creating a judgment-free space to tackle challenges, transform uncertainty into clarity, and build long-term financial growth. Whether guiding someone through their first steps toward financial peace or helping them structure wealth for the future, Caroline’s approach combines strategy, empathy, and empowerment.

Outside of work, Caroline enjoys true crime, boating, staying active at the gym, and diving into a good book. She joined FGP because of its genuine culture of care and growth, for both clients and associates, and is excited to continue developing her expertise within a supportive, high-touch community.

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Helping people in any way is my ultimate passion. Throughout my academic and professional career, I have found that being able to provide someone with insight or additional advice, no matter the subject gives me an overwhelming sense of joy.

As a Business Development Associate, I feel like I am truly able to address my passion to the fullest extent. Whether it be financially or personally, I find great pleasure in simply introducing myself and having a conversation. Learning about what drives others is the gift that keeps giving, and it inspires me to keep going every day.

Finances only scratch the surface, though, as here, we truly aim to understand people and find ways to positively expand their lives. Advancing human capital is not just a statement; it's a vision.

I strongly believe that in order to really help others, you need to understand one another, and I feel truly blessed to be in a position where I can do just that. I will always make the effort to truly understand you and do my best to help however I can.

As a Strategic Assistant, I am excited to meet so many young professionals and find new ways to positively impact their careers and personal development. Conversation is a key that constantly opens doors, and being able to open that door for others is an achievement that makes me whole.

Financial Representative of Guardian.

Gordon’s financial services career began shortly after graduating from the University of Baltimore in 1982. Gordon specializes in comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management. His goal within the client relationship is to understand everyone's unique financial position before tailoring a plan that will help the client meet both immediate and long-term objectives. With over 38 years in financial services, Gordon has had an opportunity to experience firsthand the impact he has had on his clients’ lives and those of their families

Gordon holds the Series 7 (General Securities) as well as the Series 63 license. He is also a licensed life and health insurance producer and is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). He received his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU ®) designation in 1992 and his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC ®) designation in 1993. During his career, he has qualified for Prudential’s and Guardian’s Leaders Clubs and has also for many years qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of financial professionals.

The son of a World War II Naval aviator, Gordon was raised in Northern Maryland for most of his life, and currently lives in Baltimore County, Maryland. Gordon attends and volunteers at Hunt Valley Church and for local events such as the Susan B. Komen Cancer run/walks, and Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities and Financial Representative of Guardian.  CA Insurance License #4024532.

Kevin Purnell is a dedicated Financial Representative with a diverse background that includes time as a medical device sales rep with NuVasive Spine. He has prior experience as a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual and brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to our team.

From Baltimore, MD, Kevin has experience in serving niche markets. He Specializes in working with medical sales reps, medical professionals, and small business owners. Kevin understands the intricacies of these industries and is well-equipped to guide clients towards financial success. His professional approach is characterized by exceptional interpersonal skills and focus on relationship building, ensuring that each client receives personalized attention tailored to their unique needs.

Kevin's love for football, poker, and, above all, family takes up most of his personal time. His decision to join Financial Growth Partners was fueled by more than just professional considerations; it was a result of falling in love with the firm's culture. Having personally experienced the dedication of the people within the organization, Kevin was drawn to a team that genuinely prioritizes the best interests of its clients. At FGP, Kevin is committed to delivering financial guidance with a personal touch, ensuring that each client's journey is guided by expertise, care, and a commitment to their long-term success.

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STEVE SEEKS TO PROVIDE CLIENTS WITH THE ASSURANCE THAT, THROUGH PLANNING, THEY WILL ACHIEVE OPTIMAL RESULTS.

He joined the Financial Fitness team in 2011, and as a Certified Financial Planner ™ Professional takes a comprehensive approach. He works with clients to navigate personal finance in a manner that is easy to understand. This results in confidence as they effectively work to grow and protect their wealth.

As a member of the advisory team, Steve develops income strategies for those approaching retirement, tax-efficient accumulation plans for those building wealth, and insurance solutions to ensure proper protection is in place through all phases of life. Steve emphasizes the value in forming lasting relationships with those he serves, and looks forward to watching them grow over time.

Currently living in the downtown neighborhood of Canton provides Steve with plenty to do outside of the office. He is an avid music listener, and is loving his new role as a parent, with his wife Chelsea, to their daughter Sofie.

Education & Designations

• Virginia Tech, CFP Financial Planning Track – 2010
• Certified Financial Planner™  – 2014

Community Involvement

• Board of Young Adult Advisors – Ulman Cancer Fund – 2017
• Board Member – Baltimore Orchard Project – 2016

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities and Financial Representative of Guardian. CA Insurance License Number - 4054859.