DJM FINANCIAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
- Executive Vice President - Chief Strategy Officer, President of Retail Investments and Head of Institutional Investments
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Management Specialist, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Investment Products
Job Titles:
- Director of Special Projects
Christa Jacob oversees DJM Financial's strategic planning and priority initiatives. Leveraging her wealth of managerial experience in the financial services industry, she works across the firm to facilitate continuous evolution, with a focus on internal projects and operations. As a vital member of the DJM Financial leadership team, Christa is dedicated to the firm's mission of improving the lives of clients today and for future generations.
Christa earned a bachelor's degree in business economics and a minor in accounting with summa cum laude distinction from UCLA. Earning the Certified Public Accountant designation in 2002, Christa began her career at the firm Deloitte & Touche. Serving as a fund controller and most recently as an assistant vice president of investment operations, she spent more than 16 years at Capital Group, home of American Funds. During her time at Capital Group, Christa managed various teams that supported the operations, financial reporting, and tax strategies for several of the largest mutual funds in the world.
A native of Orange County, Christa resides in Irvine with her husband, Mike, their two daughters, and their beloved family dog. She keeps a healthy work/life balance by staying active and supporting her children's sports and school activities. She also enjoys reading and traveling to new destinations, especially historic sites. Committed to giving back, Christa is dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is actively involved in JDRF and the local T1D community.
Job Titles:
- Director of Insurance Operations
Corey leads the risk management department at DJM Financial, managing and developing the firm's insurance servicing team. With more than two decades of experience in all aspects of financial planning, she specializes in underwriting, advisor support as well as client support, applying her advanced knowledge to lead clients through the insurance underwriting process as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Corey is energized by the opportunity to bring clarity to complex insurance planning issues, such as business insurance cases that often involve many moving pieces and multiple parties. She is especially grateful for the opportunity afforded through her work at DJM Financial to provide a lifeline to all clients during life's toughest moments.
Corey was hired by DJM Financial co-founder Kevin DuPree in 1999, went on to support Private Wealth Advisor Patrick Stoll, and joined the firm in 2019 when Patrick came aboard. Corey holds a California Life and Health Insurance license and the Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC)® designation.
Corey grew up in Huntington Beach, CA and now resides in Irvine, CA with her partner Jeffrey, her son Nathan, and two dogs, Chloe and Ava. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and road trips to Arizona to visit Nathan at college.
Job Titles:
- Member of the FIXED INCOME TEAM
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES TEAM
- Senior Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES TEAM
- Senior Director / Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES TEAM
Job Titles:
- Director of Employer and Participant Services
As Director of Employer and Participant Services, Elicia delivers exceptional strategy and service to business owners with qualified retirement plans. Her responsibilities include guiding the execution of trustee and enrollment meetings, conducting investment due diligence, and working to enhance clients' overall satisfaction with their plans. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in the corporate retirement plan space, Elicia provides clients with the knowledge and advice they need to meet their fiduciary responsibilities with confidence at all steps in the planning process, from the optimal design of the plan to the creation of the right procedures that ensure compliance while supporting successful outcomes for plan participants. She joined DJM Financial in March 2021.
Elicia earned a Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University, with a major in consumer psychology and a minor in marketing. She went on to work in sales and marketing at ADP for 11 years, where she specialized in crafting retirement plans that created efficiency, reduced risk, and benefitted plan participants. At ADP, Elicia honed her skills by helping business owners and HR professionals facilitate the overall management of their company retirement plans. She gained extensive knowledge in all aspects of retirement plan design and implementation, from start up, payroll integration, and benchmarking to conducting vendor reviews, plan transitions, and tax planning.
Hailing originally from Orange County, Elicia now resides in San Clemente with her husband Johnny and their three children, Drake, Mackenzie, and Cole. A soccer player during her college years, Elicia enjoys volunteering as an assistant coach for her kids' teams. She also loves spending time outdoors, whether it's camping, going to the beach, running in the hills with her dog, perfecting yoga poses, or snowboarding.
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Management Specialist, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Vice President - NMWMC Investment Management & Research
Job Titles:
- Financial Planning Analyst
As an associate financial planning analyst, Grace is responsible for supporting the team's advisors with case preparations and building comprehensive financial plans that align with clients' life stage, time horizon and goals. Grace is committed to fostering long-term relationships with DJM Financial clients and enjoys the process of bringing a financial plan together and delivering guidance that helps her clients see the value of a strategic approach to saving, planning, and investing decisions.
