Mark Creason
Supervising Principal at Metric Financial, LLC
Mark Creason stands as a distinguished leader in the real estate investment industry, with over three decades of expertise in guiding high-net-worth clients through complex investment decisions. As Supervising Principal at Metric Financial, LLC, he serves multiple pivotal roles, including Investment Banker and Director of the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) program.
His comprehensive academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with specializations in Finance and Accounting, followed by a Master of Science in Real Estate & Construction Management from the University of Denver. Further demonstrating his commitment to expertise in tax-advantaged investments, Mark completed an advanced Tax Certificate Program at the University of California at San Diego.
In his leadership role, Mark oversees Metric’s DST program, conducting thorough due diligence reviews and facilitating sophisticated 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. His vision and expertise have established him as a trusted authority in real estate investments, combining academic excellence with practical experience to deliver exceptional results for his clients.
Peter Marzo
Peter Marzo is a senior 1031 exchange advisor for Essential 1031. Mr. Marzo specializes in 1031 exchange Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST) replacement properties along with a suite of alternative investments. Mr. Marzo is also the founder of Exchange-X, a leading 1031 exchange real estate investment platform for Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) properties. The Exchange-X website offers direct access to over 70 leading DST sponsors and dozens of active offerings.
Prior to Essential 1031, Mr. Marzo was affiliated with Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (NYSE:MMC), the industry’s largest real estate investment firm specializing in sales and financing. While affiliated with MMC, Peter and his team successfully underwritten and closed over $50 million in commercial real estate transactions.
Mr. Marzo started his career in investment banking. During his tenure, he managed and advised in excess of $250 million of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and corporate bonds. Peter has an extensive track record working with Fortune 500 companies such as Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE), YUM! Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM), DuPont de Nemours & Company (NYSE:DD), Timken (NYSE:TKR), Celgene (NYSE:CELG), Denny’s (NYSE:DENN) and AdCare Health Systems (NYSE:ADK).
Robert Creason
Registered Representative, Metric Financial, LLC
With over three decades of distinguished experience in the real estate industry, Robert Creason has established himself as an authority in investment property strategies, particularly in the specialized field of 1031 exchanges. His comprehensive understanding of real estate investment vehicles, combined with his securities licenses (Series 7 and 63), positions him uniquely to guide clients through complex investment decisions.
Robert’s diverse professional background includes founding and leading successful mortgage companies, including Patriot Funding and Black Diamond Mortgage, where he specialized in commercial property financing and renovation loans. At Black Diamond Mortgage, he achieved recognition in the top 5% nationwide for FHA 203K loan production, while also working with non-profit organizations to revitalize communities through strategic financing solutions.
As a Registered Representative at Metric Financial, LLC, Robert now focuses his extensive expertise on Delaware Statutory Trusts, helping investors navigate property replacements through 1031 exchanges. His background in mortgage underwriting at Guaranteed Rate Mortgage adds another layer of insight to his comprehensive understanding of real estate finance, making him an invaluable resource for clients seeking to optimize their investment portfolios.
Vivian Chen
Registered Representative
With a unique blend of hands-on real estate experience and formal education, Vivian Chen brings exceptional insight to investment strategy and wealth management. Having witnessed the transformative power of real estate investment from an early age through her family’s ventures, she developed a deep understanding of complex investment vehicles, including 1031 exchanges and alternative investment strategies.
A Cornell University graduate from the prestigious hospitality business program, Vivian combines her academic excellence with practical experience in serving high-net-worth individuals. Her client-first approach and commitment to understanding each investor’s unique needs have established her as a trusted advisor in the investment community.
Beyond her professional achievements, Vivian is an accomplished martial artist, holding a fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo. As an instructor and coach at her local martial arts school, she demonstrates the same dedication to excellence that she brings to her investment practice. Her certification as a Level 1 sommelier further reflects her commitment to continuous learning and refined expertise.
Kyle North
Registered Representative, Metric Financial, LLC
As one of Metric Financial’s rising stars, Kyle North brings fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the field of high-net-worth investment services. Serving dual roles as a Broker Dealer Agent and Internal Wholesaler, Kyle has quickly established himself as a key asset within the organization through his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to client service.
Despite his youth, Kyle has already accumulated significant experience across both retail and financial sectors. His journey began with leadership roles at Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he distinguished himself as one of the youngest sales leads, successfully managing high-performing departments. This early success in relationship-building and sales leadership laid the foundation for his transition to financial services.
Following an impressive internship with CMG Capital Management Group, Kyle’s exceptional ability to attract and retain clients earned him a permanent position as a registered representative. He now plays a crucial role in advancing Delaware Statutory Trust sales and ensures his fellow representatives remain current on new offerings, contributing significantly to the team’s collective expertise and success.
Avi Rutstein
Avi Rutstein has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry as an institutional equities trader, wholesaler, and investment adviser. Avi advises families and investment professionals on portfolio construction and asset allocation strategies.
He has a strong background in traditional and nontraditional investments, trading strategies, as well as private investments. When working with clients, Avi focuses on understanding a client’s financial picture and taking a consultative approach to designing a long-term investment plan.
Avi graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. Avi holds FINRA Series 65, 7 and 63 licenses. He also holds life insurance licenses in multiple states.
Brian Schreiner
Mr. Schreiner has over 23 years of experience in the investment industry serving individual investors, families and small businesses. Brian serves as an Investment Advisor Representative in Private Wealth. Brian has been the President and Chief Operations Officer of Schreiner Capital Management, Inc., a registered investment advisor firm that specialized in managing tactical investments.
His writings and commentaries appear often in industry publications and he is a frequent speaker at industry events as well as at regional and national conferences. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 65 licenses. Brian holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Widener University.