PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
OUR WEALTH MANAGEMENT PRACTICE:
We assume the role of a private consulting group focusing on our clients' long-term goals. We primarily work with affluent families, corporate executives and successful business owners. Our select group of clients utilizes our experience and vast resources of Merrill Lynch. Life changes and liquidity events (i.e. career move, inheritance, retirement, home or investment transaction, business sale, college planning) provide a natural introduction to our practice. Our group works closely with clients' other family advisors (attorneys, accountants, etc.) to accomplish their personal and business goals.
We stress a long-term approach to investing with customized strategies, and manage risk through our globally balanced portfolios. Clients come to us seeking a relationship built on trust, professional service and personalized guidance. We understand there's more to your financial life than just investing in stocks and bonds. Whether you're preparing for retirement, protecting your estate, looking for flexible financing, or funding a business, we'll work with you to develop innovative strategies that consider all aspects of your financial life. Our goal is to provide peace of mind for the future through our disciplined wealth management process.
OUR TEAM:
Ronald E. Ridgeway is a Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor with 32 years of experience in the financial services business. He earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of California and currently teaches investment courses at UC Riverside, Santa Ana College, and Santiago Canyon College. Ron is also a Certified Financial Manager and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. He earned the elite title of PIA Portfolio Manager at Merrill Lynch. Ron is on the Planned Giving Boards of the Community Foundation and UCR. He grew up in Nova Scotia and now lives in Riverside. His two daughters recently graduated from University of Redlands and UCR.
Chad T. Willardson is a Senior Financial Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, and Wealth Management Advisor who came to Merrill Lynch in 2003. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in economics and business. Chad earned the elite title of PIA Portfolio Manager with Merrill Lynch. In his community, Chad serves on the Executive Board of the Inland Empire Management Society. He also volunteers as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. Chad served as a translator for the American Embassy in Lithuania and participated in humanitarian aid programs in the Baltic States as a church missionary. He is an Orange County native and now lives in Corona with his wife and three children.
Katie Lemon joined our group two years ago with five years of client service experience at a major public company. Katie earned her bachelor's degree in Finance from Cal State San Bernardino. She adds creativity, a great work ethic, a client-focused attitude and enthusiasm to our team.
Rosa Torres is our lead Client Service Associate and has provided professional service to Merrill Lynch clients for 15 years. She is the first line of contact for administrative and personal banking needs. Rosa exhibits a steadfast commitment to client communication and she consistently receives special recognition in the SoCal region for outstanding client service.
DeAnn Welch is a Client Service Assoicate who has served Merrill Lynch clients for over 8 years. She joined our team in 2008; DeAnn earned her Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of North Texas. Originally from Houston, TX, DeAnn and her family now reside in Corona.
Gail Paulsen joined our team from Legacy Bank of America when Merrill Lynch Wealth Management joined with Bank of America. Gail came to us with over 28 years of banking experience at Bank of America. She is a graduate of Claremont Graduate School and earned her MBA there in 1982. Gail handles all Bank of America account services, client mortgages and lines of credit.