With interests in chemistry and mathematics, Grace was drawn to the precision of the culinary arts and previously worked as a professional baker and entrepreneur, having opened and run her own Pasadena-based establishment, Moyo, prior to joining DJM Financial in 2018. She attended the University of California, Riverside, and earned a diploma in baking and patisserie from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles. She holds a California Life and Health Insurance license as well as a Series 7 and 63 Securities Registration.
Grace was born and raised in Walnut, California and currently resides in Anaheim with her husband, Larry, and their daughter, Riley. When she's isn't developing financial recipes for DJM Financial clients, she loves creating culinary masterpieces and making arts and crafts projects with her daughter, who is an excellent assistant baker.
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Equities
Job Titles:
- Senior Portfolio Manager, Equities
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Consultant Advisor Recruiting
Job Titles:
- Member of the NMWMC INVESTMENT CONSULTANT TEAM
Jim Grefenstette specializes in investment strategy and portfolio management at DJM Financial, where he leads the firm's Investment Committee. With more than 30 years of experience, he applies his extensive investment acumen to strengthen the firm's planning, insurance, and advisory services. Jim focuses on making an impact for his clients by developing customized portfolios designed to help them achieve the financial goals that will carry them into, and through, retirement.
Prior to joining DJM Financial, Jim worked at PNC Wealth Management, where he advised high-net-worth individuals and families on building investment portfolios designed to help them meet their financial objectives. He previously spent more than 15 years as a Senior Portfolio Manager and ran two top-tier growth and large core equity mutual funds at Federated Investors, with more than $2.5 billion in assets. He was twice listed among Barron's Top 100 Money Managers. Jim began his career trading Treasury notes and bonds at PNC Bank and worked in private equity and debt credit analysis at Westinghouse Credit Corp.
Jim holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, the highest distinction in the investment management profession, underscoring his skills in advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management. He graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Georgetown University and an M.B.A. from the Tepper School at Carnegie Mellon University. Jim grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is proud of his hometown sports teams from the Steelers to the Penguins, and yes…even the Pirates. He now lives in Dana Point, California and loves spending time with his wife, Tess, and their four kids. When Jim is not developing investment portfolios and planning solutions for clients, he enjoys strategizing on his golf game and playing squash.
Job Titles:
- Manager Research and Senior Research Analyst
Job Titles:
- Investment Operations Associate
As an Investment Operations Associate, JJ supports the implementation of client financial plans and investment strategies. He plays an essential role in assisting DJM Financial advisors with account funding and putting plans into action. Detail oriented and organized, JJ derives satisfaction from helping clients benefit from financial planning and seeing how their lives grow and change for the better because of the planning process.
JJ holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from California State University - Los Angeles. He previously worked for Northwestern Mutual, where he helped clients envision their financial goals. In 2019, JJ made a lateral move and joined DJM Financial, drawn by the firm's family atmosphere and deeply collaborative culture. His goal is to continue growing in his role to help drive the firm's growth and success in supporting clients.
Born and raised in Texas, JJ lived in numerous cities across the United States before settling down in Santa Ana, including Atlanta, Raleigh, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. When he's not busy helping to implement clients' financial plans, JJ loves playing basketball, guitar, and violin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Consultant
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Analyst, NMWMC Research
Job Titles:
- Investment Operations Associate
Kenny manages the day-to-day operations of the investment department at DJM Financial. His primary focus is on supporting client services by opening accounts, moving funds, facilitating trades, and providing account maintenance. With careful attention to detail, he is dedicated to ensuring that all investment account transactions are executed expeditiously and accurately. Kenny appreciates the opportunity to contribute to clients' financial strategies and play a part in providing the peace of mind that a carefully crafted financial plan and investment strategy can deliver.
Prior to joining the firm, Kenny spent 25 years in Tokyo teaching English and managing language centers at Berlitz Corporation. In 2015, Kenny moved backed to the U.S. and made a career change. He began working with his childhood best friend and DJM founder Kevin DuPree, attracted by the firm's collegial atmosphere and culture of collaboration and support. Kenny earned a B.A. in social ecology with an emphasis in criminology from the University of California, Irvine and holds the Series 7 and 63 securities licenses.
