Our Team
How We Work
Our first priority is helping you take care of yourself and your family. We want to learn more about your personal situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your tolerance for risk. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of my foundation of success.
Kelly Cartier
Kelly Cartier began helping clients accumulate and manage wealth in 1997 when she joined A.G. Edwards. While working with clients at A.G. Edwards, Kelly became a branch manager and a Vice President of Investments. After several years as branch manager, and the mergers of A.G. Edwards, Wachovia Securities, and Wells Fargo Advisors, Kelly decided it was time to find a different platform - one where she could feel truly independent. In 2009, Kelly opened Cartier Financial. As a Registered Representative and an Investment Advisor Representative, Kelly can offer her clients a wide array of products and services to help meet their unique needs. Kelly holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. This designation requires an applicant to complete and maintain significant requirements in education and experience. Kelly also holds the Series 7, 8, 9, 23, and 63 registrations. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in English and a Master's in Business Administration. Kelly grew up in Clermont and enjoys giving back to the community. She served many years on the Board of the Community Foundation of South Lake, and acted as both Secretary and Vice President of the Executive Committee, as well as serving on the both the Fiscal Committee and the Governance Committee. Kelly is also a founding board member of The Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation and currently serves as an External Director. Kelly is also a supporter of Companions for Courage and serves as Secretary on Board of Directors Kelly also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Brittany Ricci
Bri Ricci joined Cartier Financial in September 2018. Prior to joining Cartier Financial, she worked in sales and the accounts receivable department for a local waste company. With numerous years of customer service experience, Bri joined the Cartier Financial team as a Client Service Rep. She plans to further education in the financial industry while providing exceptional service to the Cartier Financial family of clients.
She has lived in Clermont for over 20 years and is also a local to Lake County with her son, Jeremiah, and their pups, Diesel & Shilo.
You may catch Bri riding her bike or walking her pooch near Waterfront Park, playing basketball with her son, or on the sidelines cheering on #22 during the football season.
Patti Freehling
Patti Freehling joined Cartier Financial in July 2009. Prior to joining Cartier Financial, she worked with Kelly at A.G. Edwards, Wachovia Securities, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Patti held many titles during her corporate career, including sales assistant, operations manager and systems administrator.
Patti's goal at Cartier Financial is to provide exceptional client service. Patti serves as Cartier Financial's office manager. Patti holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations.
Patti has been married to her husband, Dave, for over 30 years. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. Patti enjoys being a grandmother and spending time with her family.
Josh Wintersdorf
Josh Wintersdorf is the newest member of our Cartier Financial team. He joined us in September of 2021 after 11 years of teaching. He spent all 11 years at Umatilla Middle School teaching both math and science. In 2020, Josh was selected as a finalist for Lake County Teacher of the Year. While at UMS he also coached flag football, basketball, and soccer as well as serving as Athletic Director for several years.
Josh's family have been clients of Kelly since she was with A.G. Edwards, his grandparents were one of Kelly's first clients. After marrying his wife, Alisha, in 2019, Josh's passion for personal finance became clear. Josh anticipated account review meetings with as much excitement as a child looking forward to their birthday. During those meetings Josh would ask as many questions as possible to get better at helping others with their finances. To assist him with this, he completed the Ramsey Solutions certification course, certifying him as a Ramsey Solutions financial coach. Josh is Series 7 licensed and is working as a Paraplanner assisting our advisors. He is looking forward to being able to continue learning more about the industry as he adds more certifications to better assist clients in reaching their financial goals. He is especially passionate in assisting clients as they learn to successfully use a budget.
Josh was born and raised in Lake County. He graduated from Tavares High School and then attended the University of Florida (go Gators!!) where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Josh lives in Eustis with his wife, their daughter, Adaline, and dog, Ellie. In his spare time, you will find Josh spending time with his family or cheering on anything and everything to do with the Gators.
Amber Divine
Amber Divine joined Cartier Financial in June of 2023. She joined us shortly after graduating from Young Harris College with her Bachelor’s in Finance. Amber also attended Northwest Florida State College her first two years of college where she received her Associate’s Degree. During her four years of college, she was also a member of the softball team.
Amber grew up in Clermont and enjoys spending time with her family, who are mostly local to the area as well. In her spare time, Amber likes to go for walks in Downtown Clermont, work out at the gym, and explore new places with friends and family.
Amber is looking forward to providing support to the team and clients of Cartier Financial. She is passionate about extending her knowledge from school to learn more within the industry, and achieve new licenses and certifications, and make a difference in the lives of clients.
(RETIRED) Gabby and Bailey
Gabby and Bailey were an integral part of Cartier Financial early on. When in the office, their main focus was to greet each and every client with a wag of their tails and happy faces.
Gabby was adopted from the South Lake Animal League in 2009. The Animal League requires someone be at home for their newly adopted puppies. In order to adopt Gabby, Patti had to be able to bring Gabby to work. While now retired, Gabby still enjoys coming in for a visit every now and then.
Kelly adopted Bailey from the South Lake Animal League as a puppy in 2012. Bailey loved her job at Cartier Financial, but now prefers a slower pace of life and relaxing at home, especially when she has it all to herself while mom works.
Shelby - May She Rest in Peace
Shelby, like Bailey and Gabby, loved coming to work every day to greet clients and take care of any extra treats clients needed to give away. She was a loyal pup and could sense when her presence was needed. Often finding her way to your feet to rest and console. If she didn't come out to greet you, you'd probably find her paws and tail sticking out from under Kelly's desk.
Shelby lived a wonderful 10+ years, bringing smiles and joy to everyone she met. She never met a ball or stick she didn't like and could often be seen carrying branches twice her size down the sidewalk. She will be forever missed and remembered in our hearts.