Our Team
How We Work
Our reasons for becoming financial professionals are deeply personal. Time and again, we saw friends and family struggling to find the guidance they needed to map out their financial futures. With our experience and training, we’re confident we can help people feel more prepared for what lies ahead. Over the years we’ve built a reputation for making personal finance easy to understand, empowering individuals to pursue their financial goals with confidence. We’re also committed to giving back to the community and being there for the people who trust us with their future.
Gil Valadez CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, LUTCF®
Founding Partner | Financial Advisor
I was born and raised in Chicago, IL and its suburbs. I am a Cubs fan and not a White Sox fan. Also, love the Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks. Yes, I was there during all of the Michael Jordan years, the 1985...
Melissa Santangelo
Partner | Financial Advisor
melissa.santangelo@prudential.com
I grew up in Connecticut as the middle sister in a second-generation Italian family, and now my life is beautifully blended with both Italian and Mexican cultures. I deeply value the traditions my family...
Grace Peng-Solis
Partner | Financial Advisor
As a financial professional with nearly 20 years of experience, I’m passionate about building lasting relationships and helping clients pursue their financial goals. Over the past eight years with Prudential and my prior career in...
Sandra Smith
Partner | Financial Advisor
I was born in MA but raised just outside of Baltimore MD in the Randallstown, Pikesville, Owings Mills area. Yep, I’m a pro at picking Maryland Blue Crabs. Nope, I don’t use a mallet. I think it’s a skill you learn in MD before you can...
Larry Beckwith CLTC®
Partner | Financial Advisor
I was born in a suburb outside of Chicago in a family of 11 children. I have 4 brothers and 6 sisters. I am number 9 in the tree and the youngest boy. My father passed away when I was 11, and I learned the value of life insurance when...
Nyles Martin
Office Operations Manager
I’m born and raised in Lubbock Texas & joined the company in 2011. Away from work you’ll most likely find me spending time with my wife Heather, and my daughter Hannah. When we’re not running to and from Hannah’s swim meets I love to...