The father of four children, Kenny lives with his family in Torrance, California, where he was born and raised. Outside of work, he enjoys exercising, watching his kids play sports, and relaxing on the weekends with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Investment Operations Associate
As an Investment Operations Associate, Mac supports the implementation of client financial plans and investment strategies. He plays an essential role in assisting DJM Financial advisors with the account funding process and putting plans into action. Detail oriented and organized, Mac derives satisfaction from helping clients benefit from financial planning and seeing how their lives grow and change for the better because of the planning process.
Mac holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from San Diego State University. After working as an intern for the firm, Mac joined DJM Financial as a full-time employee in 2022, drawn by the firm's deeply collaborative culture and commitment to the overall client experience. His goal is to continue growing and learning in his investment role to help drive the firm's growth and provide the best possible support to clients.
Mac is a SoCal native growing up in Orange County where he played baseball and roller hockey until university. In his free time, Mac enjoys snowboarding, roller skating, hiking, and camping. On the weekends, Mac can be found working on his 1969 Chevrolet Nova or supporting his favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Job Titles:
- Investment Operations Associate
Mamie provides operational and financial planning support for DJM Financial's advisors, performing essential tasks such as opening accounts, transferring assets, and keeping client plans moving forward. She prides herself on being responsive, flexible, and adaptable, and enjoys working within the broader team that orchestrates planning solutions and helps clients achieve their goals. Mamie is especially passionate about early financial education and dedicated to helping the next generation of investors secure their financial future.
Mamie has always had an interest in wealth management and financial planning and joined DJM Financial in March 2021. She began her career in the financial services industry 15 years ago, most recently serving as a client service analyst in the commercial banking division of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Mamie also worked on new business implementation for nonqualified executive benefit plans at Prudential Financial, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and Series 7 and 63 licenses as well as the California Life and Health Insurance license.
Mamie and her husband Bill reside in Orange County, where they raised their two children, Mackenzie and Jimmy. She enjoys spending time outdoors walking, hiking trails, and going to the beach. A travel enthusiast, Mamie recently went on a trip around the world and visited Italy, Spain, and Thailand with her family.
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the NMWMC INVESTMENT CONSULTANT TEAM
- Senior Director, Advisory Investments
Matt believes there is much more to successful wealth and financial planning than the numbers. As a Private Wealth Advisor at DJM Financial, he focuses on building strong relationships with his clients, working to understand what is most important to each of them and what they wish to accomplish so that he can develop a holistic financial plan to meet their goals. Matt is passionate about delivering solutions that instill financial confidence and peace of mind by harnessing the integrated capabilities of the DJM Financial team and coordinating a client's outside tax and legal advisors to ensure that planning solutions are comprehensive, customized, and fully integrated. Matt began his career at Northwestern Mutual in 2012 and has since worked diligently to become an impactful leader within DJM Financial. He works with his partners and the team to maintain and strengthen DJM Financial's highly collaborative culture and singular emphasis on serving the best interests of every client. Matt is energized by being part of a wealth and financial planning firm that is bigger than any one team member and that is prepared to carry on the promises made to clients and their families over multiple generations. Matt earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from Long Beach State University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, holds a California Life & Health Insurance license, and has earned his Series 6, 7, and 63 securities registrations. An Orange County native, Matt grew up and still lives in Irvine, California with his wife, Katie, their sons, Devin and Caiden, and their daughter, Madelyn. His hobbies include coaching his kids' baseball teams and attending baseball games. While his wife is a Dodger fan, Matt grew up loving Chicago sports, so he and his kids root for the Cubs. When he's not working on behalf of clients, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors exploring local parks, beaches, and the mountains with his family.
Job Titles:
- Senior Portfolio Manager, Equities
Matthew Robert Farrell, Michael Conrad Jacob, Timothy J Molnar, Patrick J Stoll, Sarah Engelke, Nicolas Mattingly, Stephen Gene Hong Rombro and My Phuong N. To use DJM Financial Wealth Management and Insurance Services as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. DJM Financial Wealth Management and Insurance Services is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Matthew Robert Farrell, Michael Conrad Jacob, Timothy J Molnar, Patrick J Stoll, Sarah Engelke, Nicolas Mattingly, Stephen Gene Hong Rombro and My Phuong N. To provide investment advisory services as Advisors of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. Matthew Robert Farrell, Michael Conrad Jacob, Patrick J Stoll, Nicolas Mattingly and Stephen Gene Hong Rombro are Agents of Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, (long-term care insurance) a subsidiary of NM. Matthew Robert Farrell, Michael Conrad Jacob, Timothy J Molnar, Patrick J Stoll, Sarah Engelke, Nicolas Mattingly, Stephen Gene Hong Rombro and My Phuong N. To provide investment brokerage services as Registered Representatives of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA (finra.org) and SIPC (sipc.org). Matthew Robert Farrell, Michael Conrad Jacob, Timothy J Molnar, Patrick J Stoll, Sarah Engelke, Nicolas Mattingly, Stephen Gene Hong Rombro and My Phuong N. To are Insurance Agents of NM.
