Stefanie Welsch is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 credential and two years of industry experience. She previously worked at Bank of America, N.A. and has five years of experience in homemaking. Outside of her advisory role, she is actively involved in the Junior League of El Paso and serves in leadership positions with the El Paso del Norte Stanford Alumni Club. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutions with model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal and third-party managers.

Ross Salas is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing, holding a Series 66 designation and 14 years of industry experience. He has worked at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2024 and previously held roles at LPL Financial, BancWest Investment Services, and Bank of the West. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services. The firm’s advisory process is IPS-driven and based on modern portfolio theory, with a notable range of investment options including insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep programs.

Daniel Smith is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in Amarillo, TX, holding a Series 66 designation and 15 years of industry experience. He has worked at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and was previously with Wells Fargo Advisors LLC from 2010 to 2016. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory solutions. The firm’s approach is IPS-driven and grounded in modern portfolio theory, incorporating a broad range of financial products including insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.

Raziel Speer is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors in El Paso, TX, holding a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at PNC Bank and Sunflower Bank, along with experience in the retail and food service sectors. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network is a large broker-dealer and registered investment adviser serving individuals, trusts, and institutions. The firm offers a broad range of financial planning services tailored to clients meeting a net-worth threshold, utilizing research and planning tools to develop personalized recommendations.

Gabriel Vargas is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with eight years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has worked at both Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase Bank. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC provides institutional consulting services to corporations, foundations, and defined contribution plan sponsors, offering asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting through a select group of Wealth Advisors. As a subsidiary of J.P. Morgan, the firm combines institutional advisory operations with brokerage, distribution, and investment management capabilities.

Romel Alvarado is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in El Paso, TX, holding a Series 65 designation and eight years of industry experience. He previously worked at Kestra Financial, Inc. for eight years and The Herrera Group for six years. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network of investment adviser representatives. The firm offers a broad range of advisory programs and financial planning services, providing both discretionary and non-discretionary management supported by research from LPL and third-party subadvisors.

Pedro Galicia is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in El Paso, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and 14 years of industry experience. He has worked at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2016 and held roles at Wells Fargo Bank NA and Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC prior to that. Outside of his advisory work, Galicia owns an industrial supplies business called Atomotive Advance Technologies LLC, operating under the name Aldebaran Solutions. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services. The firm’s IPS-driven approach incorporates modern portfolio theory and includes a broad range of financial products such as insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.

Mauricio Felix III is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career in the financial industry in 2007 when he joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as a Financial Advisor. Mauricio focuses on assisting clients who have experienced an unexpected windfall and require wealth management planning, executives in the maquiladora industry planning their retirement transition, and clients seeking to establish wealth transfer strategies for future generations. Mauricio holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from ITESM. He is registered with FINRA holding Series 7, Series 66, and Series 3 licenses. Additionally, he has earned professional designations including Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He is bilingual in English and Spanish. Outside of his professional work, Mauricio volunteers his time to promote economic mobility and teaches basic finance concepts aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. He also enjoys hiking, running, and participating in marathons.

Walter Chayes is a financial advisor at Merrill with 41 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has worked at Merrill since 1984, currently serving in El Paso, TX. He is a member of the board of directors for the El Paso Holocaust Museum, a charitable organization. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers both model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Cynthia Rivas is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and bringing 27 years of industry experience. She has worked at LPL Financial since 2019 and concurrently at Graham Capital Strategies LLC since 2012. Additional prior roles include positions at Princor Financial Services Corp and Principal Life Insurance Company from 2012 to 2019. LPL Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer serving individuals, retirement plans, banks, corporations, and charitable organizations through a national network of investment adviser representatives. The firm provides a range of advisory programs, financial planning, and retirement consulting services, utilizing model portfolios, third-party subadvisors, and technology such as machine learning in its investment approach.

