Howard Paul Smith

Driven by a deep passion for finance and investing, Praveen brings a unique blend of experience to his work. As a South Asian immigrant, he navigated the complexities of building a successful 15-year career in Silicon Valley, including co-founding a startup and most recently serving as a Software Engineering Manager at Google. In parallel, he dedicated over a decade mastering various asset classes, from traditional stocks and bonds to value-add commercial real estate and alternative investments like private equity and venture capital. Having achieved financial independence through diligent saving and strategic investing, Praveen is now committed to empowering others to take control of their financial futures by drawing on his own hard-earned wisdom. Empower Financial is an independent, fee-only advisory that provides financial planning and investment consultation to individuals, trusts, estates, retirement plans, small businesses, and a variety of institutional and nonprofit clients. The firm employs a Core + Satellite investment approach, focusing on client risk profiles and asset allocation recommendations, while clients generally execute trades themselves.

Riley Cantwell is an Associate Director at IEQ Capital, where he advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families on investment strategy, portfolio management, and broader financial priorities. Since joining IEQ in 2022, his work has spanned client advisory, inorganic growth, advisor transitions, and platform development. Previously, Riley worked in investment banking and real estate private equity. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Claremont McKenna College. IEQ Capital provides portfolio management and investment advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, families, trusts, foundations, endowments, and non-profit organizations. The firm’s investment approach combines macroeconomic research, client-specific Investment Policy Statements, and diversified portfolios that include liquid strategies, third-party managers, and private alternative investments.

Omar Chyou is a Wealth Management Advisor with extensive experience providing comprehensive wealth management services that address both sides of his clients’ balance sheets. He works closely with clients to understand their goals and beliefs, helping them pursue their near- and long-term financial objectives. Omar is committed to delivering a high level of service and advice, enabling clients to focus on what matters most to them, including hobbies, family, career, and philanthropy. Omar began his financial services career in 1996, advising high-net-worth individuals and families. He has held positions at several prominent firms such as Wells Fargo Private Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Citi Private Bank. Additionally, he served as Market President for First Western Trust in Denver, Colorado, where he led a team of advisors offering comprehensive advice across investments, lending, banking, financial and estate planning, and insurance. His professional designations include Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA™). He is FINRA registered, holds California life insurance licenses, and maintains his NMLS certification. Omar earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Stanford University and completed his MBA at IE Business School in Madrid, Spain. Born and raised in Berkeley to immigrant parents from China and Mexico, he is a Spanish speaker who supports organizations focused on the Latin community and engages in community participation consistent with Merrill’s traditions. Outside of work, Omar spends time with his wife and three children enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, fly fishing, snowboarding, karting, and target shooting, and pursues his interest as a car enthusiast.

Douglas Andrey is a financial advisor based in San Jose, CA, with four years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and serves as the sole advisor at his independent firm. Prior to founding his advisory practice, he worked at Kaplan for 12 years and OrthoFX for three years. In addition to his advisory role, he is head of operations at OmniIndex.io, a data analytics tool focused on unstructured data. His firm provides discretionary portfolio management and investment advice to individual clients, constructing customized portfolios primarily using stocks, ETFs, and bonds. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a generally long-term investment strategy, with weekly account reviews and flexibility for shorter-term trading when appropriate.

Kevin Martin is a CFP® and Series 65-registered advisor with 10 years of industry experience. He is the principal of Oak Peak Financial, an independent advisory firm he has led since 2015. Prior to founding Oak Peak Financial, he worked at InSpeed Networks for three years. In addition to his advisory role, Martin is an IRS Enrolled Agent and provides tax preparation services as a separate engagement. Oak Peak Financial serves individual investors, including high-net-worth clients, and retirement-plan sponsors with financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement-plan consulting. The firm follows a fiduciary standard and employs a diversified, tax-efficient investment approach based on Modern Portfolio Theory, typically using low-cost index funds and ETFs alongside select individual securities and fixed income.

Financial Planning for What Matters Most Your financial plan should reflect what matters most to you. I begin every client relationship by understanding your values and goals. Together, we review where your money is going and identify opportunities for saving, investing, and living the life you envision. We then integrate relevant planning areas such as investment analysis, retirement planning, tax strategies, education funding, risk management, and estate planning. Financial planning can often feel overwhelming, so I organize the process into clear, manageable steps and strive to make complex concepts understandable. We begin with your most urgent priorities and incorporate additional tasks as we make progress, building momentum together. With a background in engineering and technical project management, I bring a structured, creative, and thoughtful approach to every conversation, ensuring each step is purposeful and aligned with your goals. Whether you're seeking comprehensive or hourly planning, our work is tailored to the topics that matter most to you. My process stays grounded in your values, so each step supports your unique goals and priorities. As a fiduciary, I always put your interests first, offering honest guidance and clear, transparent fees. Whether you want hands-on support or prefer to implement your plan yourself, I'll provide a complete and actionable roadmap for your financial journey. My practice is built on trust, transparency, and a deep commitment to my clients' success. Nothing is more rewarding to me than seeing clients become thoughtful stewards of their wealth, gaining clarity and confidence, and building a future rooted in what matters most.