Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Supernova Consulting was founded by the late Rob Knapp in the 1990’s, during his tenure as a Divisional Director at Merrill Lynch. Supernova’s innovative approach quickly caught the attention of Harvard Business School, where a case study deemed its model the most effective, efficient, and forward-thinking method for driving growth within financial advisory practices. After 30 years and thousands of practice transformations, that theory still rings true. 

In 2024, Supernova was purchased by Tim Byrnes, a long-time Supernova advocate and 30-year wire house veteran. In its new phase of ownership, Supernova remains committed to the core principles it was born from, with a commitment to innovatively evolving with the needs of the business. 

Tim Byrnes

CEO & Owner

Tim Byrnes is the CEO and Owner of Supernova Consulting Group, based in Melbourne Beach, Florida. With over three decades in the financial industry, Tim's focus is on helping financial advisors transform their practices into efficient and personalized wealth management businesses serving ultra-high-net-worth clients. Before joining Supernova, Tim held leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, most recently as Managing Director and Market Executive in Wisconsin. He began his career in finance in 1989 and rose to leadership roles across multiple states, earning recognition for his contributions. Tim holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. Outside of work, Tim enjoys traveling with his wife, Jennifer, visiting their children and grandchildren. He is also active in dog fostering, golfing, and running.

Andrew Reiss

Coach & Consultant

Andrew Reiss joins the Supernova team as a coach, speaker and Vice President of Business Development. Andy will bring his more than four decades of experience to helping financial advisors and their companies create growth and process. He is a former senior executive officer and leader of sales distribution at Western & Southern and New York Life with a focus on sales organization and success. In this position he created infrastructure for his company while training and managing entire sales teams. After graduating from Alfred University Andy spent the earlier part of his career as a manager and financial advisor at Cowen & Company. Andy is dedicated to helping advisors create a concierge level practice and giving clients realistic retirement strategies. Andy and his wife reside in Philadelphia and have three adult children. He enjoys family time, golfing and skiing.

Shannon Guild

Chief Experience Officer | Coach & Consultant

Shannon is a dynamic Business Strategist and Executive Coach with a 25-year track record of advancing missions and collaborating for results. Having worked her way up from Intern to Executive Director over her 20-year career in Wealth Management, and after launching several businesses of her own, she has a keen understanding of how to define, inspire, and stay true to a vision while building the relationships and roadmaps that bring it to life. Prior to joining Supernova, Shannon founded and ran Three Moons Collective branding agency, where she helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and leaders find their voice and grow their business with confidence. She holds a Marketing degree from Fox Valley College and studied Business Administration at Cardinal Stritch University. Shannon resides in northern Wisconsin with her husband Craig and their three pups, where they spend as much time as possible on the water, in the woods, and spending time with family. 

Curtis C. Brown, Jr.

Coach & Consultant

Curtis C. Brown, Jr. is a consultant with Supernova Consulting. He is an entrepreneur and the former President/COO of EQIS, a Financial Services Technology firm. Curtis spent 30 years with Merrill Lynch in a variety of leadership positions. Previously he was, a Regional Managing Director responsible for four business units including a Private Client business, Private Wealth business Asia Pacific business, and Middle Market Institutional business; National Sales Manager, and Assistant to the Chairman and President. Curtis spent the early part of his career as a financial advisor. He holds an MBA degree from National University, a BA degree in Political Science from San Diego State University. Curtis also attended an advanced leadership development program at Wharton and the Investment Banking Institute. He studied Spanish at Bridge-Liguetec in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Jeff Hatton

Coach & Consultant

With more than three decades as a financial advisor working directly with high-net-worth clients, Jeff brings first-hand experience growing and scaling a practice, and the importance of having a solid client service model. The first twenty years of his career was spent in Wealth Management at JPMorgan, where, as Vice President and Investment Advisor, he specialized in consolidating, scaling and growing a book of business alongside partners in the trust department and private bank. He spent another fifteen years as Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Associated Bank working with business owners, foundations, retirement plans, and high net worth individuals. His perspective on interacting with clients and their unique needs while running a large book of business allows him to help advisors see that a structured approach to running a business is vital to long-term success. He has a BA in Finance from Illinois State University and a MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He lives in Southeastern Wisconsin with his wife, daughter, and their three dogs. In his free time, he enjoys spending time on his motorcycle, sailing and traveling.

Mark Gherity

Coach & Consultant

With over 38 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mark brings a wealth of expertise, leadership, and a proven track record of success to his role as a Supernova Coach. Beginning his career in 1986 as a Financial Advisor, he developed a deep understanding of client needs, market dynamics, and strategic planning. In 1992, Mark joined Morgan Stanley, where he spent nearly three decades honing his skills in management and leadership. He progressed through roles as a Producing Manager, Branch Manager, and eventually Complex Manager. In 2021, Mark joined RBC Wealth Management as Senior Managing Director and Complex Director for the Minneapolis area, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Based in Minneapolis, Mark is committed to fostering growth, innovation, and success for those he works with. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, his expertise and dedication make him an invaluable partner on your journey to excellence. 

Hugh Steiner

Coach & Consultant

Hugh Steiner brings 22 years of wealth management expertise to Supernova Consulting, with a distinguished career as a Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, and Complex Manager. A Northwestern University graduate with a BA in Economics, Hugh captained the Wildcats’ golf team during three years of B1G tournament play. Before entering financial services, he owned a successful apparel import business in New York City. Joining Smith Barney in 1999 as a Financial Advisor in St. Petersburg, FL, Hugh pioneered financial planning as a cornerstone of client relationships, building a thriving practice. In 2004, he transitioned to management, leading over 600 advisors across six states over 18 years, retiring in 2021 as Complex Manager for the Greater Chesapeake Complex in Baltimore, MD. Passionate about coaching and mentoring, Hugh is thrilled to join Supernova Consulting, guiding advisors through a time-tested best-in-class program to enhance their practice and achieve better work-life balance. Now based in Richmond, VA, with his wife Kathleen, Hugh enjoys traveling, boating, tennis, golf, and life with their two labs and two adult sons.