About

Brent Teague is the Managing Partner and Founder of Smooth 401k. With more than 20 years of experience in retirement plans and financial services, Brent has built a forward-thinking firm dedicated to simplifying the complex world of retirement planning.

Over the course of his career, Brent has worked with hundreds of employers to design and manage 401(k)s and other retirement benefit programs. In doing so, he saw a clear need for change: the traditional distribution model was outdated, service had declined, and employees were often left confused and financially unprepared.

That realization led to the founding of Smooth 401k—a firm grounded in a team-based approach that brings together advisors, plan administrators, and technology specialists to deliver better outcomes. Smooth 401k partners with employers, employees, and individuals to create clear, personalized strategies that help people make smarter financial decisions and get more from their benefits.  By combining proactive service, modern tools, and a collaborative team mindset, Brent and his team are reshaping how retirement plans are delivered—bringing clarity, confidence, and real support back to the process.

John Zakel Jr. is a partner of Smooth 401K, a company of Smooth Financial and nationally-recognized retirement consulting firm that specializes in simplifying 401(k) plans for small businesses. Under his leadership, Smooth 401K has become a trusted resource for business owners, CPAs, and financial advisors—offering fiduciary-backed solutions, seamless payroll integrations, and personalized service with a local touch. The firm is known not just for its results, but for its heart: helping Main Street businesses compete like Wall Street.

Beyond the boardroom, John actively gives back by coaching high school sports, mentoring youth, and serving with local nonprofits. Whether he’s on the sidelines, in the boardroom, or on the lake with his family, John brings a deep passion for building stronger futures—for his clients, his community, and his family. With every step, he’s focused on creating meaningful impact, one relationship at a time.

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Bill Garten has more than 25 years of experience in providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to individuals, families, and businesses. He specializes in retirement and portfolio management strategies, using a variety of financial instruments, such as mutual funds, bonds, stocks, ETFs, alternative investments, REITs, annuities, and insurance products.

Bill’s mission is to help his clients understand and optimize their investment portfolio performance, as they move towards retirement and beyond. He also handles 401k plans for small and large companies, offering various investment platforms to regional banks and credit unions. He approaches investments and their markets both technically and fundamentally, and tailors his advice to each client’s unique needs and goals.

Bill is a member of the Fidelity Advisor Council and holds multiple licenses and certifications in the financial industry. He is a 9-time winner of the Five Star Wealth Manager in Ohio Award as issued by Five Star Professional.

Spenser began his professional journey as a bank branch manager, where he discovered a growing need among his clients for clear, trustworthy financial guidance. Driven by a desire to make a greater impact, he founded Vago Insurance Agency in 1997. Since then, he has guided over a thousand clients through the complexities of Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, short-term coverage, and group benefits—always with a focus on education, integrity, and personalized service.

Today, Spenser is expanding his commitment to serving his clients’ whole health—not only their physical well-being through quality insurance solutions, but also their financial health and long-term wealth. Through Smooth Financial, Spenser now offers comprehensive investment and financial planning services designed to help clients protect what matters most and build a secure future.

Nichole Ivancic is an integral part of our team, bringing her expertise and warmth to the role of Administrative Assistant. Her exceptional interpersonal skills and attention to
detail make her a delightful and reliable point of contact for our clients. With a career spanning over two decades, Nichole brings a wealth of experience to our team including
excellent administrative and client service skills. Her dedication and friendly demeanor help make our firm a welcoming place for all.

Outside of work, Nichole is a devoted wife and mother. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, John, for 22 years, and together they have three children: Katelyn (20), Josh (18), and Alyssa (15). In her spare time, Nichole enjoys entertaining, traveling, and camping with family and friends.