A Family That Plans
for Families

In 1977, Cindy Boyle walked into Merrill Lynch as one of six women in a training class of four hundred — the second class the firm had ever opened to women. The industry was not built with her in mind. She built her place in it anyway, and nearly fifty years later she is still at it.

A year into her career she met John Boyle and brought him into the business, and together they grew a single practice into a firm that now serves families across the country. Cindy leads Freehold the way she has always worked — on the conviction that wealth is only ever a means to protect the people who matter. She sets the standard the whole firm plans by.

John Boyle joined the firm in 1978, a year after Cindy founded it, and the two have worked side by side ever since. For nearly five decades he has helped families see clearly what they have, protect the people they love, and plan with confidence for what comes next.

His approach is patient and unhurried, built on the belief that good advice is a long relationship rather than a single transaction. Clients stay with John for years — often across generations — because he treats their plans the way he would treat his own family's.

Mary Steele grew up inside this work. She watched her mother be underestimated and win anyway, and when she earned her CFP® and joined the firm, she was continuing what her parents had built. As Managing Partner, Mary is the steady presence clients rely on — often the first voice a family hears, and the one who makes the whole process feel effortless, keeping the details, the timing, and the follow-through in order so nothing slips.

Before finance, Mary rode as a junior amateur show jumper. The preparation, patience, and nerve it takes to put a horse and rider over a course are the same qualities she brings to a financial plan. What sets her apart is how human she makes it all feel — clients come away known, rather than managed.

Shelley's career in finance began at an auction. After watching her organize a silent auction — despite never having attended one — a fellow Jaycee told her he needed her on his financial services team. And so it began: she started in 1997 with Prudential Securities, advanced to licensed retirement services specialist with McDonald Investments, and went independent in 2012 as a Financial Advisor with Century Securities (later Stifel Independent Advisors), with her own office on the edge of downtown Grand Rapids.

When Stifel Independent Advisors was sold in 2026, Shelley joined Cindy and John Boyle and Mary Steele in partnership at Freehold. Her work philosophy is “SWAN” — she wants clients confident and comfortable enough with their investments to Sleep Well At Night. Never high-pressure, always committed to top-tier service and follow-up.

Away from the office, Shelley serves Leader Dogs for the Blind as a Puppy Counselor, mentoring West Michigan puppy raisers and teaching Future Leader Dog classes — she's raised puppies for the program since 2011, so don't be surprised if there's a dog at a meeting. Home life means gardening, scrapbooking, knitting, riding motorcycle, and raising her “kids”: three dogs, two cats, and a pond of fish. She attended Hope College and graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in advertising.

For more than 35 years, I have been helping individuals and families in making and managing their investment decisions. I believe exceptional service begins with listening, earning trust, and building lasting relationships.

Outside the office, I enjoy being with my three children, spending time outdoors and golfing.

James has served clients since 1995. He spent six years at Morgan Keegan before moving to Century Securities Associates in 2002 which later became Stifel Independent Advisors.

His sincere approach to clients has afforded him years of rewarding relationships. He believes in building trust and providing accessibility while helping families and individuals pursue their financial goals.

James is a father of two daughters, a long time Rotarian and enjoys surfing & fishing.

Michael Wiseman, 55, is a partner with Freehold Wealth Management and resides in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. With a career focused on helping clients navigate their financial goals, Michael is committed to building lasting relationships and providing thoughtful wealth-management guidance.

Michael has been married to his wife, Misty, for 29 years. Together, they have three daughters: Taylor, Carly, and Hannah Wiseman.

Taylor and Carly are both graduates of the University of Mississippi. Hannah currently attends the University of Mississippi, where she is studying finance. Following graduation, Hannah plans to join Michael’s office as an advisor, continuing the family’s involvement in financial services.

Outside of work, Michael and Misty are avid Ole Miss fans and enjoy following Ole Miss football and the SEC. Their family’s connection to the University of Mississippi has made Ole Miss an important part of their lives and a shared passion for the entire family.