FOUNDING PARTNERS:
Tyler Brilinski, CFP®, ChFC, CLU
Tyler Brilinski, CFP®, ChFC, CLU
Founding Partner
Director of Taxation
Tyler Brilinski has over 20 years experience in the financial services industry. He is a graduate of Grand Canyon University and has earned professional financial designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional.
As a Financial Advisor, Tyler is supported with one of the most sophisticated technology platforms in the industry through SII Investments, a full-service, independent broker/dealer that does not underwrite any securities and has no proprietary constraints.
Tyler enjoys helping people to plan their retirement by utilizing simple yet proven strategies of wealth accumulation and distribution. He tempers the emotions typically involved in retirement preparedness with objectivity, logic, and the experience of helping hundreds of similar people achieve the retirement they’ve always hoped for.
Tyler was born in Seattle, Washington, but has lived in Arizona for more than 30 years. He has been married to his wife, Lorrie, for seven great years. Outside of the office, Tyler enjoys backpacking and mountain biking.
James L. Bruce, CEP
James L. Bruce, CEP
Founding Partner
Director of Estate Administration
James began his career in the financial services industry as a stock broker in 1994. He focuses on offering his clients multiple investment options, analysis of their current investment portfolios and past performance and alternatives to align more with their goals and objectives. James also focuses on estate preservation through the proper utilization of the living trust. He educates his clients on tax savings strategies for their estates and retirement accounts (IRA’s, 401k, 403b, etc.). James works primarily with clients of high net worth, who appreciate being able to handle their affairs efficiently throughout their lifetime and preserve their wealth as their estate passes on to their heirs.
James is certified by the Supreme Court of Arizona as a Certified Legal Document Preparer (AZCLDP) and is a Certified Estate Planner. He is securities registered with his series 7 (general securities), series 63 (uniform securities agent), and series 65 (uniform Investment Advisor) and offers securities through SII Investments, Inc. As a result of working with a Registered Investment Advisory firm, James is able to provide not only estate planning advice but also financial and investment planning strategies.
James was born and raised in Milan, Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Indiana State University, where he studied finance with an emphasis in economics and risk management. He is happily married to his wife Molly, they have two sons, Tristan and Tanner and a daughter, Ella. He enjoys hiking, running, road and mountain biking and swimming. He has completed dozens of marathons and other races and loves to compete in the Ironman triathlons.
Carmen Cercone, CEP
Carmen Cercone, CEP
Founding Partner
Director of Estate Planning
Carmen G. Cercone CEP© Founding Partner Watermark Wealth Strategies LLC; Carmen was born and raised in Western New York attended St. Teresa’s Grammar School, Orchard Park High School and the University of Buffalo.
Carmen’s career spans 32 years as a Branch Manager with MetLife in Buffalo NY and Agency Manager in Las Vegas NV, before co-founding Benefixx LLC specializing in employee benefit planning affiliated with SunAmerica Securities in 2000.
In addition to his Certified Estate Planning designation he is certified by the Supreme Court of Arizona as a Certified Legal Document Preparer (AZCLDP).
Carmen’s emphasis on Comprehensive Estate Planning, Wealth Transfer and Legacy Preservation compliments his securities registrations; series 7 (general securities), series 63 (uniform securities agent), and series 65 (uniform Investment Advisor) through SII Investments, Inc.
Carmen’s practice one of the firms largest; spans Arizona, Nevada, California, and Colorado.
Carmen lives in the Scottsdale area with his wife Sandy and they have 5 children, Jessica, Dara, Zack, Carly and Jake.
Tom Lundgaard
Thomas Lundgaard
Founding Partner
Director of Business Planning
Tom Lundgaard has been working in the financial services industry for 16 years. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1979 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Tom has earned his Series 7, 63 and 66 registrations and is a Member at Large of the Financial Planning Association and a Founding Partner of Watermark Wealth Strategies, LLC.
Tom believes that Financial Planning is more than just numbers. He focuses on the key areas of financial concern and develops solutions to best help the individual clients reach their financial goals. Tom also works with small business owners and their employees to develop and implement group retirement plans.
