Marty brings nearly 30 years of experience serving high-net-worth families, business owners, and retirees. Before joining Farther in 2025, he spent 27 years with Commonwealth Financial Network, advising clients through every stage of wealth building and preservation. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional (CFP^®), Marty specializes in complex financial events such as business sales, retirement transitions, inheritances, and legal settlements. He is particularly focused on strategic tax planning, helping clients enhance after-tax outcomes and protect wealth across generations.

Marty’s path into wealth management was anything but traditional. When he began advising nearly three decades ago, he was simultaneously serving as a full-time firefighter on Chicago’s west side. What began as a part-time endeavor grew into Gaughan Wealth Management, the independent firm he later founded. Though he has long since retired from firefighting, his admiration for those who serve—police, fire, and military—remains strong, and many of those individuals are still clients today.

A Chicago native, Marty enjoys spending time outdoors—whether skiing, hiking, or golfing—and takes pride in helping clients build the financial freedom to enjoy the lives they envision. He also treasures time with his three adult children, Audrey, Megan, and Danny, and his grandson, James.

April brings over nine years of wealth management experience to the Client Experience team, taking a thoughtful, personalized approach to every project. She values clear communication, consistency, and building strong, lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

Throughout her career, April has held a variety of roles that have shaped a well-rounded, adaptable skill set. Her background enables her to support operations with precision, elevate the client experience, and contribute meaningfully to team success.

April is based in Chicago with her husband, Nick, their son, Nicky, and their dog, Rocco. Outside of work, she enjoys riding her Peloton, practicing CorePower Yoga, and baking sourdough bread — pursuits that keep her grounded and inspired. She also serves on the Gratitude Givers Advisory Board, supporting Gratitude Generation’s mission to cultivate gratitude in future generations through education and service.

Ashton Hayes is a dedicated legal professional with experience in tax law, property disputes, and probate matters. With a client-first approach, she prioritizes clear communication, thorough research, and strategic problem-solving to deliver effective legal solutions. Ashton is committed to navigating complex legal challenges with diligence and integrity, always advocating for her clients’ best interests. 

She earned her J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation from The University of Alabama School of Law, following a summa cum laude BA in Criminal Justice and Political Science. Through roles at Dentons Sirote, Alabama Legal Services, the Dallas County Probate Court, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Ashton has gained hands-on experience in tax controversies, housing disputes, and estate planning. Whether drafting intricate legal memoranda or negotiating with IRS attorneys, she has developed a well-rounded understanding of litigation and client advocacy. 

Currently based in Rowlett, Texas, Ashton enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Otis. Outside of work, she finds joy in hiking, gardening, and traveling to new destinations.