Job Titles:
- Member of the FIXED INCOME TEAM
- Chief Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income
Mike is an experienced Private Wealth Advisor and passionate leader of the firm. He partners with families, entrepreneurs, and their outside legal and tax advisors to create and implement customized personal and professional financial plans that support clients for multiple generations utilizing the expertise and resources of DJM Financial at each step along the way. With his holistic approach, Mike's aim is to alleviate his clients' stress about their finances and provide confidence in their future. His favorite moments during the planning process are deploying new concepts and strategies that can significantly impact the long-term legacy of his clients' assets.
Mike began working at Northwestern Mutual in 2000 after graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics and a minor in business institutions from Northwestern University. In 2006, he partnered with Private Wealth Advisor Kevin DuPree, and together they established DJM Financial. From the start, the founders have focused on building a firm composed of highly experienced and credentialed individuals. They have also fostered a culture where team members can reach their highest potential and become the best versions of themselves, with the goal of successfully leading clients through life's major decisions and events.
Mike grew up in Mission Viejo as a competitive swimmer, ultimately completing his career as a co-captain of his collegiate team. He now lives in Irvine with his wife, Christa, and their two daughters. Outside the office, he loves cheering his kids on during swim meets and soccer games. He also enjoys sharing his passion for ocean sports and snowboarding with his children.
Mike is a supporter and advocate for JDRF, a nonprofit organization that funds Type 1 diabetes research, and first got involved with the organization after his daughter was diagnosed with the condition. His family also supports the PADRE Foundation, a local organization for Type 1 diabetes education and outreach.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planning Analyst
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Research & Portfolio Analyst, NMWMC Research
As a private wealth advisor at DJM Financial, Nic works across the planning discipline to support the firm's clients. He meets with them regularly to learn about their evolving financial circumstances, goals, and priorities, and creates highly customized plans that guide clients toward financial independence. Nic enjoys the breadth of his role but is especially energized by driving efficiencies in wealth accumulation and distribution strategies and solving for the intricacies of tax-efficient planning for individuals and business owners. He is enthusiastic about eliminating sources of financial anxiety for clients and relishes the opportunity to minimize any sense of burden that they might be feeling about their financial picture.
Nic was called to the financial profession at an early age, back when he first learned about the magic of compound interest - and realized that he could one day earn a living helping people protect and grow their assets. He began his career at DJM Financial in 2009, when he joined the firm as an analyst. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Nic earned a degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance. He holds the Series 6, 7, and 63 securities licenses as well as the California Life and Health Insurance license.
A native of the Easy Bay area of Northern California, Nic currently resides in South Orange County with his wife, their twin boys, and their daughter. When he isn't designing and optimizing his clients' financial plans, Nic enjoys managing his kids' soccer team and playing golf. He prioritizes spending time with his family and loves relaxing at the beach and volunteering in the community through his church, where he oversees an elder's quorum that supports food banks and programs for single moms.
For more than two decades, Patrick Stoll has been making a difference in peoples' lives by helping them achieve financial security. Since joining DJM Financial in 2019, he has contributed to the team's depth of wealth management resources and breadth of planning expertise, coaching hundreds of clients toward their goals across all kinds of financial market conditions. Patrick's specialty is pre-retirement and retirement distribution planning. He draws from his wide-ranging professional experience and broad industry knowledge to solve what are often complex, multi-layered planning challenges. Patrick's goal is to help create peace of mind so that clients feel prepared for major inflection points in their financial lives and well positioned to pass on a legacy to the people and causes they care most about.
Patrick's planning acumen is reflected in the portfolio of professional credentials that he has earned. Patrick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds the Chartered Life Underwriter®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations.
Before joining Northwestern Mutual, Patrick worked for a Fortune 500 chemical company specializing in water treatment consulting. Previously, he served in the United States Air Force as an officer for eight years, achieving the rank of Captain. In this role, he managed ballistic missile and space launch programs. Patrick is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he played on a nationally ranked football team that was subsequently inducted into the Air Force Academy Hall of Fame.