As a full service Financial Planner, Tom enjoys building trusted relationships and getting to know each of his clients and their particular wants and needs. He has made it his credo to always put clients’ best interests first.
Tom has lived in Arizona for over 23 years and is involved with the Lions Club of Tempe. In his spare time he enjoys swimming, golf and travel.
Tom has been married to his wife, Libby, for 29 years and they have a son, Thomsen, who is attending Arizona State University.
Kyle Richardson, CFP®
Kyle Richardson, CFP®
Founding Partner
Director of Retirement Planning
Kyle Richardson is a founding member of Watermark Wealth Strategies, LLC, located here in the valley. He has over a decade of experience in the financial industry and specializes in developing tax efficient retirement and estate plans for high net worth individuals.
Kyle prides himself on the long-term relationships that he maintains with his clients. By fostering a long-term relationship with each client, Kyle creates a foundation based on understanding each person’s unique needs and objectives, thus allowing him to help his clients visualize their goals. Supported by this culture, Kyle works with integrity, objectivity, and experience to help clients and families achieve financial security.
Kyle’s experience and knowledge have been recognized with multiple appearances on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street and broadcasts on Bloomberg radio. He has received numerous client service awards as well as outstanding achievement awards for his dedication to the needs of his clients and to his practice.
Kyle obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificate in 2002, and his independent and experienced focus gives his clients a clear perspective on how best to customize their investment portfolios. Kyle strongly relies on the help of his team which includes his wife & Practice Manager, Amy. With this help, Kyle continues to strive to give clients greater peace of mind that comes from knowing that they are well protected and that their money is working as hard for them as they have worked for it. Kyle attributes his success to the high priority he places on being a good steward of the assets entrusted to his care.
Outside of the office, Kyle and Amy are proud parents of two children, Kylee and Brady. They enjoy involvement in their church and the Ahwatukee community where they live.
ADVISORS:
Bob Coffin
Bob Coffin
Wealth Advisor
Bob started his money management business in 1986 with a “bang” being named Advisor of the Year with his affiliated financial services firm. When asked what he feels is his greatest achievement in the business is, he says, “Surviving two of the worst market downturns in the last half century without any customer complaints.
He is proud to share an office in the valley with his good friend Kyle Richardson, who has been recognized with multiple appearances on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street and broadcasts on Bloomberg radio.
Bob’s strong values and work ethic come from being raised on a grain and livestock farm in central Nebraska, where his parents still reside in the warm months. His specialty is developing tax efficient retirement and estate plans for high net worth individuals. Bob uses integrity, objectivity, and experience to help individuals and families achieve financial security. One of the ways he keeps his clients up to date on events which are driving the markets is through a weekly email entitled “The Weekly Market Commentary.” Besides the market information, you receive a new recipe each week, and a golf tip, among other things.
Outside the office, Bob loves spending time with friends and family, and feels most at home in the backyard grilling or gardening. He and his wife, Gayle, just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, and they have 3 children. His oldest daughter, Taylor, is in her second year of dental college. Conner is in her first year of college as a pre-radiography major. Bob’s son, Jackson, is 14 and enjoys participating in sports and dirt biking. On the weekends, Bob enjoys spending time with clients on the golf course.
Ron Davies
Ron Davies
Wealth Advisor
Ron Davies is a Wealth Advisor with over eight years in the financial services industry. Ron focused his studies in the US Coast Guard Academy on Civil Engineering and has since earned his Series 7, Series 66 and Life/Health Insurance registrations. Ron is registered in five states, including Arizona and California.
Ron is enthusiastic about bringing his unique estate tax reduction and wealth maximization strategies to bring significant measurable benefits to professionals, individuals, and business owners with extensive, sophisticated estate plans already in place. Ron also develops financial plans designed to help build and preserve wealth. He provides personal service on an ongoing basis in the areas of business planning, investment planning, estate planning, tax planning, risk management, retirement income planning and asset protection.
