Cale Kunkle is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He transitioned to finance in 2015 after a 12-year career as a classically trained chef. Cale holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a Finance concentration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a certificate in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu, Pennsylvania.
Since joining Merrill Lynch, Cale has advised a range of clients including entrepreneurs, executives, families, and individuals experiencing significant life transitions such as retirement and inheritance. His focus areas include college education planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible investing, tax minimization, and retirement income strategies. He holds several professional designations including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA).
Outside of his professional career, Cale is involved in community organizations such as San Luis Obispo Classical Academy and several local chambers of commerce. He is also a member of Business Networking International's Five Cities Chapter and Toastmasters. Cale resides in Arroyo Grande with his wife Sarah and their three children, and he enjoys cooking, football, golfing, hiking, pickleball, softball, spending time with his family, and surfing.