Fluent in German, Patrick completed fourth and fifth grade while living in Germany. He and his wife, Maria, are the parents of three boys. Just as he loves navigating a good financial challenge, Patrick enjoys mountain biking and sailing his Catalina 27 out of Dana Point Harbor and around the Orange County coastline. Patrick also values the opportunity to contribute something positive to the world. For about 15 years, he has been part of a group that buys, prepares, and serves brunch at the Isaiah House shelter in Santa Ana. More recently, he has also volunteered as a driver for Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente picking up food donations from local grocery stores.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Analyst, NMWMC Research
Job Titles:
- Director of Investment Operations
Peter Park brings more than two decades of diverse investment industry experience to his role overseeing DJM Financial's investment operations. He is responsible for managing and reviewing client investment portfolios, driving tax efficiency, providing technical assistance to the team, and deftly handling complex portfolio management issues when they arise. Peter is dedicated to putting DJM Financial clients first and enjoys creating and supporting dynamic investment strategies designed to provide clients with a secure financial future and peace of mind for years to come.
Peter joined Northwestern Mutual in 2000 as an Investment Operation and Trading Desk Manager. In 2006, he transitioned to Branch Office Compliance Officer and was the fourth employee to join founder Kevin DuPree and the DJM Financial team. As a mentor and trainer, Peter is passionate about building DJM Financial into a multigenerational firm and passing its client-first philosophy along to the next generation of team members. Peter graduated from Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, with a degree in international trade. He holds Series 7, 9 and 10 securities licenses.
A California native, Peter grew up in West Hollywood. He resides in Irvine with his wife, Christine, and their rescue dog, Latte. When he isn't working on home improvement projects, Peter spends his free time discovering new travel and dining destinations. He gives back to his community by donating blood and plasma to Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income
Job Titles:
- Senior Research & Portfolio Analyst, NMWMC Research
Job Titles:
- Client Relations and Events
Sandra oversees DJM Financial's marketing initiatives, including the management of the firm's social media accounts, and coordinates a variety of special events for clients - from webinars on financial topics to family and community events. Across these varied initiatives, Sandra's mission is to maintain the highest client experience standards in the industry.
Sandra brings significant marketing, operations, and program development acumen to DJM Financial. Prior to joining the firm, she served as the Director of Special Events and Support Groups for the Pacific Symphony. For nearly 15 years, Sandra also worked for a large insurance company. She holds the Series 6 and 63 securities licenses, as well as the California Life and Health Insurance license. Sandra is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a B.A. in economics.
A lifelong resident of Orange County, California, Sandra currently lives in Placentia and loves Southern California's sunny weather and easy access to beaches, mountains, and the outdoors. When she's not planning marketing initiatives or enriching events for DJM Financial's clients and families, she enjoys yoga, cooking, reading, and traveling. Sandra frequently volunteers with the Junior League of Orange County; CASA of Orange County, which supports disadvantaged children; and the Global Center for Women and Justice, a nonprofit organization through Vanguard University that combats human trafficking.
As a Private Wealth Analyst, Sarah serves as a liaison between clients and different departments within DJM Financial. She works to establish open lines of communication, ensures timely follow-up to client inquiries and requests, and helps integrate the use of financial planning software. Highly organized and approachable, Sarah's favorite part of the planning process is the up-front discovery meeting when she has the opportunity to listen for what is most important to new clients and help lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of the financial plan.
Attracted to DJM Financial's holistic, client-centered approach to planning, Sarah joined the firm in 2020 after spending six years in administration and operations support for wealth management teams at UBS Financial Services, where she was recognized with a leadership award. Sarah holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification as well as the Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in economics.
An Orange County native, Sarah grew up in Aliso Viejo and now resides in Laguna Niguel. In her free time, she enjoys fashion, cooking, and travelling. When she's not supporting DJM Financial clients and advisory teams, Sarah loves decorating her home and spending time with her miniature schnauzer puppy, Toffee.
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Equities
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the NMWMC INVESTMENT CONSULTANT TEAM
- Senior Investment Consultant
Thomas Cary oversees all day-to-day business and firm operations to ensure that DJM Financial consistently delivers an elevated level of service and that, with every interaction, clients feel fully supported along their path to financial security. With a background in non-qualified executive benefit planning and corporate-owned life insurance, Thomas also partners with the firm's advisors and their corporate clients to develop dynamic business planning strategies. He enjoys connecting with the team on a personal level and working together every day to help ensure the firm is positioned to positively impact clients' lives.
