Nicholas Arellano is a CFP® professional with 19 years of experience in the financial industry. He is the Managing Partner and CEO of YLP Financial, LLC, as well as Managing Partner and CEO of Your Legacy Partners, LLC, which provides M&A advisory and consulting services to privately owned businesses. He also leads Kospow Partners, an entity that works within the search fund community to facilitate minority co-investments in private equity-type deals. YLP Financial, LLC is an independent advisory firm serving individual and high-net-worth clients, offering portfolio management and investment policy development that integrates fundamental analysis, modern portfolio theory, and technical analysis. The firm employs long-term strategies alongside options trading and focuses on a range of investment vehicles including mutual funds, equities, fixed income, and private placements.

At Silicon Beach Financial, we believe in the transformative power of your wealth. We’re more than just a financial guide—we’re your dedicated partner in realizing ambitious dreams and shaping the future. Our mission is to support visionary entrepreneurs and innovators who are driven to make a significant impact on the world. Our approach is deeply rooted in collaboration and partnership. We start by understanding your unique vision and then craft a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your goals. Whether it’s managing investments to secure both short-term needs and long-term opportunities, or navigating the complexities of tax planning to maximize your wealth, we’re here to ensure you’re always ahead of the curve. We’re passionate about empowering individuals who are not only driven by financial success but also by a desire to create meaningful change. Our values—organization, accountability, objectivity, proactivity, education, and partnership—define how we work with you. We bring order to your financial life, help you make informed decisions, and anticipate life’s transitions with proactive strategies. Founded by Christopher Stroup, a recognized LGBTQ+ leader in financial planning, Silicon Beach Financial was created specifically for those who dare to dream big and make a difference. If you’re ready to transform your financial future and leave a lasting impact, let’s partner to turn your vision into reality. With us, your wealth isn’t just about accumulation; it’s about making a difference in the world.

Loc Tran is the sole advisor at JHL Investment Firm Inc in Westminster, CA, holding a Series 65 credential with eight years of industry experience. He has managed JHL Investment Firm since 2018 and is also involved in insurance sales as the CEO of Tran Insurance Agency and an agent at Lords Insurance Agency, businesses he has been part of since 2011 and 2016 respectively. Loc Tran additionally works as a seasonal tax preparer. JHL Investment Firm Inc provides non-discretionary asset management and financial planning services primarily to individual clients. The firm’s investment approach centers on fundamental analysis and tailored strategies aligned with client goals and risk tolerance, with client approval required before executing trades.

Gary Hughes is the principal advisor at Hughes Wealth Management Incorporated in Hermosa Beach, CA. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has 33 years of industry experience. Prior to founding his firm in 2022, he worked at Concorde Asset Management, LLC and Concorde Investment Services, LLC for nine years. In addition to his advisory work, he is a licensed independent insurance agent. Hughes Wealth Management provides portfolio management, financial planning, pension consulting, and access to alternative investments and private placements for individuals, high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, and business entities. The firm employs a combination of fundamental, technical, and economic analysis to implement investment strategies and may engage sub-advisers, managing accounts mostly on a non-discretionary basis.

David Ross is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 20 years of industry experience. He has led Ross Financial Group since 2011 and previously worked as a business consultant. Outside of his advisory role, he acts as a business consultant for a long-term client and operates as an insurance broker. Ross Financial Group provides tailored investment advisory and portfolio management services to individuals and institutions, including trusts, estates, foundations, charities, and corporations. The firm offers a proprietary “Tides Portfolio” strategy focused on low-turnover, concentrated mid-cap index ETF holdings, with an objective to outperform the Dow Industrial Average over time.

Quan Le is a financial advisor at Rockside Investments LLC with five years of industry experience. He holds the Series 65 designation and previously worked at Valero Energy Corporation for 32 years. Rockside Investments LLC is an independent advisory firm serving a small group of individual and institutional clients, including qualified retirement and profit-sharing plans. The firm uses a model-based, primarily long-term value investing approach with discretionary portfolio management and offers specialized pension consulting and performance-based fee arrangements.