Ron is involved with several churches and loves to spend time with his wife of 10 years, Michele, and their three sons. Outside of the office, Ron also enjoys playing golf, basketball, and coaching kids sports teams.
Stephen Horvath, ChFC, CLU, CEP
Stephen Horvath, ChFC, CLU, CEP
Wealth Advisor
Director of Risk Management and Accumulation
Stephen Horvath has over 20 years experience in the financial services industry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Business Administration at the Catholic Jesuit University of Loyola Marymount. Stephen has the following registrations: 7, 24, 63, and 65. He also holds California Life/Health/Disability and Variable Contracts Licenses and is a member of the Financial Planning Association.
After several years of comprehensive study Stephen earned the professional financial designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Certified Estate Planner (CEP). He is very knowledgeable and committed to assisting private clients that are retired or nearing retirement on the specific issues facing them.
Stephen thoroughly enjoys analyzing and understanding the big picture to be sure that all aspects of a clients’ financial life are coordinated effectively – Estate and Income Tax Reduction, Retirement Income Analysis, Asset Protection, Investment Allocations, Wealth Transfer and Risk Management. He specializes in designing prudent strategies that help reduce clients’ income tax liability, increase their retirement income, grow and help protect their assets, and structure their estates to successfully retain wealth within the family through multiple generations.
Stephen was born and raised in Southern California. He is married to his supportive wife of 15 years, Stacey. They have 2 wonderful children and are active in their church and community. Stephen enjoys participating in athletics and school functions
with his son and daughter, and has been a youth soccer and baseball coach for several years.
Douglas Miller, MBA
Doug Miller, MBA
Wealth Advisor
Douglas Miller has over 25 years experience in the financial services industry. He graduated from Rutgers University, New Jersey with an MBA in Finance. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a major in Economics and minor in Sociology from Waynesburg University, Pennsylvania. Douglas has the following registrations: series 7, 63, 65, and 66. He also holds state Life/Health/Disability and Variable Contracts Licenses and is a member of the Financial Planning Association.
Douglas was born in Hartford, Connecticut and has resided in the Scottsdale area for over 22 years. He and his “better half” Jane have been together for over 27 years. They enjoy experiencing varied dining venues, travelling and sharing time with their sons. Douglas is an avid hiker and mountain biker. He hikes to the top of Camelback Mountain 3 times per week and rides his bike in the Squaw Peak Preserve regularly. Douglas also enjoys time with two dogs, Leo and Autumn, and is involved with the American Humane Society and the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
STAFF:
Genny Beswick
Genny Beswick
Assistant to Kyle Richardson
Genny Beswick recently joined the Watermark team, bringing over 6 years of experience in the financial industry. She has focused on business and accounting courses in college and understands the importance of offering convenience to the clients. As Assistant to Kyle Richardson, Genny strives to provide excellent service through all areas of communication. She also coordinates processing with the home office and addresses client inquiries in a timely fashion.
Genny is originally from the Midwest and has an extensive family, with 11 nieces and nephews. In her spare time, Genny enjoys reading, sports and movies.
Joanne Brady
Joanne Brady
Practice Manager
As Practice Manager, Joanne Brady is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of the office, including routine client account maintenance and addressing any client questions or concerns at the highest level. Joanne routinely utilizes her Associates degree in Marketing, Business and Graphic Design along with her 6 years of experience in the financial services industry toward managing strategic processes for efficient operations.
Outside of the office, Joanne enjoys travel and bargain hunting. She and her husband of 30 years, Pat, have two grown children – Kerri and Patrick.
Andrea Fuchs
Andrea Fuchs
Practice Manager
Andrea earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Toledo, specializing in Statistics. She has worked in the financial services industry for more than ten years with an emphasis on client relations and staff supervision. She brings a dedicated and sincere approach to creating and implementing client-centered operational systems. As a Practice Manager, Andrea oversees the operations and growth of the firm and is focused on continually enhancing the value of services we provide to our respected clients.
Andrea and her husband, Jim, love spending family time with their two young daughters. They also enjoy running long distance races, traveling and hiking.
