Broker Check

Our Story

When our grandfather—“Pop”—passed away from cancer, we assumed the worst. He’d been the one who earned the income, paid the bills, and balanced the checkbook. We thought our grandmother would be left scrambling.

But she wasn’t.

Pop had quietly done what most people never do: he planned ahead. Not just with money, but with love and intention. He made sure she’d be okay, not just for a few years, but for the rest of her life.

That experience changed the course of our lives. It showed us what financial planning can and should do: give people confidence in the future, no matter what life throws their way.

Today, we carry that lesson forward in every relationship we build.
Helping you prepare.
Helping you protect the people you love.
Helping you live with clarity and purpose.

At Panning Wealth, our mission is deeply personal. Beyond being a job, this is the work we’d want for our own family.

Meet Our Team

Jonathan Panning CFP®, RICP®

Managing Partner and CFP® Practitioner

(864) 546-5264

jon@panningwealth.com

As our firm’s Managing Partner, I have the pleasure of working closely with clients, talking to investors interested in working with us, and expanding our professional network. Serving clients for over 11 years, I’m driven by a deep desire to help good people live fulfilling lives—and do so without the constant weight of financial stress. I’ve seen so many hardworking people—business owners, passionate professionals, community leaders—be financially successful on paper, while feeling overwhelmed at the complexity of their situation.

Every day when I come to the office and speak with our incredible clients, I aim to bring clarity, simplify their lives, and help them feel confident again. To accomplish this, I approach things a little differently. Beyond serving as an advisor, I like to say I bring the discipline of a strategist and the heart of a coach to each client relationship. In doing so, my clients and I work together to ensure they can live well today while building a meaningful legacy for tomorrow.
The real value I deliver isn’t just a portfolio or plan. It’s the ability to empower clients to make confident decisions with less stress, more focus, and greater freedom.

Why I Became an Advisor
I got into this business to build something meaningful for my family and community. But what keeps me going is the opportunity to bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to others every single day.

I grew up around great role models. My grandfather, Pop, was always the life of the party. But he was also a diligent saver. That meant that when he passed, my grandmother didn’t have to worry about finances. He had taken care of everything, and that gave her space to grieve without fear. His actions left a mark on me.

My dad also inspired my journey to serve others. He’s always been a hard worker, planned ahead, and made the most of his life. Because he was able to prioritize what truly brought him joy, we’ve been able to travel to more countries together than I can count. None of it was handed to him—he just knew how to save for what mattered.

These experiences shaped the way I see money. Growing up, I learned it’s not just about achieving a certain level of wealth. It’s about using it to live a full, meaningful life. That’s what I want to help the people I work with accomplish.

Education and Designations

  • Bachelor's in Economics from Clemson University
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®)
  • Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®)
  • Series 7, Series 66, and Series 24 licenses
  • Life, accident, and Health insurance and long-term care insurance license 

Outside the Office
I’m a Greenville native, but I did spend part of my childhood in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and another year and a half in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium and Maastricht, Netherlands during my time at Clemson.

Today, I live in Simponsville with my wife Anna, and our two children, Jacob and Grace. We’re fortunate enough to spend lots of time with family and friends in and throughout the Greenville area.

I’m an active member of our church, serving on both the finance committee and worship team, where I get to sing, play guitar, and occasionally bring out the trumpet. In addition, I keep busy coaching youth soccer and taking my family to Seabrook Island whenever we’re able. 

Mitchell Panning, CIMA® 

Partner and Practice Manager

(864) 546-5239

mitchell@panningwealth.com

Serving in the financial services industry for over six years, I spend the majority of my time focused on investment management and financial analysis. Behind the scenes, I also make sure our operations are running smoothly. This ensures our team members work together as efficiently as possible when addressing client concerns.


Coming from a background in mechanical engineering, it’s probably no surprise I enjoy the creativity and problem-solving that goes into building custom financial plans for our clients. As a naturally analytical and curious person, I strive to be as thorough as I can in addressing our clients' needs. To me, simply finding a solution isn’t enough—I want to find the best solution for each individual client and their unique circumstances.

Education and Designations

  • Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University
  • Series 7 and Series 66
  • Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)


Outside the Office
I’m born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, alongside my brother Jon. My wife, Connor, and I are happy to live closeby to family, and we’re fortunate to spend time with them both inside and outside the office.

In my free time, I stay active playing tennis or pickleball and running. In addition, I enjoy playing the piano.

In life, both professionally and personally, my goal is always to follow my passions and be proud of what I’ve accomplished.

Sophie Pokela

Client Service Specialist

864.546.5264

sophie@panningwealth.com

I started my educational journey playing collegiate golf at Augustana University, but after transferring, completed my Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Along with my degree, I also got my education and certificate in integrative health coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. After graduation, I moved down to Greenville and love it here!

I have always loved meeting new people and making connections.  So, I knew I wanted to go into a career that would allow me to work directly with people.  That desire to connect and to help is what led me to Panning Wealth. I could not be more excited to support the families we serve every single day and to share in the impact of the work we do.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending my time cooking, reading, exercising, or doing just about anything outside. If I can get my two bulldogs to go for a walk with me that’s always a plus. I also love sports, so during volleyball and basketball season you can always catch me watching a game. Badgers only of course.

It’s Our Privilege to Support Your Financial Journey

Let's Chat