Kamal Ramani is a CFP® professional with one year of experience in financial advisory services. He is the principal of REA Investments, LLC, where he has worked since 2023. In addition to his advisory role, Ramani is a CPA who operates Blue Lotus Services, providing tax preparation, and serves as CFO of Raw Brands Inc., an apparel wholesaler. REA Investments, LLC is a discretionary investment adviser serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, estates, and business entities. The firm constructs customized portfolios based on client goals and risk tolerance, utilizing a range of analytical techniques and conservative cash management strategies.

John Nuckel is the sole advisor at John Nuckel LLC in Hermosa Beach, CA, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials with 25 years of industry experience. Prior to founding his firm in 2020, he spent nine years at Coastal Investment Advisors and Coastal Equities, Inc. John Nuckel LLC provides discretionary portfolio management primarily to high-net-worth individuals, tailoring portfolios around insurance products, equities, and ETFs. The firm combines modern portfolio theory with charting, fundamental and technical analysis to implement long-term trading and model allocations based on documented risk tolerance.

Albert Yeo is the principal of A Yeo Capital Management LLC and holds Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses with 26 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at BDO Private Bank, Merrill, and UBS Financial Services. A Yeo Capital Management LLC is a small, independent investment manager providing discretionary asset management and advisory services to retirement plans, corporations, charities, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm uses fundamental security analysis and modern portfolio theory to construct portfolios aligned with client risk profiles, and it offers pension consulting and plan-support services, including ERISA-focused guidance and educational meetings.

Kenny Jung is a CFP® professional at FinZ Advisors, LLC with one year of industry experience. He has worked as an independent life insurance agent since 2010 and owns FinZ Insurance Agency, dedicating a portion of his time to this business during market hours. FinZ Advisors, LLC provides discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and employee benefit plan services to individuals, including high-net-worth clients, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans and businesses. The firm employs a passive, Modern Portfolio Theory–based investment approach and offers both advisory and planning services, including pension consulting and group educational seminars.

Juerg Ciceri is a CFP® professional with 18 years of industry experience, operating through his firm, JC Financial Planning & Investments, LLC, since 2006. He holds a Series 63 license and serves clients from Long Beach, CA. Ciceri is also the owner and general partner of a Swiss investment holding company, Golden State Holding GmbH. JC Financial Planning & Investments provides portfolio management and financial planning services primarily to individuals and high-net-worth clients. The firm’s investment approach focuses on individualized advice, continuous account supervision, and diversified asset allocation, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary management along with flexible financial planning arrangements.

David Pedersen is a financial advisor with Hermosa Advisors in Hermosa Beach, CA, holding a Series 65 designation and six years of industry experience. He has been with Hermosa Advisors since 2019 and previously worked at Guess Inc. He also serves as a part-time adjunct instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles Extension. Hermosa Advisors is a single-advisor independent firm serving individuals, including high-net-worth clients, and small businesses with customized financial planning and advisory services. The firm follows a fiduciary, client-driven process and employs fundamental analysis to recommend diversified portfolios but does not provide discretionary portfolio management or trade execution.

Mario Nieto is a Series 65 licensed advisor at Desert Capital Management Group, Inc, with five years of industry experience. He has been with Desert Capital since 2020 and previously worked at GMI Sourcing, Inc. from 2015 to 2018. Desert Capital Management Group is a small advisory firm serving individuals and high-net-worth clients, managing approximately $5.39 million in assets across 127 client relationships. The firm provides individualized, primarily non-discretionary asset and portfolio management services across a range of public and private investments and operates under a level-fee fiduciary framework without accepting discretionary authority or proxy voting.

