Meet the Team
Michael Ryan
With over 33 years of experience in the financial industry and nearly three decades in the legal profession, Michael H. Ryan brings a well-rounded perspective to his role as Managing Director and Financial Advisor. As the founder of Clearfork Financial Planning, he has built a team committed to helping clients navigate estate, retirement, and financial planning with clarity and confidence.
Michael’s approach is rooted in thoughtful preparation. He works closely with clients to guide them through each stage of their financial journey—from wealth accumulation and retirement planning to legacy and estate strategies. His experience in risk management, tax planning, insurance, and long-term care equips him with the tools to help clients make informed, forward-thinking decisions.
He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M University, where he was part of the business school honors program. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center and began his career in banking before transitioning into legal and financial advisory work. This combined experience strengthens the guidance he offers today.
Steven W. Smith, M.Ed.
With over 30 years of experience in education, Steve brings a deep commitment to leadership, service, and empowering others. His extensive background as a teacher, coach, and administrator has shaped his ability to guide teams, manage complex systems, and make informed, strategic decisions—skills that translate seamlessly into his role as Chief Operating Officer in the financial services sector.
Throughout his career, Steve has demonstrated a strong appreciation for learning and mentorship. His time in the classroom and on the field helped him understand the impact of knowledge and guidance in shaping futures, while his years as an administrator sharpened his expertise in organizational leadership and operational efficiency. These experiences have equipped him to effectively support both people and processes, consistently contributing to the success of our firm and clients alike.
Steve earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Texas, where he was actively involved in campus leadership and service. He went on to complete a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington, further solidifying his foundation in leadership and development.
Beyond his professional work, Steve is an active member of the community. He continues to give back through coaching, mentorship, and involvement in local initiatives, always striving to make a positive and lasting impact on those around him.
Built on Brotherhood. Driven By Grit.
Michael Ryan started the advisory business in 2002 and built the business with integrity and hard work. In early 2023, he looked to his lifetime friend, Steve Smith, to help strengthen the business. Michael and Steve built a brotherhood forged through decades of loyalty, adventure, and reinvention, and they were looking to inject the business with the same attributes that forged their lifelong friendship. Michael took the long road through college, obtaining BBA degree in finance, then worked as a banker before going back to get his law degree. After seven years of private practice, he realized that he needed to devote more time to his young family. A moment of clarity came when he watched a senior partner at the firm skip parts of his daughter’s college graduation party to catch up on work. Michael saw a mirror he didn’t want to become and knew he needed to make a change. With roots in finance, Michael help his father’s clients with their insurance related investments, and with his natural ability to connect with people, Michael left law behind to build something different, a practice grounded in family, freedom and, most importantly, serving other families.
Steve’s career began in the classroom, where he spent three decades teaching underprivileged kids as a teacher and, eventually, a principal. Inspired by stories of resilience and driven by a deep belief in second chances, he poured his life into helping students thrive. When he retired from education, he had an opportunity to work with Michael in finance and saw it as a way to continue serving his community. Through their work at Clearfork Financial Planning this dynamic duo helps people on a daily basis solidify their futures and live lives of purpose.
Michael and Steve’s mission is simple: keep your eye on the goal and always do right by people. Their holistic approach balances strategy with humanity, blending thoughtful planning with a deep understanding of what truly matters in their clients’ lives. Grounded in Fort Worth’s values of grit, loyalty, and integrity, they guide clients with the same clarity and conviction that guides their own lives.