Cindy Ginnetti
Cindy Ginnetti
Client Communication & Service Representative
For 12 years, Cindy Ackley-Ginnetti has used her skills, experience and computer technology background to enhance the Watermark Wealth platform. On a daily basis, Cindy strives to provide excellent customer service to the Watermark clients. As Assistant to Tom Lundgaard, she provides support for Insurance and Long Term Care business, as well as managing scheduling and coordinating internal processes.
Originally from the Midwest, Cindy relocated to Arizona in 1983. She is married to her husband, Freddy, and has 3 adult sons. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys exercising, quilting, movies and spending time with her pets.
Allison Porter
Allison Porter
Marketing Coordinator
As Marketing Coordinator, Allison Porter puts an emphasis on client communications. Using all methods of contact, Allison coordinates and arranges client seminars, educational meetings, and client events, relying on her training in Marketing, Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Originally from California, Allison has lived in Arizona now for over 3 years, where she enjoys keeping up her garden and socializing with friends.
Amy Richardson
Amy Richardson
Practice Manager
Originally from the Midwest and a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, Amy Richardson is the practice manager in the Chandler Office. She thoroughly enjoys forming client relationships and ensuring the family practice feel. Amy also coordinates events, manages office logistics, and strives to put a personal touch on client interactions.
Amy is Kyle’s wife of 10 years and mother to two busy children, Kylee and Brady. Amy loves bringing balance to both work and home life amidst soccer practices and maintaining the family calendar.
Ellen Taff
Taff, Ellen
Executive Assistant
Ellen develops and maintains all client relations initiatives with an emphasis on enhancing the level of client service and support being delivered to our valued clients. She brings a responsive approach to all of her duties, which include being accessible for clients and getting questions and requests fulfilled in an accurate and timely manner.
Ellen has been married to her husband, Mike, for 17 years and they have 2 daughters – Jordan, 11, and Riley, 8. Ellen enjoys spending quality time and playing with her girls. Both girls love to play sports and each have a favorite subject in school: Science for Jordan and Math for Riley. Ellen loves to read, ride horses, spend time at the beach, travel and watch USC games with family. She and Mike are both involved with the girls’ school and with their church.
Dan Thomas
Thomas, Dan
OSJ Manager
Dan Thomas has been in the financial industry for more than 15 years. Dan graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Business Administration and has since earned his Series 4, 7, 9, 10, 24, 51, 55, 63, & 65 registrations.
As an OSJ (Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction) Manager, Dan is responsible for the oversight of advisors, representatives, and their assistants in both Arizona and California. Dan continually ensures that FINRA polices and guidelines are being followed and enforced.
Outside of the office, Dan is a member of ONE Multisport, a triathlon team, and has successfully completed the Ironman Triathlon. Dan also enjoys hiking, cycling, swimming, and exploring new places.
Dan loves family time with his wife, Kristin, and their two children. Together they spend time at their family cabin in Alpine, Arizona, and enjoy attending sporting events.
Laura Tripp
Tripp, Laura
Executive Administrative Assistant
Laura Tripp has been in the financial services industry for over 14 years. Laura is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and a Minor in Art History. She has also earned her Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 registrations and is licensed in the state of Arizona.
As the Registered Assistant to Tom Lundgaard, Laura manages preparation, execution and follow-up of all required documentation and transactions. Laura also coordinates compliance tracking and client review reporting.
Outside of the office, Laura enjoys scrapbooking, baking, spending time with her two dogs, and working on home improvement projects. She is also enthusiastic about music and travel.
The firm was founded in order to fulfill the diverse needs of the clients we serve. We realized that in order to provide the level of service and attention that our clients deserve, we needed to create our own vision and align with partners that had the experience, stability, and commitment that would contribute to that vision.
We are aligned with SII Investments, Inc.®, one of the preeminent independent broker/dealers in the United States. Our alliance with an independent broker/dealer means that we can provide you with unbiased advice, allowing us to remain true to our original vision.
