Independent financial advisors working with founders and business owners in California
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you own a business or founded one, you likely face complex decisions about growth, taxes, and succession that can affect your personal and business finances. Without an advisor who understands the unique challenges of business ownership, you might miss opportunities to optimize your tax situation or protect your assets.
- Business and personal tax interplay. Look for advisors who consider how your business income and California's high state taxes impact your overall tax strategy.
- Succession and exit planning. Ask how they help plan for selling or passing on your business, balancing timing, valuation, and tax consequences.
- Asset protection strategies. Confirm they address how to shield your personal wealth from business risks, including property tax considerations under Proposition 13.
- Independent perspective. These advisors operate without firm constraints, which can mean more flexible advice tailored to your business and personal goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Jared F
Series 65
Huntington Beach, CA
Northwest Asset Management
Jared Fruth specializes in serving founders and business owners in California, addressing complex needs like retirement income strategy and active portfolio management. Operating independently with a flat-fee and negotiable AUM fee structure, he offers flexible financial consulting tailored to business owners, supported by Northwest Asset Management's $3.6 billion in assets under management and a fiduciary approach using Modern Portfolio Theory.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $1,472,895
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Aubrey W
Series 65
Goleta, CA
Open Path Financial
Aubrey Williams specializes in advising founders and business owners in California, offering expertise in early retirement planning, retirement income strategy, and general tax planning, which are crucial for managing complex business and personal financial decisions. His independent, flat-fee approach at Open Path Financial, combined with a background in defense technology and program management, provides a unique perspective compared to other advisors with longer industry experience or different fee structures.
Experience: 2 years
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Jorden B
Series 65
Claremont, CA
LifeSteps Financial
Jorden Bastien specializes in serving founders and business owners in California, addressing complex financial needs such as retirement income strategy and cash flow management. His independent status at LifeSteps Financial, combined with 13 years of experience and a 1.50% AUM fee, distinguishes him by offering a hands-on, ETF-centric investment approach with integrated financial planning and bill-payment services, catering to a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals and businesses.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $638,509
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Eric H
Series 65, Series 66
Campbell, CA
Hickok Advisory, LLC
Eric Hickok specializes in advising founders and business owners in California, addressing complex tax planning, income strategies, and cash flow management relevant to this group. His firm offers both discretionary and non-discretionary asset management with tailored investment strategies, and he provides flexible fee options including flat fees and hourly consultations, distinguishing him from others by combining financial planning with legal and real estate expertise.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $130,000
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Michael A
Series 63, Series 66
Beverly Hills, CA
The L. Warner Companies, Inc
Michael Anderson specializes in serving founders and business owners in California, offering expertise in business exit strategies, concentrated stock management, and retirement plans tailored for business owners. His independent, flat-fee approach and 28 years of experience set him apart, while his firm's focus on high-net-worth clients and use of option strategies provide a comprehensive investment management perspective suited for complex financial needs.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $2,117,174
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