Steven "Chuck" Bates was born in Virginia but raised overseas in true “military family” style. He attended an international school in Belgium before returning to the states to attend the University of Nebraska. After graduation in 1997, Chuck began his career at TD Ameritrade, where he quickly distinguished himself as a team leader in customer service and new accounts, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of TD Ameritrade's Dallas Fort Worth facility, contributing to the hiring and training of nearly 700 employees.

In 2001, Chuck joined Direct Trading, where he further expanded his expertise in technical market functions which segued into a position at Bridgeway Capital Management in 2004. Over the course of 16 years, he assumed various integral roles in trading, investment operations, and sales. It was here he established his first connections with the team at The Advocates.

In May 2020, he shifted focus and joined Stegent Equity Advisors, Inc., with the goal of incorporating college planning into holistic financial plans for families. Motivated by his passion for leading families to financial success, Chuck brought his 25+ years of experience to The Advocates team in July 2023, believing strongly in our mission to help families live their values.

Chuck is a family man, devoted to his wife and two beautiful children with whom he loves watching and participating in sports, especially Nebraska Huskers football and the Houston Astros. He is a golfer, fisherman, beach bum and mentor participating in various college readiness and entrepreneurial programs in schools in the Houston area.