About Ryan

My name is Ryan and while I’m proud to be a financial advisor today, I spent the first chapter of my career working as a research scientist.

I earned my PhD in Microbiology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2014 and then held several research positions in the biotech industry, government, and academia.

I've had a lifelong interest in investing and personal finance and in 2024 I decided to "go pro" and launch my own firm.

Smiling man with a backpack outdoors in nature, wearing a gray cap and an orange shirt.

Life doesn't wait for your finances to be perfect.

In late 2023, my wife and I faced some serious challenges: we discovered we needed IVF to start our family, and then a couple weeks later, I lost my job when my company closed. Suddenly, we were confronted with some incredibly tough financial decisions.

One of the first was whether to take our dream honeymoon to Patagonia or begin the expensive process of IVF. After careful planning and analysis, we decided we were determined to do both.

Yes, it meant dipping into our savings and making some significant adjustments, but it proved to be the right choice. Patagonia was the trip of a lifetime, and now, we're thrilled to be expecting a baby boy later this year!

Financial planning isn't just about numbers on a page; it's about empowering you to live the life you want, even when faced with unexpected challenges.

A smiling woman and man in outdoor jackets standing near a fence, with a mountain range, lake, and sunset sky in the background.
A man and woman in outdoor winter clothing standing on a rocky shoreline of a mountain lake with snow-capped peaks and rocky cliffs in the background.

What's in a name?

Aligning your money with your values.

The manzanita tree, a Northern California icon, is adaptable, resilient, and uniquely beautiful - it's one of my favorite sights to see on a mountain trail.

I named my firm after the manzanita because I believe true financial security enables you to fully experience life's beauty while nurturing your relationships. For me, that's enjoying California's landscapes and spending time with my family.

That's my "why" - what's yours?

A man wearing sunglasses, a blue beanie, a black puffy jacket, a gray sweater, gray pants, and hiking shoes standing outdoors on a dirt trail in front of a large leafy bush or small tree. The sky is partly cloudy.