About Our Asset Management Team
Chas P. Smith, founder of CPS Investment Advisors
Chas began tracking stocks as early as age 19. He was reading Barron's and the Wall Street Journal when his schoolmates were perusing the pages of Sports Illustrated.
His now famous credo: "In order to achieve financial independence, you must build a sufficiently large portfolio of financial assets so that your 'pile' will generate enough cash flow to support you for your lifetime. To build that portfolio you must save, save, save . . . and manage that portfolio to beat inflation and minimize taxes."
- Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University
- Certified Public Accountant
- Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) as designated by the American Institute of CPA's
- Awarded the Certificate of Educational Achievement in Personal Financial Planning
- NASD Series 2 & 65 licenses
- 30+ years experience in financial planning, income tax and accounting
- Nationally recognized author and lecturer on topics of investments, financial planning and wealth accumulation
- Past President Polk Chapter of FL Institute of CPA's
- Member of prestigious Fidelity Investments Advisory Council
Frank M. Ashley III
Having trained as a navigator in the U.S. Navy for the Atlantic Fleet of our nuclear submarine force in the early 1970's, Frank understands the importance of having a strong sense of direction. He continuously instills that predisposition in helping clients sort through all areas of their financial lives.
He is often overheard challenging both clients and employees, "If you don't know where you're going, how will you know if you get there?"
- Bachelor of Arts degree from University of South Florida
- Certified Public Accountant
- Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) as designated by the American Institute of CPA's
- Awarded the Certificate of Educational Achievement in Personal Financial Planning
- NASD Series 2 license, and Florida Life, Health & Annuity license
- Extensive experience in pension formation and complex tax issues
- Frequent lecturer in the areas of investments, financial planning, and income taxes, and author of numerous articles
- Past President Polk Chapter of FL Institute of CPA's
James M. Luffman
According to Jim, "Our combined experience has enabled us to develop and implement financial plans to help our clients match their financial goals with their personal values. It is solely their needs which drive us."
- Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University
- Certified Public Accountant
- Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) as designated by the American Institute of CPA's
- Awarded the Certificate of Educational Achievement in Personal Financial Planning
- NASD Series 2 license, and Florida Life, Health & Annuity license
- Background in investment banking
- Past President Polk Chapter of FL Institute of CPA's
- Past Chairman FICPA's Personal Financial Planning Committee
- Past Personal Financial Specialist Coordinator for state of FL for American Institute of CPA's
- Past FL Board of Accountancy Specialization Advisory Committee member
- State of Florida Regional Representative of FL Institute of CPA's
Peter C. Golotko
Pete is credited with articulating the firm's modus operandi: "To serve our clients effectively, we must follow a holistic approach in our financial planning covering every aspect of their financial life, and in doing so we will adhere to the highest standards of excellence at every level of our operation."
- Bachelor of Science degree form Florida Southern College
- Master of Business Administration degree from Florida Southern College
- Certified Public Accountant
- Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) as designated by the American Institute of CPA's
- Awarded the Certificate of Educational Achievement in Personal Financial Planning
- NASD Series 65 license
- Experienced in all areas of income tax
- Chief Compliance Officer for CPS
- Testified on compliance issues before the S.E.C. on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs
- Frequent lecturer in the areas of investments, financial planning and income tax
- Past President Polk Chapter of FL Institute of CPA's