McGowan and Associates
Marshall West McGowan
Wealth Management Advisor|CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®
Meet Our Founder
West McGowan has been dedicated to providing his clients with thoughtful, strategic financial guidance since 2008. As a financial professional, West focuses on helping individuals and families retire on their terms and stay comfortably retired, with a plan tailored to their unique needs and goals. His favorite part of his job is working with clients to build the future they envision, offering clarity and confidence through every stage of life.

A proud graduate of the University of South Carolina, West holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with minors in Insurance and Risk Management, as well as Political Science. His passion for ongoing education has led him to earn some of the most respected certifications and designations in the industry, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), all of which reinforce his dedication to providing expert financial services.
Outside of work, West has a bucket-list goal of seeing all eight wonders of the world and dreams of one day creating his own wine label. His professional aspiration? To get his golf handicap below 5.
When he's not helping clients achieve their financial goals, West enjoys life in San Diego, where he spends his free time playing golf at The Santaluz Club, cycling, hiking, or soaking up the sun at the beach alongside his wife, Kate, and their dog, Tanner.
Meet Your Team
Our team is committed to helping you design a future full of possible. We take a personalized approach to create a financial plan tailored to your goals, ensuring every piece of your financial life works together seamlessly. From risk management to retirement income planning and wealth management, we provide the clarity and confidence you need to live the life you’ve worked so hard for. If you’re ready to get started or have any questions, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

Kurt Carroll
Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Get to know my dedicated Network of Specialists
Through Northwestern Mutual, I have access to a Network of Specialists. We help each other, share ideas and common values, and leverage each other's talents to help you achieve your future full of possible.
Our Credentials
Our team is built on a foundation of expertise, bringing together highly credentialed professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to your financial future. This diverse blend of qualifications means we have the specialized insight to navigate the complexities of your financial life, empowering you to make confident decisions and achieve a future full of possible.

CFP® - Certified Financial Planner®
What it is: The CFP® designation is a formal recognition of expertise in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement, certified by the CFP® Board of Standards, Inc.
Why it’s important: The CFP® designation is widely considered the standard of excellence for financial planners. CFP® professionals have undergone more than 250 hours of extensive training and 6,000 hours of experience. The CFP® designation is one of the toughest to earn in this industry.

ChFC® - Chartered Financial Consultant®
What it is: A ChFC® indicates successful completion of nine financial courses and practical experience. Topics covered include estate planning and employee benefits planning.
Why it’s important: A Chartered Financial Consultant® has not only completed educational courses but also possesses practical experience in key topics such as estate planning, employee benefits planning, asset protection planning, income tax planning, and more. This enables us to provide reliable financial advice to clients from a comprehensive approach.

CLU® - Chartered Life Underwriter®
What it is: The CLU® designation indicates specialization and in-depth knowledge in life insurance and estate planning.
Why it’s important: Our clients face a broad range of risks and financial situations. The CLU® designation provides us with expertise in practical, legal, and ethical aspects of life insurance and estate planning to approach our clients’ unique situations.