ABOUT
SMOOTH 401K

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 help with design features, manage 401(k) investments, and support 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 In doing so, he saw a clear need for change: the traditional distribution model was outdated, service had declined, and employees were often left confused and financially unprepared.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 collaborates 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 retirement plan services firm that specializes in simplifying 401(k) plans for small businesses. Under his leadership, Smooth 401K has become a valued resource for business owners, CPAs, and financial advisors – offering fiduciary-backed strategies, 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.

Hannah Paul is the Implementation and Client Experience Specialist at Smooth 401K. Her top priority is to provide comprehensive support to our clients in both implementation and beyond. She brings a diverse set of skills to the table, including logistics, management, operations, recruitment, and accounting and strives to ensure a “smooth” and positive experience for all parties involved.

Hannah graduated from Cleveland State University and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an accounting major. She is committed to continuous learning and plans to immerse herself in financial knowledge to further contribute to the growth and success of Smooth 401K and Smooth Financial.

Jordan serves in a hybrid role that blends client service with business development –
partnering with SHRM members, payroll providers, and benefits firms to expand access to Smooth 401K’s advisor-supported 401(k) solutions. Since joining the team in 2023, Jordan has focused on building lasting relationships, driving new partnerships, and streamlining operations to help plan sponsors and advisors run more efficient retirement plans.

Jordan takes pride in both the relationship and operational sides of what we do – whether it’s connecting with new partners or bringing forward ideas that support the growth of our small but fast-moving team. Jordan earned a BS in Business Management and Accounting from Notre Dame College in Cleveland, where he was a four-year member of the Men’s Soccer Team. Originally from Sydney, Australia, he has called Cleveland home since 2019.

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.

Bill Garten provides advisory services through Stratos Wealth Partners Ltd., a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

For more than 22 years, Spenser Vago has been a trusted pillar of the Strongsville community—dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners make confident financial and insurance decisions. As a long-standing Trustee of the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce, Spenser is deeply committed to supporting local businesses and strengthening the community he calls home.
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.

Spenser Vago provides advisory services through Stratos Wealth Partners Ltd., a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.