Ashkan Afrasiab is a financial advisor with Afrasiab Wealth Solutions, LLC and holds a Series 66 designation. He has 19 years of industry experience, including 16 years at Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Afrasiab also works as a licensed insurance professional, dedicating a portion of his time to insurance sales. Afrasiab Wealth Solutions, LLC provides discretionary investment management and portfolio supervision to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, estates, businesses, and retirement plans. The firm employs a long-term, fundamental-analysis approach with an emphasis on diversified, low-cost funds and customized portfolio construction.

Cherie Putman is the principal of Putman Capital Management, Inc. in Torrance, CA, with 24 years of industry experience. She holds the CFP® and Series 66 credentials and has a background that includes roles at 1 St Global Insurance Services, 1ST Global Advisors, and maintains a CPA practice since 1995. Outside of her advisory work, she founded Women’s Wellness and Wealth, a resource and social group focused on supporting women in healthy lifestyles and financial matters. Putman Capital Management serves individual and family clients, including high-net-worth households, providing asset management and comprehensive financial life planning with a tax focus. The firm manages accounts primarily on a non-discretionary basis, emphasizing asset allocation, diversification, and academic research, and combines mutual funds, ETFs, and individual securities in its investment approach.

Patrick Whalen is a CFP® and Series 66-registered financial advisor with 20 years of industry experience. He founded Whalen Financial Planning in 2017 after working at Fidelity and Merrill. Whalen holds expired California insurance licenses but does not currently sell insurance products. Whalen Financial Planning is a fee-only, independent advisory firm serving primarily higher-asset households, including individuals and personal-trust trustees. The firm emphasizes passive, non-discretionary investment management using index mutual funds and ETFs and provides hourly financial planning and consultation services.

Roger Chang is a financial advisor at Rhb Capital, Inc. in Huntington Beach, CA, with 14 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Rhb Capital since 2012. Outside of his advisory role, he also practices law as an attorney through a separate legal services business. Rhb Capital, Inc. provides investment supervisory and portfolio management services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a blend of fundamental, technical, charting, and cyclical analysis and uses both long- and short-term trading strategies, including options and margin transactions, to manage approximately $35 million in discretionary assets.

Ronald Gable is a CFP® with 54 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with Centaurus Financial, Inc. He has held roles at multiple firms, including American Skandia, Lincoln Benefit Life, Nationwide, First Colony Life, and Transamerica Life. In addition to his advisory work, he has served as a college instructor since 2014. Centaurus Financial, Inc. provides advisory services through a network of independent representatives to individuals, families, businesses, and institutions. The firm offers financial planning, investment management, access to third-party managers, and retirement-plan advisory services.

John Brajevic is a CFA® charterholder with 11 years of industry experience. He has worked at Amphora Capital Investors, LLC since 2022 and previously held roles at Twenty Four 7 Global Solutions, Inc., Scout Investments, Inc., and UMB Distribution Services, LLC. Outside of investment advising, he serves as managing director of Twenty Four 7 Global Solutions, a supply chain management firm. Amphora Capital Investors, LLC is an independent, state-registered adviser focusing on discretionary equity and balanced portfolio management for institutional clients and select high-net-worth individuals. The firm employs a disciplined, bottom-up investment process targeting profitable growth companies, using quantitative and qualitative research methods that incorporate valuation and intrinsic value assessments.

Jacob Lopez is the principal of JGL Advisory LLC in Venice, CA, holding a Series 65 credential with six years of industry experience including roles at ARX Management LLC and City National Bank. Prior to founding JGL Advisory, he managed court-mandated Qualified Settlement Funds and concurrently oversees fixed-income portfolios focused on short-duration, highly rated securities. JGL Advisory LLC is a newly formed investment manager that plans to provide discretionary portfolio management for individuals, small businesses, trusts, estates, and institutional clients. The firm employs a long-term, buy-and-hold strategy based on bottom-up stock selection and a combination of fundamental, technical, and macroeconomic analysis across equities, fixed income, ETFs, and mutual funds.