Meet Our Team
Mark is the Principal of Ironclad Strategies, LLC. With over 3 decades of experience working with closely held business owners, shareholders or partners of mid-sized companies and family offices, Mark has assisted in legal, financial, and investment planning, His personal work experience includes being a business owner himself and attorney. In 2001, Mark decided to move out of the full-time practice of law and make his focus proactive client planning in the financial services industry. Mark’s expertise in all areas of wealth management, specifically business, tax, estate and transition planning, helps families manage, maintain and grow their wealth across multiple generations. In addition to this role, Mark is the co-founder of Ironclad Strategies (powered by Waterloo), a multi-family investment advisor, and director of Waterloo’s Family Office Services group.
Mark is a graduate of Stanford University and the University Of Texas School of Law. He speaks regularly, connecting with audiences on topics of benefits, business transfer/transition strategies, protection planning and financial independence
Svea Blomberg is the Director of Underwriting at Ironclad Strategies. She joined Ironclad in 2019 following three years with Erben Associates.
Svea holds a BS in Human Development from the University of Texas at Austin. Outside the office, Svea loves spending time in nature. You will always find her surrounded by her animals and family.
Clay Howell was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Westlake High School, where his dedication and talent on the football field earned him a scholarship to play at The University of Texas at Austin—a lifelong dream come true.
While excelling both academically and athletically, Clay simultaneously laid the foundation for his professional career. Shortly after graduating from UT Austin, he entered the financial services industry, embarking on what would become a distinguished 29-year tenure with the same firm.
In April 2023, Clay made a strategic career move to enhance his ability to provide independent, effective, and client-centered solutions, joining Ironclad Strategies. With deep knowledge in financial planning, Clay specializes in:
✅ Estate Planning – Helping clients protect and transfer wealth efficiently
✅ Business Planning – Structuring buy-sell agreements and key person insurance
✅ Family & Retirement Planning – Helping to maximize wealth accumulation and security
✅ Asset Protection Strategies – Helping achieve long-term financial stability
With nearly three decades of experience, Clay is passionate about delivering customized financial solutions that empower individuals, families, and business owners to achieve their financial goals with confidence.
Ross is a native Texan and grew up in the Fort Worth area. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University class of 2008. Ross is an alumnus of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
As an Agency Principal of Heaton Bennett Insurance and Financial Advisor with Ironclad Strategies, Ross advocates for a holistic approach with clients, serving as their trusted advisor across many platforms: Business Insurance, Personal Insurance, Risk Management, Life Insurance, Employee Benefits, and Retirement Planning. He strives to be an efficient and dependable resource for his team and for the agency’s clients.
Ross enjoys going to the movies, playing golf, hunting, and is a Cowboys football fan. Ross is married to Amy, and they have three children, Lily, Lucas and Leah. Together they love to travel, volunteer their time in the community and their church, as well as, spend time with family and friends.
Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.