Meet Jay Hinkel!

Dear clients and friends,

A few weeks after that first meeting, Jay called and came to my office. Although he was a graduating business major, I had a way of turning his world upside down. He became a student of monetary history, and that eventually led him into the world of cryptocurrencies.

Jay began investing in junior high. He and his sisters maintained a produce booth at a Farmer's Market in Michigan. Jay's dad was using Larry Burkett's financial principles with his three children. As the kids earned money — eventually, in high school, Jay worked in a hardware store — he was taught to give away 10% and save 50%. Except, instead of saving it was investing. Early stock purchases were Stryker and Apple. Eventually, Dave Hinkel, Jay's dad, left teaching school to become a financial advisor with Prudential. He then passed away in 2018. By watching his dad's life, Jay learned the benefit of good planning and caring for a family.

After college, Jay continued to save and invest, building a personal portfolio through swing trading. He has studied technical analysis and often has trading software open on his personal computer tracking market data. He brings a fresh and valuable perspective to Center Street Partners.

I've been emphasizing that my focus is fundamental analysis. I've studied this for 16 years. Jay and I have great discussions. His technical analysis complements my fundamental focus. He knows a lot about cryptocurrencies; I know a lot about precious metals. Jay has also invested his personal wealth in precious-metal strategies, as I have. We share a common view of the global economy and the challenges ahead. We make a good team.

I am not retiring. At age 69 (this summer), my goal is to help accelerate Jay's ability to work with his friends and clients. Jay will be 36 this year. He and his wife, Mary, welcomed their daughter, Esther, into their family last November. They enjoy living at Winona Lake, and Jay is active at Winona Grace Church. He also enjoys jiu-jitsu, refereeing rugby games, and reading financial topics.

How Jay Joined Center Street Partners

Jay will be helping me serve some of my clients, but most of his focus will be building his own client base and business. For years, I've had a goal of having someone like Jay involved in my business by 2027. It wasn't a plan when he contacted me last summer to ask if we could meet. He reminded me of our first meeting in 2013.

His career path — business analytics in the orthopedic industry, occupational therapy, and asset management in the digital-asset space — gave him broad experience and helped him identify that his true passion is helping people with financial advice. When Jay and I met last summer, we both assumed we were simply going to discuss the economy and monetary concerns. After two hours, I asked him to pray about joining me. He completed his investment licensing in February 2026 and officially began with me on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Jay considered other traditional financial firms as he began this career. Any of them likely would have offered him more than I did. I offered him nothing but office space and my experience. Within Center Street Partners and LPL Financial, he found the network of financial resources that aligned with his passion and investment views.

Looking Ahead Together

The financial services career is about serving people. Jay shares my concern that our national debt is an issue that makes the future different from the past. We're not going to be replaced by artificial intelligence. There is a need for contrarian thinking. What I've been thinking about for more than 30 years is now happening. The rest of this decade is going to be difficult to navigate. Wrong decisions here may have generational impact.

Too many financial advisors focus too much on the past rather than the future. Many have not been trained to see the potholes in the road ahead. If you've benefited from my advice, perhaps you may be able to introduce friends or family to Jay. Because we want more people in lifeboats. Our financial-lifeboat strategy has the potential to grow wealth while also protecting purchasing power.

With many regards, — Brad  ·  Psalm 20:7

Important Disclosure: The information provided here is for general information only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. Any investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. Bradley K. Skiles, CLU, ChFC, CFP, CLTC is an LPL Registered Representative and Investment Representative. Securities and Advisory Services are offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Center Street Partners is independently owned and operated. Tracking #1087418, April 9, 2026.