Thomas began his career in 2007 as a Financial Representative intern at Northwestern Mutual. Shortly after transitioning to a full-time registered Financial Representative role, he joined a consulting firm where he helped oversee service operations as the firm quadrupled in cash value insurance assets under management over a period of seven years. He subsequently joined DJM Financial in 2016. Thomas earned a B.S. in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.B.A. from Averett University. He holds the Series 7 and 63 licenses and the California State Life and Health Insurance license.
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Thomas and his wife, Amanda, now reside in Long Beach, California, where they live with their beloved pets. Even though he has moved to the west coast, Thomas still enjoys supporting his alma mater's basketball team from 3,000 miles away. When he is not managing operations or engaging in strategic planning for DJM Financial, Thomas is making plans with Amanda to uncover their next travel destination.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Advisor and Leader
Tim brings more than 35 years of experience to DJM Financial. He launched his practice in 1985 and joined the firm in 2019 as a senior partner, with many clients from the early years remaining active relationships today - a testament to the care and attention they have received over the years, as well as the progress and clarity of their financial planning under Tim's guidance. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and continually studies to stay current in all aspects of the financial planning discipline.
Outside the office, Tim is an accomplished musician, having earned a bachelor's degree in piano performance from Wheaton College and a master's degree in conducting from the University of Southern California. After completing his studies in the mid-1970s, Tim switched to a career in financial services and got his first break working as an intern at a Northwestern Mutual firm in New York City. He ventured to the West Coast from his native New Jersey and has lived in Southern California for 45 years. A resident of Irvine, he is a proud father of two daughters and grandfather of two granddaughters.
Tim is fond of quoting Plato, who is said to have treasured the study of music because "the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning." To that end, Tim created and hosts a concert series featuring some of the most talented young musicians in Orange County, and he loves improvising on his 7-foot grand piano. Tim also serves on the Board of Directors for Orange County's Pacific Symphony. Alongside his passion for music, Tim loves traveling to unusual places throughout the world, photography, hiking, writing, and reading - especially history and philosophy.
Job Titles:
- Research Specialist, NMWMC Research
Job Titles:
- Director of Retirement Plans
As Director of Retirement Plans, Veronica oversees the operations of qualified retirement planning for business owners and individual clients at DJM Financial. With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, she brings extensive knowledge and a unique skillset that enhance her ability to create holistic planning solutions, solving for challenges and providing guidance along the way. Proactive and dependable, Veronica enjoys building long-lasting relationships with the firm's clients and serving as a resource on retirement planning best practices.
Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in 2001, Veronica worked in the fashion industry. Inspired by her best friend, who is a financial advisor, she embarked on a career change, working her way up from an entry level role at Northwestern Mutual. She joined DJM Financial in 2003. Veronica earned a degree in design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and later attended California State University, Long Beach, where she majored in business administration and marketing. Veronica holds the California Life and Health Insurance license, Long-Term Care Insurance license, and Series 6, 7, and 63 securities licenses.
A native of South Bay, California, Veronica now resides in Huntington Beach with her husband Tim. When she isn't crafting retirement plans, she can be found on the tennis court perfecting her backhand. And Veronica's love of couture endures: She follows all the latest luxury fashion news and enjoys watching her favorite fashion TV shows.
As the firm's primary contact for all client service inquiries, Victoria connects DJM Financial clients to the right team member to ensure specialized requests are addressed diligently and expeditiously. She is passionate about getting to know clients, matching DJM Financial planning expertise with client needs, and building enduring relationships based on a foundation of trust and empathy. Victoria is also responsible for managing communications among DJM team members and supporting the firm's referral and growth initiatives.
Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in 2012, Victoria worked as an architect in South Africa for five years. After moving to the United States, she spent five years working in real estate before moving into a position in the financial services industry. Victoria holds a Life Insurance license and Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC®). She attended the University of Johannesburg, earning a B.A. in architecture.
Born and raised in South Africa, Victoria currently resides in Yorba Linda, California. She was married for two decades to her late husband Josh and has twin sons, Holden and Aiden. She honors her husband's legacy through her sons, and by serving as a trusted resource for DJM Financial clients who are experiencing loss or navigating life transitions. Inspired by the care and service that residents of Orange County provide to their community, Victoria volunteers locally through her church. She enjoys an active lifestyle that includes hiking, running, and attending spin classes.
Job Titles:
- Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services