Sheridan Pantoja is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management specializing in personalized investment strategies, retirement planning, portfolio management, and financial education. His professional approach centers on building relationships tailored to each client's goals, priorities, and vision for the future. Sheridan focuses on helping individuals and families convert their income into long-term wealth through personalized financial plans. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Sheridan earned his High School Diploma from Andress High School. His expertise includes institutional investment consulting, legacy planning, managing new wealth, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, and retirement income planning. Sheridan is committed to expanding access to financial education, particularly within the Latino community. He participates in community outreach through organizations such as Better Money Habit, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, and HOLA, where he helps promote financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. Sheridan communicates fluently in both English and Spanish.

Randall Smith is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding the PFS™ and Series 66 credentials and bringing 21 years of industry experience. He has worked with firms including Avantax and 1st Global Advisors and owns RS Wealthcare Advisors, Inc. Smith serves on the boards of Alternative House Inc., a charitable organization, and Paseo Del Este Municipal District No. 3, a Texas utility district. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving individuals, retirement plans, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients through a multi-manager platform offering discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and access to third-party money managers.

Brian Farrish is a CFP® with 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is currently with Wells Fargo Advisors in El Paso, TX, where he has worked since 2009 in various roles within the Wells Fargo organization. Outside of his advisory work, he owns a microbrewery called 915 Brewing Company in El Paso. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network serves individuals, trusts, and institutional clients by providing investment and fee-based financial planning services. The firm offers a broad planning menu for clients meeting a net-worth threshold, utilizing Wells Fargo research and tools to develop tailored recommendations.

Billy Apodaca is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in managing retirement investments for government workers, government contractors, and small businesses. He focuses on developing personalized financial strategies that align with each client's risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs. By listening to clients' concerns and understanding their long-term objectives, Billy leverages the resources of Merrill Lynch to help pursue goals through tailored wealth management strategies. His expertise encompasses college education planning, employee benefits planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, and individual and corporate investment strategy. Billy holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Texas. He carries the designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Billy is proud to be an El Paso native and values community involvement, volunteering with local organizations. Outside of work, he enjoys baseball, cooking, football, golfing, reading, spending time with his family, traveling, and watching movies.

Jameel Toombs is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in El Paso, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses with two years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he worked at Allstate Insurance Company, Thrivent Financial, Northwestern Mutual Investment Services LLC, and New York Life. Outside of finance, he was involved in fitness-related ventures including Achillian Fitness and PUSH Crossfit for several years. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies, supported by a large network of financial advisors and branch offices nationwide.

Manuel Corral Jr. is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in El Paso, TX, holding a Series 66 designation with one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones, he worked at X-Bow Launch Systems Inc. and has held positions at Blue Origin and Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Outside of advising, he is involved in managing a coffee shop business, Steady Pace Coffee LLC, providing bookkeeping and business strategy consulting services. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, offering a range of investment advisory programs and maintaining a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices. The firm provides both discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, affiliated mutual funds, and operates under a fiduciary standard.

Jacob Franco is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in El Paso, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and possessing 19 years of industry experience. He has worked at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2017 and was previously with LPL Financial from 2015 to 2017. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting services to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary options. The firm’s advisory process is grounded in modern portfolio theory and includes a broader range of financial products than typical institutional advisers, such as insurance-related vehicles and bank deposit sweep options.

Mark Fischer is a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc., holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and over 31 years of industry experience. He has been with Raymond James since 2014. Outside of his primary role, he is the owner of Fischer Wealth Management, a support company based in El Paso, TX. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors offers financial planning, investment consulting, and advisory services to a broad range of clients, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, and institutional investors. The firm provides non-discretionary planning using analytical tools and supports various advisory programs and institutional consulting.

David Arocha III is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Clearing in San Angelo, TX. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, he worked at 1st Community Federal Credit Union and has a diverse background including roles outside the financial industry. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services. The firm’s advisory approach is IPS-driven and incorporates modern portfolio theory, serving as an ERISA fiduciary when providing investment advice.

Juan Gonzalez is a financial advisor at Equitable Advisors with a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. Prior to joining Equitable Advisors, he held roles at Bank of America and Merrill. Equitable Advisors serves a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, and institutional investors, providing financial planning, broker-dealer services, insurance distribution, and access to third-party asset management programs. The firm operates as both an SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, working extensively with program sponsors and third-party managers.