Top advisors focused on startup equity planning in Washington

Jared Fruth is a financial advisor at Northwest Asset Management with four years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and previously worked at Securities America, Inc., KMS Financial Services, Inc., Oppenheimer Funds, and John Paul Mitchell Systems. Northwest Asset Management is a registered investment adviser managing approximately $3.6 billion for nearly 3,000 clients, including individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, charities, and corporations. The firm employs a customized, fiduciary approach using Modern Portfolio Theory and strategic asset allocation, combining fundamental and technical analysis to build diversified portfolios with periodic rebalancing.

Pranam Tamrakar is a financial advisor at Merrill with one year of industry experience and holds the Series 66 designation. He has been affiliated with Merrill since 2006 and also has experience with Bank of America, N.A. since 2024. Merrill serves a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutional clients, offering managed account programs, discretionary portfolio management, and brokerage services. The firm operates with multiple investment program strategies and emphasizes tax-efficient solutions, supported by its integration with Bank of America’s broader financial platform.

Ligaya Choo is a financial advisor with J.P. Morgan Securities, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and 5 years of industry experience. She has been with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and J.P. Morgan Securities since 2021, following a 29-year tenure at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Prior to her current role, she accumulated extensive experience within the same organization. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to corporations, foundations, and defined contribution plan sponsors, offering asset allocation advice, investment manager and fund searches, and customized performance reporting. The firm delivers advisory services alongside affiliated brokerage, distribution, and investment management capabilities, operating with a non-discretionary program that relies on an in-house manager solutions team and a centralized due-diligence framework.

Katheryne Mcmillan is a financial advisor at LPL Financial with 28 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and previously worked for Securities America Advisors, Inc. for 15 years. LPL Financial provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individual investors, retirement plan sponsors, institutions, charities, and high-net-worth households. The firm offers a range of investment solutions supported by an in-house research team and a large network of investment adviser representatives.

Erkki Peippo is a financial advisor at Concorde Asset Management, LLC with 23 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked previously at Sagepoint Financial Inc. and through his own CPA firm. Outside of advisory work, he is involved in farming through Peippo Farms and operates as an insurance agent. Concorde Asset Management provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, financial planning, and access to third-party asset management programs for a diverse client base including individuals, corporate and charitable clients, and retirement plans. The firm uses a model-based portfolio construction approach with in-house and external strategists, offering alternative investments and ERISA plan services.

I founded Innermost™ Wealth Management to create a more personal, thoughtful approach to financial planning and wealth management. My background in both finance and psychology shaped my belief that money is not just about numbers. It is deeply personal and connected to your values, goals, and life experiences. I work with professionals who want to grow and simplify their wealth, with a special focus on women navigating career growth, equity compensation, and major life transitions such as divorce. Many of my clients are balancing busy lives and complex financial decisions, and they value having a long-term financial partner who truly understands their needs. My firm is centered on ongoing wealth management through investment advisory relationships. Clients work with me for comprehensive financial planning and investment management that evolves with them over time. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® Candidate, I provide technical expertise and strategic guidance, while also recognizing the emotional side of financial decisions. My approach is compassionate, judgment-free, and designed to reduce stress while helping you feel more confident in your choices. I operate a fully virtual firm, working with clients across the country who appreciate flexibility and convenience. My goal is to simplify your financial life, provide clear advice, and help you align your wealth with what matters most to you. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, photography, cooking, and spending quality time with my Beagle, Gracie.

George Silvester is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving as a member of the Boston Executive Services Team since 2017. He works primarily with founders, executives, and key associates at both privately held and publicly traded companies, focusing on the intricacies of equity ownership and equity compensation. George's approach begins with understanding what is most important to his clients and assessing their current position relative to their goals, ultimately developing customized financial strategies that align with their evolving life needs, resources, and aspirations. George began his career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as a Summer Analyst in 2016, where he developed an understanding of the client-advisor relationship and the collaborative pursuit of clients’ life goals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Finance from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business. Additionally, George has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning, as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of his professional work, George’s personal interests include biking, bowling, chess, cooking, golfing, hiking, and reading.

James Van Nice is a Benefits & Planning Consultant specializing in Executive Services. In this role, he partners with executives to help them understand their employer benefits and develop plans to work towards their financial goals. James has professional experience as an Investment Solutions Representative III at Fidelity Investments from 2023 to 2025 and as an Investment Solutions Representative II at Fidelity Investments from 2022 to 2023. Prior to that, he worked at Merrill Lynch as an Investment Solutions Representative I from 2021 to 2022 and as a Financial Advisor from 2018 to 2019. Outside of his professional work, James engages in fishing, fitness, golf, running, and volunteering.

Adam Neubauer is a CFP® with 11 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2014 and is based in Mankato, MN. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a wide range of investment strategies and affiliated services through a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Juan Polanco is a financial advisor at Optimo Capital with 10 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked previously at Carr & Ferrell LLP before joining PacBio in 2017, where he currently works full-time as an engineer. In addition to his advisory role, he mentors startups and founders through the Founder's Institute and LoyalVC. Optimo Capital serves emerging companies, startups, and their founders, executives, and employees by providing portfolio supervision and a range of financial advisory services. The firm combines top-down macro analysis with bottom-up credit and security research, offering strategic consulting and flexible fee arrangements without account minimums.