Our History

In 1984, David, a disgruntled teacher, opened the Fresno Bee and discovered his calling.  A full-page ad announced “BE A FINANCIAL PLANNER!”  Come to our workshop tonight.  And so, he went.

He passed an exam or two and proceeded to sell mutual funds.  Somehow, he succeeded.  Soon he had a small business with an office, some desks, a phone, and even an employee.

Around about 2002, realizing he needed more professional help, he found Dustin Smith.  Dustin was drawn to Fresno State on a golf scholarship.  He earned a Finance degree with a minor in financial planning.  Dustin became the 2nd Planner and eventually a co-owner with David.

In 2004, along came Michelle Carter, looking for work, while eager to finish her degree in Marriage and Family Counseling.  It was not to be.  She eventually saw the light and, instead, she became the 3rd Planner.

Nicole Swanson joined the motley crew in 2006.  With a Math degree, she hankered to become an actuary.  She, too, saw the light, and stayed on to become the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and another co-owner of the firm.

Jeff Karst joined in 2010.  Jeff tried college, left college, joined the U.S. Navy, retried college and graduated in Finance.  Soon he became the 4th Planner and also a co-owner.

In 2015, Whitney Kelley left the Educational Employees Credit Union for a greater challenge.  She became our Operations Manager until, seeking another challenge, she became a Paraplanner.  Seeking a still greater challenge, she became our 5th Planner.

Now, many years later, Michael Mazman, Aliana Cabuhat, Katelyn Siegl, and Brandon Martin have found their way from Fresno State to us.  Curious to see what paths these four shall forge.

It’s been quite a journey.  David says:  “Here’s the key…Hire people smarter than me.”