The firm is dedicated to helping you grow and preserve your wealth, reduce your tax burden, and keep it all in the family. By taking the time to understand the needs of your family and examine all of the pieces of your financial situation, we develop a financial strategy that is fundamentally solid and flexible enough to help withstand the changing times
We believe in ongoing client service and education. Our team consists of knowledgeable and courteous professionals who are willing to go the extra mile to help you reach your goals.
At our firm you can feel confident:
- That you will receive prompt replies from us to your directions or inquiries
- That your money is working toward your goals effectively
- That your wishes and opinions will be respected
- That your needs are always taken into account
- That your investments are recommended because they are best for you, not for some corporation
- That you have access to unbiased research and information to help you make informed decisions
We welcome you to contact our office to schedule a consultation or to attend one of our upcoming local seminars.
What is a broker/dealer?
A broker/dealer is a company that a registered investment professional uses in order to buy and sell investment products on behalf of investors. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) delegates the supervision of financial advisors to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Why SII Investments, Inc.® (SII)?
The fact that we’ve chosen to work with SII Investments, Inc.® (SII), an independent broker/dealer, means that our firm remains independent, too. We are free to act solely in your best interest, without bias and without pressure to promote a particular product or strategy. It’s a model that differs from that of some other, larger financial firms known as wirehouses, whose financial representatives are accountable not just to their clients, but also to the parent company that employs them.
SII is also independently owned and managed, which means the firm retains the freedom to allocate resources where they’re needed and to act in the best interests of its financial advisors and their clients—not shareholders.
How SII helps me help you
SII goes far beyond what’s required of a broker/dealer; the entire organization is built around helping advisors do whatever it takes to serve their clients. It’s that infrastructure—and the always expanding wealth of resources it provides—that makes it easier for my firm to provide you with the best possible guidance and the prompt, personal service you expect and deserve.
- Investment choice. Your financial objectives, personal investment style, and risk tolerance are the only criteria that influence our recommendations to you. SII Investments, Inc.® offers us access to a virtually limitless selection of third-party investment vehicles and truly objective, independent research from its in-house analysts, helping to ensure that we have the freedom to operate solely in your best interest.
- Service. The firm’s advisor-to-staff ratio is one of the best in the industry. This means staff members answer my calls promptly, execute transactions quickly and accurately, and, in general, offer my firm the same first-class treatment we strive to give you.
- Technology. SII’s technology platform is a critical component in our ability to provide you with first-class service and support. Its integrated Web-based systems allow us to more efficiently manage your portfolio and your overall financial picture.
- Security. SII is committed to safeguarding your privacy, as well as the security of your investment data. The firm’s technology team continuously strives to enhance security measures, keeping abreast of new technologies and safeguards and incorporating them when appropriate to help protect your data.
If you’d like to know more
We’d be glad to talk with you further or answer any questions you may have about our affiliation with SII Investments, Inc.® Please feel free to give us a call.
Much more than Investment Advisors…
After a lifetime of work, protecting that legacy throughout retirement and beyond requires much more than just picking the right investments.
Our clients receive truly comprehensive financial planning that involves tax, investment, retirement, income, estate, protection planning strategies, and business from our highly qualified and experienced Investment Advisors and Wealth Experts.
Since every situation is unique, we take the time to thoroughly assess the best course of action for each individual client, by:
Gathering Information
Our assessment begins by gathering information about you and what is important to you. We talk about your goals, your needs, your dreams. We prioritize. We look at all the different facets of your current situation.
Analyzing Data
We then do a thorough analysis of that information of all of that information to find out if your situation is properly aligned with your goals. We analyze your tax liabilities, risk exposure, cash flow and estate plan to identify any potential room for improvement.
Recommend course of action
You will be presented with a thorough analysis and proposed course of action to help you accomplish your objectives.
Executing Plans
We help you execute your plan with seamless efficiency. We are with you every step of the way.
Monitoring & Adjusting
We monitor your situation and meet with you regularly to review your progress. As situations change, we make the necessary adjustments to keep you on track.
Because investments are only a small part of the big picture, our investment advisors take a very comprehensive approach to protecting your legacy and keeping it all in the family.
