Our Team

What Sets Us Apart

Our office listens to you, learns your goals and then analyzes your portfolio, your insurances, your position and makes recommendations to help meet your goals.

Portfolio management, planning and preservation are the Triple Crown solution to help guide your financial future. Our office seeks to have a higher standard of excellence toward meeting our clients’ objectives and goals. Our Three Step Plan for your independent financial future may have a lasting positive impact for you, your family, and your heirs. It is completed with the highest ethical standard protecting your privacy doing what is right for you at all times.

Income Distributions Strategies
Fee-Based Services for Objective Advice
Tax Smart Retirement Income Planning
Tactical Allocation
Status and Performance Updates
Monitored Financial Planning Achievement of your goals

Lea Smith Johnson, CFP®

President & Founder

Lea Smith Johnson

President & Founder

Lea is the President and Founder of Triple Crown Wealth Finance. She was a Graduate School research Assistant to the Insurance Department for the now Dean Emeritus of the Pennsylvania State University. She worked for the author of “Relationships Portfolio Theory to the Regulation of Insurer Solidity”. This study was based on the A. M. Markowitz, Diversification of Investment, and W. F. Sharpe, “Portfolio Theory and Capital Markets.” The study was published in both the American Bar Foundation Research Contributions and the Journal of Risk and Insurance.

She has professional corporate experience working for a Fortune 500 Company, Ford Motor Company, as a financial analyst. With experience as a tax auditor for the State of Florida and an independent financial representative for Financial Services Corporation, she founded Triple Crown Wealth Finance. As Founder and President, Lea brings many years of experience and knowledge in portfolio selection, financial planning, and insurance. She is dedicated to each client achieving their goals. Analytical ability along with her extensive studies in economics enables and supports her interpretation of investment cycles for appropriate portfolio allocations.

Lea is a published writer for the Bradenton Herald. Prior to the real estate crash, she wrote an article, which was published, explaining there was a bubble in the Real Estate industry that would not continue and why. She is active in the community both professionally and socially. She served as both Treasurer and President for the Manatee County National Association of Insurance and Investment Advisors. She is a current member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants and a member of the Estate Planning Association of Manatee. She was a leader for Manatee County Computer Investment Club for many years, where she presented software programs using technical analysis of stocks. Lea is known throughout the community as a Christian Financial Consultant. Trusted as an advisor to individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations, Triple Crown Wealth Finance is on the same side as the client.

Professional Certifications, Licenses & Degrees

Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP^®)
Registered Financial Counselor (RFC^® )
Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC)
Investment Advisor Representative (IAR)
Retirement Planning Specialist, MN
Accounting, University of California, CA
Finance Major, (MBA) Highest Honors, Pennsylvania State University, PA

Bachelors of Science (BS) Business
Highest Honors Penn State University, PA
Graduate Research Assistant, Pennsylvania State University, PA
Certification in Teaching, Pennsylvania State University, PA
Certification American College of Sports Medicine

Series 7 (General Securities)
Series 24 (Principal Securities)
Series 63 (State Blue Sky)
Series 66 (Investment Advisor)
Life, Health, Variable Annuity
Real Estate License (California)
Beta Gamma Sigma

view Lea's CV

CFP^®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and federally registered CFP (with flame logo) are certification marks owned by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Teresa Ciceron

Director of Operations

Teresa Ciceron

Director of Operations

Teresa Ciceron is the Director of Operations at Triple Crown Wealth Finance, where she brings warmth, precision, and over four decades of experience in finance and client services to the firm's day-to-day operations. Born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Watertown, Massachusetts, Teresa developed a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence early in life. Her professional journey spans a wide range of roles, including Director of Global Financial Services at Carnival Corporation, where she led international financial operations and system enhancements. She also served as a consultant for major Oracle ERP implementations across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Africa, working with leading organizations like Unisys, CitiGroup, Navilyst Medical, Staples, Integra, Danka and Oracle Corporation itself.

At Triple Crown Wealth Finance, Teresa supports both the internal team and valued clients with care and attention to detail. Her background in accounts payable, receivable, collections, and procurement- as well as her technical expertise in financial systems allows her to anticipate needs and contribute meaningfully to the firm's mission. Known for her calm presence, reliability, and personable approach, Teresa is a trusted team member who ensures that clients feel welcomed and supported. Her lifelong dedication to helping others and her passion for organization and service make her an integral part of the Triple Crown Wealth Finance experience.

Professional Experience, Certifications & Education

Associate of Science - Business Administration, Fisher Junior College

Director, Global Financial Services - Carnival Corporation

Insurance & Financial Services Industry Experience - Customer Support & Operations

Oracle ERP Consultant - Oracle Corp., Titan Technologies, OATC Inc., Colibri

Global Financial Systems & eBusiness Tax Expert (US, LATAM, EMEA, Africa)

ERP Implementation Specialist - Oracle Financials R12 (AR, AP, GL, Tax, iProcurement)

Post-Implementation Support, Documentation & User Training

Manager - Credit, Collections, Order Entry (Gerber, Pacific Scientific, Polymerics Inc.)

Caleb van der Kooy

Administrative Associate

Caleb van der Kooy

Administrative Associate

Caleb is the Administrative Associate at Triple Crown Wealth Finance, where he supports the firm’s daily operations and helps create a smooth, welcoming experience for clients. He assists with scheduling, communications, and internal processes, keeping the office organized and efficient.

A Florida native, Caleb has lived in the state his entire life, and values building strong relationships within his community. Before joining Triple Crown Wealth Finance, he worked as a manager in a fast-paced service environment, where he developed a strong sense of teamwork, organization, and communication; skills he now applies to supporting the firm and its clients.

Throughout his schooling, Caleb has participated in advanced science and technology programs, which fostered interest in problem solving, and analytical thinking. Combined with his independent study of finance, this background gives him a solid beginner foundation in financial concepts, as well as understanding complex ideas and applying them to real world situations.

Caleb enjoys the firm’s experienced leadership team and is committed to growing professionally while helping clients feel supported and confident.