As company we are only as strong as our people. We have assembled a great team full of unique skills, background, and experiences. Take a moment to learn more about our people.
Family: Anders is a dedicated father to twin boys, Sebastian and Sawyer. As a family, they enjoy riding bikes, traveling, and spending time with their golden doodle, Boon. Anders was born and raised in Austin.
Duties & responsibilities at Wela: Anders is a Client Advisor and Managing Partner at Wela Financial Advisory. As a lead advisor, he manages and strengthens client relationships through regular reviews and meetings, creating personalized holistic financial plans tailored to each client's unique goals and needs. He oversees the entire team supporting our clients, including the investment team, financial planning team, and client service team. His goal is to provide each client financial clarity, peace of mind, and to help them grow and enjoy their wealth. As a Managing Partner, Anders also supports the business in finance and technology.
Education: Anders holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from The University of the Incarnate Word.
Background: In 2014, immediately after business school, Anders joined the financial services industry. He holds his series 65 and Certified Financial Planner designations.
Family: Esmond is married to his college sweetheart, Savini. Esmond grew up in Houston and is a proud Houston Sports fan – Go Rockets! Esmond and Savini have a daughter named Lucia, and a Mini Sheepadoodle named Rory! In his free time, Esmond likes to watch sports, play golf, and travel.
Duties & responsibilities at Wela: Esmond is the driving force behind business development at Wela Financial Advisory. In this role, he meets with all potential new clients, guiding them through our comprehensive sales process and demonstrating the value we provide. His dedication to understanding each prospect's unique needs and clearly explaining who we are, what we do, and how we help, ensures a seamless transition to becoming a Wela client. As a Managing Partner, Esmond's role extends beyond client acquisition; he also supports our marketing and client onboarding processes.
Education: Esmond holds a B.B.A in Economics from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Background: Esmond joined the Financial Services industry in 2012 and became a licensed Advisor in 2014. He holds his series 65 & Certified Financial Planner designations.
Family: Holly is a mother to three daughters and a fur baby named Josie. Out of the office, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping and traveling to new places, as well as spending time with family both here in Texas and Ohio.
Duties & responsibilities at Wela: Holly acts as a liaison between our investment team and supports our clients with their individual requests.
Education: Holly holds a B.B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati.
Background: Upon graduating, Holly began her career in banking. In 1987 she was lured away by a wealth management firm and has been in the financial services industry ever since. Holly joined Wela in 2004.
Family: Taylor is married to his wife Sydney. They have two children, Denver and Chipper and a miniature schnauzer, Thelma Lou. Taylor enjoys yardwork, golf, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Duties & responsibilities at Wela: Taylor leads the day-to-day operations of Wela Financial Advisory, ensuring all parts of the business work in synergy. Taylor helps align and manage the vision, data, processes, issues, and people at Wela. He supports keeping the business running smoothly, effectively, and streamlining business processes to help drive growth and clarity.
Education: Taylor holds a B.S. degree from McMurry University.
Background: Taylor joined the financial services industry in 2016. He holds his series 65 license, Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor, and Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist designations. He joined Wela in 2022.
Family: Brandon was born in Corpus Christi and moved to San Antonio in 1995 where his entire family continues to reside today. He and his family enjoy traveling, reading, camping, hiking, and visiting museums.
Duties & responsibilities at Wela: Brandon serves as our Associate Planner at Wela Financial Advisory. He primarily supports business development and client advisors in building, maintaining, and monitoring financial plans. Brandon gathers and analyzes crucial data to create holistic financial plans. He organizes and analyzes new client data, develops and presents financial planning deliverables, and prepares follow-up communications. He assists with client onboarding and retention services, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Education: Brandon holds a B.A. in Geography with a Minor in International Studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio, where he graduated Cum Laude.
Background: Brandon has prior experience in oil and gas mapping, education, property tax mapping, and banking. He has been in the financial services industry since 2018. Brandon holds his series 65 license. Brandon joined Wela in 2021.
Family: Diane was born in Tokyo and is a self-proclaimed “military brat”. Her father served over 20 years in the US Air Force. Diane has a basset hound named Nancy Reagan. She enjoys the company of family and friends, is very active in her church, and is involved in the deaf community.
Duties & responsibilities at Wela: Diane works with client advisors to ensure timely processing of day to day needs and requests. She is responsible for client outreach and serves as a main point of contact for Wela.
Education: Diane holds an Associate of Applied Science in computer programming.
Background: Diane started her career at Alamo Savings in their computer programming department. She has previous experience at Southwest Business Corporation and American Funds. Diane joined Wela in 1997.
Breed: Goldendoodle, born in Atascosa, TX
Duties & responsibilities at Wela: Boone is an office greeter, he takes naps, plays, guards the door, and loves his snacks.
Age: 6
Breed: Miniature Sheepadoodle
Duties & responsibilities at Wela: Rory is the puppy of the two office greeters, she loves to play, nap, and smell everything.
Age: 1